Scholarships

The Grand Rapids Blades firmly believes that every child who wishes to participate in hockey should have the opportunity to do so. Therefore, we strive to provide scholarship assistance to players with financial need who would otherwise not benefit from the youth hockey experience. These scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis based on financial need and available funds. Funding for the scholarship program is accumulated via special donations and fundraising activities conducted throughout the preceding season.

Click here for more information.

Developmental Programs Kick Off First Week of October

We are looking forward to seeing all of our 8U's at the rink starting the week of October 2nd. If you are looking for additional information on our programs or need to register your child, please visit the Developmental Program webpage here.

The practice schedule for our Developmental Programs is:

Learn to Skate (Session #1 begins October 7th)
Saturdays: 10:00 - 11:00am

Cross Ice (Starting October 2nd)
Mondays: 5:00 - 5:50pm
Saturdays: 9:00 - 10:00am

Mites (Starting October 2nd)
Mondays: 5:00 - 5:50pm
Wednesdays: 5:00 - 5:50pm
Weekend Jamborees

Skill Sessions and Goalie Clinics

The first group of Skill Sessions has been scheduled. These supplemental development sessions are open to all Blades Squirt through Bantam players. Coach Slazas will be leading the kids through skating and edgework before jumping into age-appropriate skill drills.

Sun Sep 17 3:30 PM - 1 hour skills and goalie clinic

Sun Oct 15 3:00 PM - 1.5 hour skills and goalie clinic

Sun Nov 5 3:00 PM - 1.5 hour skills and goalie clinic

Sun Nov 12 3:00 PM - 1.5 hour skills and goalie clinic

Sun Dec 3 3:00 PM - 1.5 hour skills and goalie clinic

GR Blades Coaches with NCAA D1 Playing Careers

Did you know the GR Blades have 6 coaches on staff throughout the organization with NCAA D1 college hockey playing careers? Not only do these coaches possess a high level knowledge of the game, they are amazing people that are dedicating their time to improve the development of our youth and build their passion for the game.

New Blades Jersey and Apparel Designs

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Congratulations to Blades Players Making the Jump to Tier 1 (AAA)!

The GR Blades congratulates the following Blades players that have earned a spot on Tier 1 (AAA) team rosters for the upcoming 2023-2024 season! Our goal is to support the development of our players to help them reach the level of hockey they desire to play, whatever that may be. While we will miss them this coming season, we are incredibly proud of their achievements!

Maddox Zoerhof - Fox Squirt Major

Henrik Velting - Fox Squirt Major

Jaxon Zuiderveen - Fox Pee Wee Minor

Marie Colpean - Fox Girls 12U Tier 1

Register for 2023/24 House and Developmental Hockey

Registration is now open for the 2023/24 House and Developmental Hockey

Links for registration and additional information on the programs:

Learn to Skate / Cross Ice / Mites

Squirt / Pee Wee / Bantam House

Contacts for Questions:

Director of Hockey: Mike Petrusma (director@grblades.org)

Director of Player Development: Alec Slazas (playerdevelopment@grblades.org)

Director of Goalie Development: John Cassady (goaltending@grblades.org) 

Director of Goaltending Development Announcement

The Blades are excited to announce our new Director of Goaltender Development John Cassady.

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