Crouchy is a skating perfectionist. If you want edgework, he's got it. Powerskating, he's got it. From the basic to the next level,
he's got it. No matter the level of play, he will transform weaknesses into strengths.
–Iain Fraser NHL, AHL
Nate attended the June 2016 Elite Edge Hockey Showcase in Nashville, TN and received positive accolades on his skating.
Areas of strength included: “Fluid Skater & Powerful”. “Noticed his skating in practice – good feet”. “Skating is your
biggest strength.” Coach Crouch has worked with Nate in individual lessons, Tristate Spartans weekly team skates and has
helped Nate to take his power skating and hockey game to an Elite level of play to be showcased against national talent.
– Jeff James
Nate James
’02 AAA Tri-State Spartans
Coach Derek: I wanted to let you know I will be a future Tiger. I’ve committed to Princeton University for 2019.
Thanks for all your help along the way. I was told from a very young age by a wise NHL hockey player that if I want to
play hockey and be good at it, I better be the best skater on the ice. If I can't skate, I can't get there. It doesn't
matter how hard my shots are or how well I can dangle because the bottom line is IF YOU CAN'T SKATE, YOU CAN'T PLAY. I
took that advice to heart. In my opinion, Coach Derek is by far one of the best power skating coaches around. He has
taught me to use my edges, turn on a dime, accelerate in an explosive way and so much more. I played for Coach Derek
on a Mite AA team when I first moved to Cincinnati. I've learned a lot from him, from being disciplined to honing my
skills. I've also had many, many power skating sessions that were demanding but fun. His clinics work on every aspect
of hockey, from skating, to stick handling, to shooting, to battling and of course he always ends it with a fun scrimmage.
Because of the skills that Coach Derek has helped me hone over these past 7 years, I can honestly say that I can skate, I
can get there and I can play. Thank you Coach Derek.
– Emma K
Shattuck-St Mary’s '19
USAH Tier 1 16u National
Champions ’15 and ‘16
2019 Committed - Princeton University
I have worked with Crouchy for years on skating and skills. He helped me develop my game and skating style. Crouchy is magic!
– Alex Yu
Shady Side Academy
Pittsburgh, PA
Class of 2020
Derek has worked with my son as a team speed skating coach, in private lessons and Alpha Camps. The improvement in my son’s skating, stick handling and passion for
the game is undeniable. All of the coaching opportunities have helped take my skater to the next level!
– Shannon C.
Derek is an exceptional instructor, but it is his dedication to the continued success of his students both on and off the ice that sets him apart. His sessions
are personalized to his students’ skill level. Whether a New Skater or a D1 player, each lesson contains specific drills and exercises based on the skills
and abilities students are looking to improve. Lessons are fast-paced and intense during which the student has Derek’s full attention. He provides immediate
feedback and instruction so students pick up drills faster and see improvements immediately.
Derek has been working with my oldest for just over three years.
In that time he has taken a new skater from his first year of House hockey to a Travel team and one of the fastest skaters in his age group. Our results have been
fantastic but they are not just limited to on the ice; his time with Derek has helped to build his self-confidence and develop a remarkable work ethic.
– Josh M
The Crouchy Alpha Hockey Camp is by far the best camp my boys have ever attended. Their progression of skills and speed from the beginning of the camp to the end
is a major improvement! The sessions are high energy, action packed, and the use of ice time and space is amazing! Derek is a very talented, knowledgeable,
professional, and skilled coach teaching new and unique ways to reach every player. My boys look forward to it every year! Thank you Crouchy!
– Jason P.
I've been skating with Coach Derek since I was 5 years old. I've been on his team, done lessons and participated in most of the clinics that he runs so I can say I'm
an expert when it comes to judging Coach Derek. He has a serious side that makes you want to work hard but he also has a fun side which makes you want to go on
the ice with him. For the last 5 years, my skating and skills have improved so much. His coaching helps me become a better hockey player.
– Kiki K – '04
I want to share with Coach Derek good news that Anya went to the tryouts for Little Caesars U14 at Detroit last week and she made the team! She will play Tier I girls
hockey next season. Thank you Coach Derek for offering the camps and private lessons to Anya. It really helps to improve her skills in all aspects and make her
able to reach this level. Anya likes Coach Derek's camps and private lessons.
– Xiang
Alpha Hockey Camp is most efficient at maximizing your player’s potential. Each session is meticulously planned with
quick transitions for players that are committed to personal improvement. This camp focuses on fundamentals and
converts Learn-to-Play to a Learn-to-Win mentality at a military grade. Derek Crouch’s instruction, coupled with
our son’s desire to be the best he can be, moved him from Rec to AA in just one year.
– John & Kathy M.
You want your skater to join a Crouchy Alpha Camp or to skate with Derek in private sessions, he’s the best. Derek can teach the fine details of power skating,
edges and stick skills like no one else. It starts with his own skill development and incredible ability to transfer the information at both high speed
and in slow motion to the players. Derek’s energy and passion keep the skaters motivated. His mastery of the fundamentals and his ability to teach them
take the skaters to the next level. Skaters who train with Derek stand out in a crowd and move on to make higher level teams. I’ve seen it, he has
worked with my teams for years. He’s the Best.
– Brian D.
Derek is a gifted coach and hockey mentor. He sets high standards for players and then teaches them the skills and game-sense
to reach those standards. With his clinics and some private lessons, he helped my son progress from house league to AAA travel
hockey and to receiving invites to summer tournaments. Derek inspires kids to believe in themselves and to work hard to achieve
their hockey dreams. Derek helps kids improve their abilities in all areas of the game while always having fun!
– Heidi McKee,
Oxford, Ohio