DEFENCE DEVELOPMENT // SAULT STE. MARIE
Elite defence development for players who want to think faster, move better, defend harder, and control the game from the blue line.
BUILT FOR DEFENDERS
Train the details that separate good defencemen from dependable ones.
Back End Hockey is built around the details of the position: footwork, puck movement, gap control, scanning, retrievals, exits, rush defence and offensive blue-line play.
Every session is designed to help defencemen become calmer under pressure, more efficient with the puck, and harder to play against.
BACK END HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT
Small groups. Position-specific coaching. Purpose behind every rep.
CURRENT BLOCK · FULL
Rankin Arena · 4:00–5:00 PM
12 skates · October–December 2026
Skate dates: October 5, 19, 26 · November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 · December 7, 14, 21, 28
Our current defence development block is underway.
CURRENT PROGRAM · FULLFULL · 14/14 SPOTS FILLED
The Rink at the Mill · 6:00 PM
10 skates · November 2026–March 2027 · Maximum 14 skaters
All 14 spots are filled. Join the waitlist; no payment is required.
FULL · 14/14 SPOTS FILLED
The Rink at the Mill · 4:00–5:00 PM
10 skates · November 2026–February 2027 · Maximum 14 skaters
All 14 spots have been filled.
Focused development with purpose behind every rep.
Backward mechanics, pivots, escapes, lateral movement, edge control and transition speed.
Gap control, angling, stick positioning, rush reads, net-front habits and battle technique.
Retrievals, shoulder checks, first pass, deception, breakouts, blue-line movement and shot lanes.
MEET OUR COACHES
Defence-specific instruction from coaches who know the position, the details and the work it takes to improve.
COACH // DEFENCE
A former professional defenceman and two-time Calder Cup champion, Greg brings extensive playing and development experience to Back End Hockey.
His professional career included nearly a decade in the American Hockey League. He also served as Defensive Development Coach for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL.
Greg brings a deep understanding of the position and the details needed to help young defencemen build their skills, habits and confidence.
COACH // DEFENCE
A former Junior A defenceman, Justin brings playing experience and a strong understanding of the position to Back End Hockey.
He focuses on helping young defencemen develop poise and confidence while building on their individual strengths.
Whether a player is a stay-at-home defender, an offensive defenceman or still finding their style, Justin believes development should build on who they are as a player.
QUESTIONS?
Questions about our programs, player fit or availability? Reach Back End Hockey directly.
BACK END HOCKEY
Defence development • Sault Ste. Marie
Email Back End Hockey Explore Programsbackendhockey.com • domain active