Private Lessons

Meet The Coaches

Saveology.com Iceplex boast one of the most competitive youth hockey & adult hockey programs in the Southeast United States. Sanctioned by USA Hockey, all players enjoy structured leagues, programs, camps, & clinics. Saveology.com Iceplex’s Travel Hockey team is the Florida JR Panthers, they compete with other teams from around the country at a very competitive level.

Jeff Grier: Director of Hockey Operations
Jeff is the manager of Hockey Operations & General Manager of the Florida JR Panthers Hockey Club. He has been employed at Saveology.com Iceplex since opening in November 1996. Jeff was born in Detroit Michigan & played his hockey through junior “B” level in Michigan. He has coached all levels of hockey. Jeff & his family reside in Weston Florida.

Gatien (Gus) Dumoulin: Hockey Instructors
Gus was born in Gatineau, Canada & started skating at age 3 & by age 5 he knew it would be his career. By the time Gus was 16 he was receiving numerous “players of the month” awards while playing Jr A. Gus received a four year hockey scholarship to Moncton College in New Brunswick where he was coached & mentored by Jean Perron (Stanley Cup Champion). Gus was recognized as the best left wing in the College Championships for all College players. In 1982 Gus was invited to the Buffalo Sabers rookie camp & then went on to play professional hockey in Europe for 9 seasons. Gus is certified as a level 4 & 5 coach in both Canada & US. Gus also travels around the country with the Turcotte Hockey School and is highly regarding in the industry. Gus is an expert in stick handing techniques & teaches all levels of hockey.

John Griffin: Hockey Instructors
For 10 years John was the director of the Top Shelf Hockey, 5 years with N.I.S.T.C. as the hockey director and 3 years with the Global Hockey School. John has also been coaching 9 years with the Florida Panthers Hockey School and teaches all levels of private and group lessons. John was the original founding member of the South Florida First Youth Hockey League. John has two beautiful sons who also like to play hockey. 

Randy Rodriguez: Hockey Instructors
Randy was born & raised in New Jersey where he played travel & high school hockey before moving to South Florida. Randy was coached & trained by Michael Poupait & also Rick Heinz goalies schools for 5 years. Randy mentored under Mike Richer & Kirk Mclean for his techniques. Randy is an expert in fitting goal tenders & is also a personal trainer & nutrition specialist. Randy teaches all levels of learn to skate & private lessons.

Robbie Tallas: Hockey Instructors
Robbie was born in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. At the age of 15 Robbie played junior B hockey for the Nelson Maple Leafs, where he was rookie of the year & made the 1st all star team. In the summer of 1995 Robbie went to the Boston Bruins training camp & then in 1996, was signed with the NHL New York Islanders. For the next 5 years he was signed with the Boston Bruins. In 200-2001 he signed with the Chicago Blackhawk's, followed by two years with the Pittsburg Penguins. 2003-2004 Robbie played in Finland Elite League & then finished his 13th year career in Austria. Robbie has a hockey training business, Puckmaster now in its 15th year of developing young players.

Tips & Drills

Defensemens Guide to the Pinch

When to do a Pinch

People think that pinching is a 50/50 chance. In reality it is more like 70/30 if you follow a few key points.

The Score: If your team is up by 2 or three goals it is not advisable to pinch, as it may create a dangerous situation. 2 goal leads are the scariest to have and maintain. As a defensemen you should shut down the other team and hold the lead. On the flip side if you are losing by 2 then pinching may be in your best interest to give your team the boost it needs to get back in the game.

Your line: It’s an honest truth from pee wee to the pros that teams always have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd line. If you are a defensemen and you are out with the first line then pinching can be done with more confidence then if you’re out with your third line. Vice versa if you are playing against the top line of the opposing team you should think about holding back more then if you’re playing against the third line.

Your partner: If you and your partner play great together and read off each other then you can feel more confident in pinching, the minute I see my defensive partner head down to try to stop a break out I back out of the end and head for the middle of the ice. Knowing that your partner will have you covered will boost your confidence.

When Not to Pinch

Here is a quick list for you to consider before pinching, remember if the pinch does not work you will look be embarrassed!

• Think twice about pinching if:
  • Your partner is not a strong defensemen
  • Your other team mates are out of position
  • Your team does not have a dominant lead
  • The other team is also important, if you are playing a strong team, or against a strong line then think twice about pinching. If you are playing a bunch of scrubs than pinch your heart out!

How to Pinch

The key on pinching is to make sure you do one of two things, take the player or take the puck. If you do not accomplish either of these tasks you put your team at a huge risk as now the breakout is 3 on 1 instead of 3 on 2. The goal of the pinch is to keep the puck in the offensive end and to create an advantage for your team.

When committing to a pinch you must give it 110%, If you hesitate you fail. I hope this has helped you improve your offensive work and make sure to check back soon.