Dallas Ice Jets

May 1, 2010
Hockey directors Karson Kaebel and Paul Taylor

This time of the year is a crazy one for many players and parents. Although the season just concluded a short time ago, families are already in the process of deciding which camps they will choose to participate in this spring and what organization they will play for heading into the fall. With so many options for parents and players to choose from, it becomes essential that they choose an organization that is the right fit for them. Finding a place where a young, aspiring athlete can be challenged, have fun, and experience personal success is a serious endeavor.
 
Each time parents decide what organization they will place their child in they are entering a very competitive process and the stakes are high. This decision is an investment in time, money, energy and - most importantly - development, so parents must plan ahead, do the research to become educated consumers, embrace a clear set of criteria for comparing organizations, and determine what organization truly meets this criteria and offers the greatest value.
 
Since 2002, the Ice Jets organization has strived to be the leader in hockey development both on and off the ice. We have pioneered many training concepts, which have become mainstream in the DFW metroplex such as “Spring Training” and we look to continue to build on our innovative player development model. Just recently we  introduced the Ice Jets Academy, which allows the serious, committed player to experience greater opportunities to train and develop coupled with a terrific academic experience.
 
As we move toward tryouts in the coming months, we want families to know five important facts about the Ice Jets that demonstrate why we offer great value and make us a great choice for players selecting an organization for the 2010-2011 season.
 
1. We are professionals
Our coaches are trained professionals who have a passion for teaching the game. From our appearances, attitudes, communication and training methods, we offer the utmost professionalism and leadership to our players and families. We have a staff that has more than 300 years of combined playing and coaching experience. Our coaches have played AAA hockey, Junior A, College and Professional and know what it takes to play at a high level. Although our playing experience gives our coaches a great advantage, we combine it with the ability to impart that playing knowledge to our players for an accelerated learning experience. We have been trained by one of the greatest physiologists and hockey minds in the game - Dr. Jack Blatherwick (Washington Capitals and USA Olympic coach) - and we continue to study the latest trends in athletic science and biomechanics to give our players the greatest training advantages.
 
2. We care about our players’ development
The Ice Jets have built a strong commitment to player development both on and off the ice from day one. When we began in 2002 we started with an off-season “Spring Program” that was built solely for the purpose of making players better. Nine years later we still hold to that mission and commitment. Our philosophy has always been based upon the premise that team success flows from individual success. Our belief is the better we develop the individual player the more success we will enjoy as a team. Having been the only program in Texas to win a Tier 1 and Tier 2 USA Hockey National Championship, we believe our focus to individual development proves its value. Off the ice we make player development our priority also. The Ice Jets make a commitment to all players who put on our jersey to provide the leadership they deserve. Being a great hockey player is only part of the equation. We believe in life skill teaching and character development as an important part of our program and we do what it takes to make a player’s experience challenging, successful and rewarding.
 
3. Our training is unrivaled
Ice Jets training is unlike all others. A bold statement? Yes. But true. We have been the pioneers in training by introducing off-season programs, professional coaching, off-ice training programs, off-ice training facilities, and now a hockey academy. Although some may misconstrue our claims as arrogance, it's truly quantifiable if you have been around the local youth hockey community for any length of time. We also make this claim because training is what we built the foundation of our program around - it's what we place the highest premium on. Some programs are built on winning, some on having fun, some on low costs; the Ice Jets live to train and make players the best they were trained to be. It is our belief that the “heartbeat” of development revolves around the training system.
 
4. We build careers
The Ice Jets are proud to have developed so many players who have moved on to experience Junior and College hockey and some who are currently on the NHL draft list. We know other local programs claim they have also developed players who have experienced success at higher levels - and this is true. But what we know is different about the Ice Jets is most of the players that we have developed and advance participated in our program for a duration of five to eight years. They entrusted us with their future and careers and we delivered on what we promised them. Our promise to our graduates is the same promise we make to each and every player we train today. Train deliberately in our program using our unique system of training over an extended period without taking any shortcuts and you will give yourself a great opportunity to play at a higher level.
 
5. We are available for you
We understand players have plenty of choices where they can lace up their skates. We want all of the families to know that we welcome you to visit our program. This is an invitation to meet with  Directors Paul Taylor and Karson Kaebel so you can get the answers to the questions that are most important to you and your child. We believe if you take the time to meet with us and compare our Ice Jets hockey program to others you will be impressed with what we have to offer. Whether your child is a Mite looking to take his first steps in organized hockey or a Midget player who wants a strong finish to his youth hockey career, we would like to meet with you and explain firsthand how the Ice Jets can serve you best.