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

New • Limited Spots

Summer Junior Hockey Clinic

Blueliners D is excited to offer our Summer Junior Hockey Clinic — a small group session designed specifically for junior level defensemen, focused on the details that elevate the quality of your game.

Summer Junior Hockey Clinic flyer — June 2nd & June 9th, 11AM-12PM at Meridian Community Centre in Pelham, ON
Dates June 2 & June 9, 2026
Time 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location Meridian Community Centre
Pelham, ON

What's Included

  • 2 hours of on-ice training led by Blueliners D head instructor Michael Craig
  • Position-specific video clips tailored to the focus of each session
  • Small group format for maximum instruction and detail

Areas of Focus

  • Efficient puck touches
  • Effective shooting techniques
  • Strong defensive posture
  • Efficient footwork & skating
  • And more

Spots are limited — secure your registration below.

Clinic Registration

Complete the form below to secure your spot. Follow the instructions on the form to confirm your registration.

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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, Clarkson University

Meet Your Lead Instructor

Michael Craig

NCAA Division I Defenseman · Clarkson 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 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 played three seasons of Division I NCAA Hockey at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, where he was named AHA Defenseman of the Week in October 2025, earned Hobey Baker nominee honours, and was the Robert Morris Defenseman of the Year. He was also named AHA Defenseman of the Month for December and served as co-captain for two straight seasons — playing in over 90 college games and recording 45+ points. Michael has since transferred to Clarkson University, where he will continue his NCAA Division I career next season.

  • NCAA D-I (current)Clarkson University
  • NCAA D-I (prior)Robert Morris University · Co-Captain · 3 seasons
  • HometownSt. Catharines, Ontario
  • OHL DraftNiagara IceDogs
  • JuniorNanaimo Clippers · BCHL · Captain 2 seasons
  • 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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