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.
🏒 NEW! Payment & Sign-Up Policy
Payment is now required at the time of sign-up to secure your spot. This applies to all sign-ups, regardless of how far in advance the date or camp may be. We will no longer hold or reserve spots without payment being made in full at the time of sign-up.
Payment options include Venmo, Zelle, Stripe (Credit Card, Cash App, ACH Direct Debit). Cancellation deadline for all Spring Programs (April – June Programs) is March 1st and all Summer Programs (July – August) is June 1st for a no questions asked refund. For all details please see the “How to Pay” and “Refund/Cancellation Policy” sections below.
If you have any questions, please email mark@markzarbohockey.com.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
🏒 Program Details
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:45 – 8:15pm at Holiday Rinks
Dates:
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:
🏒 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. -
Pixellot Video Analytics Account:
Each player receives a personal Pixellot account, allowing them to review game film and all tagged events from games. -
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
Payment is required at the time of sign-up to secure your spot. This applies to all sign-ups, regardless of how far in advance the date or camp may be. We will no longer hold or reserve spots without payment being made in full at the time of sign-up. See refund/cancellation policy for further details.
PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED
Venmo: @Mark-Zarbo (3724) –> Preferred
Zelle: @MarkZarboHockey –> Preferred
Stripe Link: Credit Card, Cash App, ACH Direct Debit all accepted through Stripe Link. Email mark@markzarbohockey.com to request a payment link. We are now waiving the former 3% fee.
Cash/Check: Cash and check are accepted, but payment must be received within one week of submitting the sign-up form. If you are unable to pay within one week, please use one of the other available payment methods.
NOTE: We no longer are accepting mailed payments. Payments must either be online or given in person.
🏒 Spring-Summer Cancellation, Refund & Credits Policy
Spring Programs (April – June) Last Day To Cancel for full refund: March 1st
Summer Programs (July – August) Last Day To Cancel for full refund: June 1st
After specified dates credits, no refunds, 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.
If payment was made by credit card, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from any refund. There is no processing fee for refunds made from any other form of payment.
Credits Policy:
Credits never expire and can be used for any program we offer at any time.
To use an existing credit, fill out the sign-up form as normal. In the comment box, please note that you have a credit so that when the form is reviewed, we know to look up the credit and apply it to your balance.
Follow Mark Zarbo Hockey on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
🏒 How Do I Sign Up for Programs?
To sign up, please complete the form below. Sign-ups are ONLY accepted through this form.
–
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.
–
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.
–
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.
–
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.
—