Squirt Hockey IQ Development Program

The Squirt Hockey IQ Program is designed to teach players how to “think the game.” This program is structured like a class at school, with a progression of skills and concept building that are directly applied to game play. Players sign up as a forward or defenseman with practices and concepts tailored specifically to that position. Practices will be high intensity with controlled scrimmages and games used frequently to reinforce learning.

🏒 Program Details

 
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00pm at Holiday Rinks
 
Dates:

  • April 16, 23, 30
  • May 7, 14, 21, 28
  • June 4, 11, 18, 25
  • GAMES May 28 & June 25

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    Age: 2015 – 2016 AAA/AA, 2017 AAA Birth Years
     
    ⚠️ 2017 Birth Years: 2017 birth year players looking at the Squirt IQ program should be “AAA” level.
     
    Why? The Hockey IQ Program assumes that all players attending already possess strong skating and skill foundations. Players who are not yet at this (“AAA”) level may struggle to keep up with the group and will not gain the full benefits the program is designed to deliver. If that describes your player, we highly recommend our Mite Skills & Scrimmage Program or our Spring/Summer Skill Sessions (pick and choose dates, times, and topics) to focus on strengthening their skill foundation.

     
    ⚠️ 2015 Birth Years: 2015 birth year players eligible for either squirt (2015 – 2016 AAA/AA, 2017 AAA) or pewee (2014 – 2015 AAA/AA) age groups. If your player is an average/lower level 2015 AA player we suggest signing up for the Squirt IQ age group. If your player is a higher end 2015 player we suggest the Pewee age group.

     
    Why? Players get the most out of the Hockey IQ Program when they are at a top-to-average skill level compared to the rest of the group. When a player’s skills are behind the group, it becomes very difficult for them to apply the IQ concepts being taught, as they are mainly focused on just trying to keep up. That’s why, new this spring, we’re allowing more flexible age sign-ups across groups and programs. This ensures a better fit and helps players get the most out of their experience!
     
    For any questions regarding player level or registration, please email mark@markzarbohockey.com.


     
     
    Total Ice: 9 Practices + 2 Games = 16.5 Hours Total Ice
     
    Maximum Players: 12 Forwards & 8 Defense → 6 Forwards & 4 Defense per team → Jersey is provided
     
    ⚠️ Position Sign Up: On the sign-up form, you must select forward or defense as your position. This will be the position your player participates in for all practices. To change positions, you must contact us directly to request the switch. If that position is already full at the time of your request, we will not be able to accommodate the change.

     
     
    Looking for more ice?! Check out:

  • Spring/Summer Skill Sessions – pick & choose your dates, times & topics!
  • 3 v 3 Cross-Ice Development League

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    🏒 Program Cost

     

      $395 (16.5 hours ice — $23.9/hour ice)

     

    🏒 Program Components

     

    • Mark Zarbo Hockey’s Hockey IQ Video Database:
      Access to an online database of practice video lessons for players to review anytime.
      Players receive video lessons before each practice to review the skills and teachings for that day.

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    • Pixellot Video Analytics Account:
      Each player receives a personal Pixellot account, allowing them to review game film and all tagged events from games.

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    • Mark Zarbo Hockey Game Breakdown:
      After each full game, players receive a breakdown (15–20 clips) focusing on skills and topics taught in practices.

     

    🏒 Why This Camp Is Designed This Way

     
    This camp mirrors a classroom model where learning happens through preview, practice, and review.
    Before each session, players receive a short video lesson introducing the week’s topics.
    After practice, players should review the same video to reinforce learning — a proven method for skill retention.
     
    As the program progresses, controlled scrimmages and games are used as “tests” to apply and evaluate what players have learned. Players will use the Pixellot system to review all game film.
     

    🏒 Practice Plans & Program Progression

     

    The focus of this program is to build foundational skills and concepts surrounding puck possession.
    Research shows that ~80% of the game occurs near the boards and outside the dots, so the first half of the program builds skills in:

    • Wall battles and puck retrievals
    • Making plays off the wall
    • Puck protection and support
    • Passing and puck movement skills
    • Small-area playmaking and offensive concepts

    The second half focuses on position-specific concepts (forward vs. defense) that build upon the earlier skills.
    By the end of the program, players will have a strong understanding of puck protection, playmaking, and situational awareness.

     

    🏒 About Pixellot

     

    We’re excited to include the Pixellot Video Analytics System in our program.
    Pixellot allows Mark Zarbo Hockey to post game film, tag game events, and share breakdown clips with players to help them analyze their play and development.

     

    🏒 Family Discounts

     

    Sign up one player for this program, and that player — along with all siblings — become eligible for generous discounts on additional Mark Zarbo Hockey programs.

     

    Program Discounted Price Notes
    3v3 Spring League $180 Normally $205 (12% off)
    Spring & Summer Skill Sessions (Wed & Sun) $18/session Normally $25 (28% off)
    Body Contact, Battling & Checking Camps $125 Normally $150 (17% off)
    Squirt & Peewee Defense Camps $350 Normally $395 (12% off)
    Offensive Skills & Scoring Camp $350 Normally $395 (12% off)
    Mite Summer Camps $125 Normally $150 (17% off)
    Skating & Edge Work Camps $125 Normally $150 (17% off)

     
    NOTE: These discounts will not appear on the initial invoice generated by our system. They must be manually applied. Once we receive and review your sign-up form, we will email you to confirm the discounts and provide the updated invoice total.
     
     
    Build Your Own Personalized Spring–Summer Program

    At Mark Zarbo Hockey, our mission is to provide players of all ages and skill levels with:

    • Comprehensive training opportunities
    • Flexible scheduling
    • Affordable pricing and incentives
    • Best-in-class coaching

    No other program in the WNY/Buffalo area combines all of these at this level.

     

    Example:
    A player registered for Hockey IQ Program ($395), 3 v 3 League ($180), and 15 Skill Sessions ($18/session) receives 41.5 total hours of on-ice training — averaging just $20.12 per hour ice!

     

    🏒 Goalies

     

    We are partnered with Bob Janosz Goaltending! A Janosz goalie coach will be present at all ice times to work directly with the goalies.

    In addition, any goalie signed up for our Hockey IQ Program is eligible to play in our Spring 3v3 League at a discounted rate of $95!

     
    Goalies — please visit Bob Janosz’s website to sign up!

     

    🏒 Full Season Schedule

     

    Below is the full spring and summer calendar, NOT the currently available sessions. Sign-up form will list all currently available sessions for each program.

     

    🏒 Payment Policies

     
    To secure your spot(s), payments must be received by the dates listed below. Any payments not received by the specified deadlines may result in spot cancellation.
     

    • All Spring Ice (April – June): due in full by March 13th
    • All Summer Ice (July – August): due in full by June 1st

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      Venmo: Username: @Mark-Zarbo (3724) –> Preferred method of payment.
       
      Cash: Cash payments are accepted but must be received by March 13th.
       
      Personal Checks: Mail too address
       
      Mark Zarbo Hockey
      PO Box 41
      Grand Island, NY 14072
       
      Bank Checks: Set up Mark Zarbo Hockey with your bank’s bill pay system
       
      Mark Zarbo Hockey
      PO Box 41
      Grand Island, NY 14072
      Phone: 716-208-3724
       
      Credit Card:If you prefer to pay by credit card, please email mark@markzarbohockey.com to request a payment link.
       
      Note: A 2.99% + $0.30 processing fee applies to credit card transactions (this is the exact cost of the service). There is no fee for cash or check payments.

     

    🏒 Spring & Summer Cancellation Policies

     

    Spring Programs (April – June) Last Day To Cancel: March 13th
     

    Summer Programs (July – August) Last Day To Cancel: June 1st

     

    After specified dates credits will only be issued if we are able to find a replacement player to fill the spot. Once the program has started the roster is frozen and no refunds or credits will be issued.

     
    Players are always welcome (and encouraged) to find their own replacement. Please notify Mark Zarbo Hockey of any substitutions. Applies to all cancellations, including sickness or injury.
     

    🏒 How Do I Sign Up for Programs?

     

    To sign up, please complete the form below. Sign-ups are ONLY accepted through this form.

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    Step 1: Fill out parent/guardian contact information.

    Step 2: Select the number of players you wish to register. The corresponding number of player sign-up forms will appear.

    Step 3: Complete each player’s information.

    Step 4: Check the box next to each program you want the player to attend. Additional instructions or fields for each program will appear—follow these to complete the sign-up.

    Step 5: Repeat Steps 3–4 for each additional player.

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    After submitting the form, you will be redirected to a page to complete the liability waiver. You will also receive an email receipt containing:

    • A copy of your sign-up
    • Invoice and payment information
    • Confirmation email is sent automatically as soon as sign up is submitted, check SPAM/Junk folders if not received right after form submitted

     

    ⚠️  IMPORTANT: Double-check, save, and print the confirmation for your records. You are responsible for all dates signed up for.

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    Tip: You can register multiple players and for multiple programs on a single form—no need to complete separate forms for each player or program.

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    Press Submit 1x Only:  Once you are finished with your form press the submit button only 1x.  Please give our system a second to load your form.  If you press the submit button more than once it will cause a submission failure.

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    2026 Spring & Summer Sign Up Form

    Review your sign-up form before submitting. After submitting you will receive an emailed copy of your form as a receipt. Save or print this email for your records. Check SPAM/Junk folder if email receipt not received within 1 - 2 minutes of submission.

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    After selecting number of players, the signup forms for each player will appear.


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