LAC ST. LOUIS LIONS - LEHS-INSTRUCTORS (VIDEO)

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LEHS-INSTRUCTORS (VIDEO)

KAREL SVOBODA

Born and raised in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Karel was touted as the best player in his age group in the entire country. After playing professional hockey in his native country, Karel defected to Canada where he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the summer of 1987.

Each June, Karel returns to the Czech Rebublic to train NHL players and prospects.

Karel, along with brother Petr Svoboda (who won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in ’86) were one of only 4 sets of brothers drafted by the Canadiens Hockey Club.

Combining the European art of skill development and together with his unique brand of drill design and high intensity practices, Karel has built one of the most creative and innovative ways to train hockey players to improve their skating, stickhandling and shooting techniques.

The focus of the unique and innovative drills is intended to improve a player’s:

Skating

- edge work: the ability to turn hard on your inside and outside edges

- crossovers: picking up speed while crossing over, not losing speed

- increasing one’s speed and overall skating abilities

Puck Handling

- stickhandling through tight spaces

- increasing one's ability to handle the puck

- gaining confidence in one's puck handling abilities

Shooting

- being able to shoot accurately as well as hard

- shooting the puck in stride

- keeping your head up while shooting

All drills are executed at high speed and high intensity levels which contribute to the daily improvement in all aspects of a player’s game.

Players are forced to stay focused and ready to compete throughout the practice, as players are always in motion and there is no time for standing in lines.

In addition to the Elite skill development design, Karel insists on teaching the players properly – he does not accept players simply going through the motion – he expects 100% effort and intensity throughout each drill and the entire practice.

ALEX KILLORN - 3rd Round Selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

- Currently attending Deerfield Academy Prep School

- Attending Harvard University in Fall '08

- Team Quebec Uncer 17 2006

- Lac St. Louis Lions '06

LOUIS LEBLANC - Leading Goal Scorer Midget AAA League 2006-2007 and 2007-2008

- 'Sylvain Turgeon' Award for Leading Scorer in QMAAA league 2007-2008

- Team Quebec Under 17 2006 and 2007

- 'Mario Lemieux' Award best 15 Year Old Prospect in the QMAAA 2006-2007

- First Team All-Star 2006-2007

- 5th All-Time in scoring in the QMAAA league (surpassing Daniele Briere)

- Lac St. Louis Lions '07 and '08