Hello my name is PJ Atherton and I am the founder of D-CORE Hockey. I am a former University of Minnesota Gopher hockey player who has enjoyed a five year professional playing career in North America and in Europe. I have been coaching hockey players for five years as well as observing many programs around the country and I have seen a major lack in the development of defensemen. Our young players are not being given the proper tools to be successful defensemen in today’s game. D-men of today’s game must be great skaters with great vision and passing skills. These skills can be taught and must be developed in order to become a well-rounded defenseman.

At D-CORE Hockey we focus on developing the D-man’s individual skills so that he/she can be successful in the team game. Developing a player’s skating ability specifically for defense is something that is not being taught nearly enough or at a high enough level. We also strive to develop player’s hockey sense and their ability to read the play. We will also focus on breakouts, D-zone coverage, one-on-ones, as well as the other essential defensive skills. This will be done through video coaching and on-ice game scenarios.

We believe that through the development of this individual skill we can give D-men the tools to be successful in game situations. Today's game is fast paced with quick puck movement. Long gone are the days of huge tree-like defensemen, D-men of today’s game must be great skaters with great vision and passing skills. Our passion and intensity at D-CORE will be an essential part of our coaching situations. These traits are essential for players if they want to become the best player that they can be. We will teach these aspects of the game but it is important that the players come to work and are enthusiastic about getting better.

Being a great defenseman is one of the most challenging things in sports. It requires great physical skill along with a great mind. We will be teaching our D-men to think the game and to always work smart without wasting time, space or energy. This mental part of the game and dealing with the ups and downs of a hockey game and a career are vital. We will draw on our experiences to give the kids the mental skill to take their game wherever they want.