Profile of Tara's expertise & teaching methods

Owner and Director Tara McKay brings her elite level playing experience along with her professional and practical knowledge of exercise science and has created several successful programs from the beginner to the elite level.

Experience:

• 17 years hockey instructor experience, 8th year of Summer Camp Program
• Playing experience in National Women’s Hockey League since its inception, 15 years playing at highest level of women’ hockey in Canada
• completed playing career with Brampton Thunder of NWHL in 2004
• NWHL National Silver ‘02, ‘03, ‘04, Provincial Gold ‘03
• Selections to Team Canada Camps
• Honours Kinesiology degree (Physical Education), University of Western Ontario
• Certified Kinesiologist
• Certified Exercise Physiologist
• College level and Elementary level teaching experience
• Former Police Officer
• 2002 Ontario Ball Hockey Female Athlete of the Year

Tara personally designs drills to improve a particular set of skills that are relevant to the player’s age and skill level. An expert on skating and hockey mechanics, Tara’s great passion for skating, hockey and teaching is easily shown when she is on the ice in her enthusiasm and positive motivation with the players.

Tara’s teaching methods have proven successful results for her students. Ensuring that the players are developed with proper mechanics/technique, at the appropriate pace and with appropriate skills being practiced will push them to get to the next level in their development and will have a lasting effect on their performance.

Our development programs and team clinics offer a tailored approach to individual skill development and flow drills to improve team and tactical play.

Please go to our development page for a description of the skill sets we focus on.

Learning Objectives...

On ice focus

• power & agility skating
• shooting
• passing
• puck control
• tactical and team play

Off ice focus

• speed training through use of circuits
• motivational talks and team building sessions
• stretching- proper technique and muscle groups
• healthy habits- proper nutrition and hydration
• game day preparation
• respect for self, other players, referees and coaches