Reply To: IIHF 2012 Coaching Symposiums

[Tom Molloy]

I went to the TPS Turku training facility. TPS is a sports club. There was a U18 team practicing off ice. I talked to the coach about what stage of training they are in and he answered it is for next season. The players got 3 weeks off after their season ended and then practices for 12-13 started. They will get one more break before the season starts.

Most of these players are also in a sports school where they also get on and off ice hockey training.

The club system is unique because the players are in the club and progress through the various age groupings together. The goal is to develop players for the pro team. Some TPS grads are the Koivu brothers, Sami Salo, Mikka Kipprusoff.

'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'