Summer
Summer 2025
Hockey Development and Skills Program
We are excited to announce our program for the 2025 Summer Season.
We are dedicated to helping your athlete reach his or her potential within the game.
What we offer:
- Individual Skill Development
- Skating, Passing & Shooting
- Position Play
- Defensive Zone Coverage
- Offensive Zone Entries
- Controlled Scrimmages w/ real time correction
- Video Review - team and individual
- Off Ice Shooting
- Age Specific Strength Training
- NEW for our 2025 season. All tournament teams will have team sessions at THE LAB. Teams will have specific training on shooting and passing
Tournament Dates
Chicago June 20-22
Ann Arbor July 11-13
Nashville July 25-27
We will have destination tournaments available. These dates will be discussed at our ID skate Dec 28th 2024
Coaches
Bo Cheesman
Bo Cheesman has been involved in the game of hockey as a player, coach, skills instructor, and trainer for over 35 years. Bo played professional hockey for 7 years and earned an NCAA Div 1 scholarship to Lake Superior State University. Bo brings lots of energy and a wealth of knowledge for all youth players. Currently Bo is the 16U and 18U Head Coach for the Bloomington Thunder and owner of The Lab, central Illinois' premiere off ice training facility. Bo is married to his wife, Julie. They are blessed with two adult children, Callie and Reilly, and two Labrador Retrievers, Cooper and Lucy.
Certifications:
Level 4 USA Hockey Coach
Mike Maines
Mike Maines brings a wealth of experience and passion for developing youth hockey players. As one of the founding coaches of the Tropics Selects and the current Hockey Director for BYH, Mike has been instrumental in elevating the programs he leads to new heights. Under his leadership at BYH, the organization has grown its player base, introduced a full-ice 8U program, and successfully gained acceptance into Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL).
Mike is committed to fostering both skill development and character growth in young athletes. His initiatives include implementing a structured goalie development program, recruiting high-level coaches, and creating an environment where players can compete at their best. With a clear vision to make his program a beacon of youth hockey in Central Illinois, Mike’s focus is on providing elite training and competitive opportunities for players who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game.
Away from the rink, Mike serves as a firefighter/paramedic and enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Paige, and their dogs: Bear, Cannon, Bayleigh, and Beau. His dedication, leadership, and passion for hockey make him a trusted mentor and motivator for athletes striving to achieve their goals.
Coaching Certifications
• Certification Level: 4
• Age-Specific Modules:
• 8 & Under
• 10 & Under
• 12 & Under
• 14 & Under
• 16/18/19 & Under
• Safesport Certification: Completed
Blake Mitchell
Wyatt Swonger
Practices
For each tournament, practices will be scheduled accordingly for the 2025 season
Practice locations are TBD
Volunteers
Each team will need a Team Manager. Please reach out to Bo and Mike if you are interested in helping.
Fees
Fees for the 2025 season will be 375.00 per tournament. Payment plans are available for multi tournament plans.
The fee includes tournament fees, on-ice, off-ice practices, video sessions, and all sessions at The LAB.
Uniforms and travel expenses are an additional cost.
UNIFORMS & SWAG
Use link below for all uniform needs. (Jersey and socks)
Official merchandise will be done in house this year as to make sure sizes and product arrival times are accurate. Please try on all merchandise after your ID skate. You will have time to pre order all merchandise. If you missed the ID skate please contact Bo for any merchandise questions.
Summer 2025
Birth Years for 2025 Summer Season:
Mite 8U: 2017, 2018
Squirt 10U: 2015, 2016
Peewee 12U: 2013, 2014
Bantam 14U: 2011, 2012
Midget 16U: 2009, 2010
Midget 18U: 2007, 2008