Interview with Brian from BladeBlaze
Brian was kind enough to sit down with me for an interview on BladeBlaze, the facility, programs etc. and also what it was like having Rob Gherson volunteer as a teach during the summer of 2007.
Background & BladeBlaze Programing / Instructional Approach:
I professionally started in 1995, performing a variety of versatile work for many public and private recreation & hockey companies specializing in youth development, head instruction, program planning & operations. After tens years, in 2005, it was time for me to start the BladeBlaze programs and go independent.
BladeBlaze is completely focused on proper skating & hockey skills techniques with the progression of multiple mechanics to achieve goals. Development done right, not repetitive drills without the notice of improper mechanics that can impede the progression of ones abilities. Programing pride, knowledge is a must to maximizing the ice surface and it's time. Intense, competitive and fun top-rate development without the negative pressure of making mistakes and winning. This is what BladeBlaze is about.
Some schools will operate under the influence(farm system) of associate competitive teams or only accept higher level players. Therefore participants are some what "trying out" to be accepted. BladeBlaze does not believe in this approach. If a child plays hockey, determined to learn and wants to work hard to get better they deserve the same top-rate instruction opportunities as any high level player. BladeBlaze programming is designed to challenge & maximize each individuals abilities, needs and progression regardless of what level they're at or who else is on the ice.
BladeBlaze Registration Power Skating & Hockey Skills Clinics are offered to:
Beginner House League - Competitive 'AAA' youth 6 - 13yrs old, and Adults.
Registration Program History - BladeBlaze.Com/News. Multiple youth competitive hockey players do come to BladeBlaze to advance their skating skills and many of our recreational participants have completed our programing to move onto competitive hockey and still continue with our teaching.
BladeBlaze Ice Hockey Programs consist of:
- Registration Youth & Adult Power Skating & Skills clinics
- Weekly drop in Youth Conditioning & Puck Control clinics
- Prime-Time Full Sheet Team / Group Bookings Specialized Instruction
- Daytime work week one on one privates / semi-privates
- Camps; Winter Holiday, March Break, Specialized, Dry-land, etc..
Location:
BladeBlaze is operated similar to many independent hockey schools in Toronto; variety of program options located at multiple facilities. Majority of what BladeBlaze does is at the Vaughan Ice Plex (near York University), but as Toronto being the hockey capital of the world location options can be endless. Our city does have the largest amount of youth ice hockey teams, adult recreational players in the world, along with around a hundred or so ice pads in the Toronto area. BladeBlaze services are offered at multiple locations as appose to having our own facility.
As for my injury, how it applies to BladeBlaze:
One of the special things about BladeBlaze (and a great reason to sign up) is that our clientele knows what they are getting. The guy who does the program planning, designed the curriculum, knows the hundreds of body mechanics, etc.. will be there, as appose to many other schools using image, different instructors not knowing the progression, inexperience at teaching children, etc. I am there for all my programs, even the bigger ones with multiple instructors I am on the ice instructing, coordinating and running multiple transitions through specialty stations.
I am very competitive, athletic and take extreme pride in my skills. For as long as BladeBlaze will be around, I will be on the ice. Right after the winter 2008 season ended in April I ruptured my Achilles Tendon, which means the Achilles completely snapped in half and rolled up into my calve. It wasn't like one of those injuries I'd just be out for small bit and be at the ice rink operating the program from the side until I could get back on the ice. I had surgery, was told I suffered the of the worst leg injuries anyone could have and "if" I could play hockey again, it would take a year. I had no choice, I shut down BladeBlaze, it was suppose to be for a year. I worked full-time extremely hard on rehab (still do) and oddly in October 2008 I realized I could skate well enough to teach even though I could hardly walk for more than a few minutes. Skating was easier due to being non-impact when you skate proper. So at the spur of the moment, only on two weeks notice, I started up the programs again at the end of October 2008. Considering majority of hockey participants all ready make their plans by September, plus I told everyone BladeBlaze was done and they should look elsewhere for the season... things have gone extremely well! I am very thankful for all the participants and families that have supported BladeBlaze this year. Around 40 participants in my registration programs this hockey season and many more through group bookings and other options.
My Skills & Rupture Achilles Tendon Ice Rehab Session @ 6 months after surgery:
Rehab Video on You Tube.
As for Rob:
Rob was looking to teach, and I needed an extra instructor on the ice. I met Rob through a hockey shop we were both associated with.
I've worked with pro hockey players before and bottom line; regardless of any competitive or pro experience it always comes second to ones ability to understand body mechanics, a program plan and most of all to understand how to reach, teach and develop children. I've worked with some amazing skilled players in the past, and at times it would be a disaster. Some players are so talented they have no clue how or why their body can do what they do. They would run drills, not aware of the mechanical mistakes, allow it to continue and therefore reinforcing a bad habit. Some are just horrible at following a program plan, wasting the ice, and most important have no natural ability to reach, teach and lead children.
Without a doubt Rob was great! Our ice plan went perfect with Rob. Every time I checked on what he was doing, the kids were moving, the ice was being maximize, he was reaching the children, even the small ones when they were rotated to his station. The kids were glued to him, they loved him.
Rob put the participants through great goal-tending body development and they also took a variety of shots on him to receive instructional scoring guidance.
Rob winning the Calder Cup was great! Funny thing is I was following Chicago round for round. At that time, Rob was suppose to come back home to Toronto and instruct for BladeBlaze once his playoffs ended 2008. So I was into it from the beginning. I believe they came from behind 3-2 in games against Toronto the round before the championship final! That was cool. When you look at Rob's playing background and accomplishments it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone he was on an AHL Calder Cup championship team. In the summer of 07 I even told him based on what he accomplished with the previous pro teams he played for it didn't seem right what was going on with his playing career.. then he lands up on the Wolves, wins a Championship. No doubt, Rob in relation to BladeBlaze handled himself "First Class".
We look forward to seeing Rob on the ice with BladeBlaze again for sure!
Thank You:
You can learn more about BladeBlaze by visiting their website at BladeBlaze.Com.
I would like to thank Brian for taking time out of his busy schedule to sit down and do this interview with me. I look forward to visiting BladeBlaze soon and again please make sure to visit Thanks Brian, you rock!
**The above is not to be removed from this website for use elsewhere. It is exclusive to this website.**
