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To fully advance developmental train- ing, HARBORCENTER has unveiled the Academy of Hockey, run by Stanley Cup champion Kevyn Adams, who also spent six years as an assistant coach in the Sabres orga- nization. Adams heads up a full-time staff of seven experienced coaches who develop pro- gramming that's broken down into in-season and out-of-season development categories. The Academy's offerings are highlighted by its "pod programming," which offers a 360-degree holistic approach to accelerating the development of each player. Participants receive a weekly three-hour experience that includes a video session, on-ice workout, and off-ice workout. Participants can take advantage of a 3-to-1 player to coach ratio with a program that's specifically tailored to their developmental needs. Additionally, the Academy offers skating programs, innova- tion sessions and clinics. "We are dedicated to being the premier development destination for hockey players and coaches," said Adams. "We work each day to provide the dedicated hockey player with a specific, structured program that encourages and motivates the individual to reach their highest playing potential." HARBORCENTER seeks to be a leader in off-ice development through IMPACT Sports Performance, which operates the 5,000-square-foot training facility. IMPACT has a proven track record of success since opening in Boca Raton, Florida in 2011. Its certified ath- letic trainers have exten- sive experience working with athletes in all sports at the Olympic, profes- sional, collegiate and high school levels. The facili- ties inside IMPACT are highlighted by a three- lane turf track, cardio equipment and a state-of- the-art weight room. "The mission of IMPACT Sports Performance is to create an educational and competitive experience within an atmo- sphere of elite training," said IMPACT director Jason Jerome. "We strive to develop and realize individual and team potential by promoting high standards of competence, character and courage." Harboring Youth Development As HARBORCENTER seeks to make a lasting impact on the growth of hockey in Western New York, the facility pro- vides opportunities to each of the area's youth hockey organizations through its Youth Development Partnership. Each organization holds a weekly session where it sends a team of its choosing for the HARBORCENTER experience. Participating teams receive a dynamic warm-up at IMPACT Sports Performance, a video education session in the facility's innovative theatre, and an hour-long on- ice practice conducted by the Academy of Hockey. The Academy designs and tailors each session specifically for the team and utilizes a variety of teaching methods. "Our YDP allows players and coaches of all ages and skill levels to utilize the world-class facilities of our building," said HARBORCENTER Vice President and Director of Hockey Nik Fattey. "It allows us to build relationships and connect with teams in the surrounding communities who share similar goals and have the ambi- tion to further develop and improve play- ers' and coaches' knowledge of the game, technical skills and performance, both on and off the ice." The youth hockey focus extends beyond the local level with the HARBORCENTER Cup tournaments. It's a series that has already attracted some of the top-ranked teams across the United States and Canada. Participating teams come from as far away as California, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ontario. This year, more than 200 squads from the Mite level to the Midget level are scheduled to compete in one of the 20 new youth tournaments. HARBORCENTER is also home to Canisius College (Division I), Erie Community College (Division III) and the Buffalo Junior Sabres Youth Hockey Organization, which has seven teams, beginning at the Peewee level and cul- minating with an Ontario Junior Hockey League squad. More Than Just a Player's Destination In addition to the ice, HARBORCENTER features the ultimate sports fan destination at (716) Food and Sport. The 13,000-square- foot restaurant is built in a semi-circle around a 38-foot high-definition video wall, STARRINKS.COM JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2015 / 15 , Continued on page 16 THIS SUMMER, HARBORCENTER WILL OPEN A 205-ROOM FULL-SERVICE MARRIOTT HOTEL WITH ROOMS ON LEVELS 8-20. ADDITIONAL RETAIL STOREFRONTS ARE EXPECTED IN THE COMING MONTHS. Above: HARBORCENTER is now home ice for Division I Canisius College