When summer rolls around, ice hockey might not be the first thing on most kids’ minds — but at the Canlan Sports Hockey Camp, the rink buzzes with energy.
“We’re excited to be one of the few locations that can run year-round and provide this programming,” says Danielle MacMillan, Canlan Sports’ Product Manager. She adds that the camp’s close-knit atmosphere helps kids feel at home. “You’re being welcomed into an existing community of players and families.”
This summer’s lineup includes hockey-only camps for ages 6-12 — plus a special option featuring one day at a nearby golf course, for training on ice and on the green.
Here’s what families can expect at Canlan Sports’ ice hockey camp in 2025.
What Canlan Sports’ hockey camp offers
- Four weeks of camps: Three weeks of half-day hockey camps + a full-day hockey-and-golf camp (four days at the rink, one at the course)
- Focused skill development: Each camp targets a different aspect of the game:
- Power skating and shooting (July 7-11): “We focus on the fundamentals — the mechanics of your stride, balance and playing with equipment,” says MacMillan.
- Battle drills (July 28-Aug. 1): Kids explore game strategies — “a big part of hockey,” she notes — scrimmages (practice play) and competition-style training.
- Hockey development (June 16-20): A mix of skating, passing, shooting and in-game situations.
- Plenty of ice time: Campers get four hours in full-day camps and two hours on the ice each half-day session — more than most camps, MacMillan notes.
- Three full-size NHL rinks: “That’s one of the best parts of this camp,” she adds. “There aren’t too many other places where you’ll find facilities like ours.”
- Hockey and golf camp (Aug. 5-9): A unique combination camp where kids spend four days at the rink and one day at the nearby Mistwood Golf Club.
Who thrives at Canlan’s hockey camp
- Kids who already skate: “Hockey isn’t a sport where you can jump in without experience,” MacMillan says. “If a kid is confident skating and has the equipment, we can help them succeed.”
- Players of all skill levels: Campers are grouped by both age and ability.
- Boys and girls welcome: All are supported here. “Female participation in hockey is really important to us,” MacMillian notes. “We have great female instructors, as well.”
- Kids looking to stay in the game year-round: Many campers sign up for multiple sessions or return for Canlan Sports’ regular programs.
What parents need to know about Canlan’s hockey camp
- Location: Canlan Sports, Romeoville, Illinois
- Ages:
- Half-day hockey camps: ages 6-12
- Full-day hockey and golf camp: ages 8-12
- Schedule:
- Half-day hockey camps: 8:30 a.m.-noon.
- Full-day hockey and golf camp: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost:
- Half-day hockey camps: $375/week
- Full-day hockey and golf camp: $475/week
- Gear required: Campers must bring full hockey equipment (skates, helmet, pads, pants, socks). A camp jersey is provided.
- Instructor ratio: 1:8, ensuring focused training
- Registration perks: Multi-week and sibling discounts are available
- How fast to register: Act fast on the hockey-golf combo, says MacMillan, who expects it to fill fast. For hockey, “I would never recommend waiting to the last minute.”
- Easy logistics for families: “Our facilities are really well designed,” MacMillan says. “It takes a lot of pressure off parents during drop-off and pick-up.”
Why Chicagoland families love Canlan’s hockey camp
- Fast skill growth: “On Monday, kids might be a little anxious. By Friday, they are whipping around the ice, so confident,” MacMillan says. “It’s a completely different kid.”
- Engaging instructors: “They’re not just great hockey coaches,” she adds. “They’re really fun to be around.”
- A built-in hockey community: Many campers return year after year, forming friendships and continuing with Canlan Sports’ programs.
- A seamless parent experience: Spacious parking, well-run schedules and clear communication make life easier.
“Kids’ confidence just goes through the roof throughout that week,” MacMillan says. “Kids leave excited and fired up for the next season.”
This content is sponsored by Canlan Sports. Learn more about this camp at the website for the Canlan Sports Hockey Camp.
