Elite Hockey Training

Elite Training for Defensemen

On-ice skills development built specifically for defensemen — led by NCAA Division I defenseman Michael Craig.

Develop. Defend. Dominate.

LocationRidley College
AgesU11 – U18
Sessions StartMay 20, 2026

What We Train

Focus Areas

Blueliners D is designed specifically for defensemen and focuses on the skills and techniques needed to play effectively. We believe the key to success is mastering the fundamentals of defensive play.

  • Puck Retrievals

    Reading pressure, scanning, and recovering pucks under contact.

  • Breakouts

    Clean exits — passing lanes, escapes, and re-grouping with pace.

  • Efficient Footwork

    Edges, mohawks, and pivots that maintain gap and angle.

  • Stick Detail

    Active stick technique to take away time, space, and passing options.

  • Defending

    Body positioning, gap control, and 1-on-1 / 2-on-1 reads.

  • Blue Line Play

    Holding the line, walking the line, and creating shooting lanes.

  • Shooting From the Point

    Quick releases, timing, and getting pucks through traffic.

  • Activating Into Offense

    Joining the rush, pinching with purpose, and timing the jump.

Blueliners D defensemen training on the ice at Ridley College
Coach Michael Craig leading a small-group session at Blueliners D camp
Michael Craig — NCAA Division I defenseman, Robert Morris University

Meet Your Lead Instructor

Michael Craig

NCAA Division I Defenseman · Robert Morris University · St. Catharines, ON

A St. Catharines, Ontario native, Michael Craig brings a wealth of experience on the blue line. In 2018, as Niagara North's U16 Defenseman of the Year, Michael was selected in the OHL Draft by the Niagara IceDogs.

His decorated BCHL Junior A career included three seasons with the Nanaimo Clippers, where he was a 2021–22 BCHL Champion and was recognized with the Defensive Player of the Year, Best Two-Way Player Award, and the Coaches Award. He completed his Junior hockey career with 123 points and served as captain of the Clippers for two seasons.

Michael is currently completing his third season of Division I NCAA Hockey at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. In addition to being named AHA Defenseman of the Week in October 2025, he was a Hobey Baker nominee and the Robert Morris Defenseman of the Year. This season he was named AHA Defenseman of the Month for December and serves as co-captain for the second straight year — playing in over 90 college games and recording 45+ points.

  • NCAA D-IRobert Morris University · Co-Captain
  • HometownSt. Catharines, Ontario
  • OHL DraftNiagara IceDogs
  • JuniorNanaimo Clippers · BCHL Champion 2021–22
  • PositionDefenseman · Shoots Right
  • HonoursHobey Baker nominee · AHA D-of-the-Month

Beyond the Camp

Private Training

Targeted ice time curated to the individual player. Whether it's working on a specific weakness, prepping for tryouts, or adding reps outside your team's schedule — sessions are built around what you want to develop.

1-on-1 Sessions

Fully individualized ice time with Coach Craig. Every drill, every rep, and every coaching cue is built around the specific areas you want to sharpen — gap control, retrievals under pressure, point shooting, activation reads, or anything in between.

  • Goals-first intake before every block
  • Video breakdown available on request
  • Drill plans tailored session by session

Small Group Training

Bring 2–4 teammates or training partners and split a session. The same individualized coaching attention, plus the benefit of competitive reps and live reads against other defensemen at your level.

  • 2–4 players per session
  • Position- and skill-matched groupings
  • Cost-shared across the group

Inquire About Availability

Ice time books up quickly, especially in-season. Reach out with the player's age group, what you'd like to work on, and your scheduling preferences — Coach Craig will follow up with available options and pricing.

Email to Inquire

Join Our Camp

Upcoming Schedule

All sessions are held at Ridley College. Two age groups available.

Cost $380 e-Transfer to BluelinersD@gmail.com
Registration Deadline May 18, 2026 Limited spots available
Spots Left 8 Filling fast — register soon

Birth years: 2016, 2015, 2014

All Skates at Ridley College

DateTime
May 207:00 – 8:00 PM
May 277:00 – 8:00 PM
June 37:00 – 8:00 PM
June 107:00 – 8:00 PM
June 174:00 – 5:00 PM
June 244:00 – 5:00 PM
July 84:00 – 5:00 PM
July 154:00 – 5:00 PM
July 224:00 – 5:00 PM
July 294:30 – 5:30 PM
August 54:30 – 5:30 PM
August 124:00 – 5:00 PM
August 194:00 – 5:00 PM

Step 1 of 2

Register Your Player

Complete the registration form below, then e-transfer $380 to BluelinersD@gmail.com. Include your player's name and age group (U11–U13 or U14–U18) in the e-transfer notes. Your spot is confirmed only when both the form and payment are received.

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