The unique Hockey Legends Training facility in Markham, Ontario, has created a cutting-edge technology space where players from young to old can take their training to the next level while improving their shooting and stickhandling skills.
The brand was launched last September with the potential of more locations to come in the future.
“It’s a pretty unique concept for the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) I would say,” said Horia Ispas, who owns the business with his wife Diana Barshai.
“We’ve developed a layout of a training facility for hockey enthusiasts, beginners to pros. It could be utilized by kids that are just putting their skates on for the first time to people who play in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League), NHL (National Hockey League). We do provide state-of-the-art equipment. It’s all designed and manufactured by a company called RapidShot. They’re out of Cleveland, Ohio. This piece of equipment some NHL facilities are equipped with it as well. Some colleges. Some hockey professionals have it in their homes.
“Imagine a batting cage but for hockey about 25 feet long by nine feet wide, equipped with synthetic ice inside.”
RapidShot is an automated puck shooting and collection system which combines real time analytics such as shot speed, accuracy and reaction time, with an immersive shooting environment. The company’s website describes it as “Offering customizable training modes, enabling you to refine specific shots or engage in dynamic challenges, and with its varying pass speeds and intervals tailored to all skill levels, RapidShot really has something for everyone.”
“Using cutting-edge technology, RapidHands offers dynamic drills that enhance your dexterity, speed, and control. From beginners aiming to build a solid foundation to seasoned players fine-tuning their skills, RapidHands provides a versatile and engaging training experience. Discover the secret behind lightning-fast hands and masterful stick control with RapidHands, and advance your game.”
The two synthetic ice rinks can be used both for development and enjoyment. Goalies can perfect their angles, and develop lightning-fast reaction times. Glide on the smooth surface to work on your slides, butterfly techniques and quick recoveries.
Athletes can improve their skating technique, agility and endurance as they practice crossovers and quick direction changes, as well as sharpen their hockey skills including passing and stick handling. Those who are just starting out on their skating journey can practice their strides, and games can be played during birthday parties and/or events.
The Markham location is 5,800 square feet.
“We live in Markham. Our boys play in Markham. We’ve been exposed to Markham hockey since the boys were young. We saw a huge potential to bring this to Markham. A lot of interest,” said Ispas.
“If things work out the way we want them to, we wouldn’t shy away from developing some sort of a multi-location type of brand and eventually if there’s interest potentially branching out into franchising. It’s very green. We’re going through some growing pains right now in terms of interest and volume. We’re not even one year old.
“But the bigger we can bring this to a certain level the better for us. Again, we brought this in looking at youth development which we found that the current hockey training is only focusing on ice time which is quite limited. Once you have so many teams there’s only so much ice locally that you can provide and accommodate. We found this as an opportunity to offer off-ice training for clubs and coaches to have another facility.
“This is a first of a kind within the GTA. We’re trying to market ourselves as much as we can.”
He said the facility also has two media rooms available for hosting parties and events.
Michael Saperia, Executive Vice President/ Broker of The Behar Group Realty Inc., Brokerage, helped the concept find its first location.
“Their kids were not getting enough training time. There’s a finite amount of ice time out there. And this business is a solution to a problem. Hockey isn’t just skating. It’s also stickhandling and shooting. This handles at least part of that and some skating,” Ispas said. “I think it’s a very elegant and clever solution to a problem. I love the business of it.”
