PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We are extremely excited to offer partnerships to get your brand noticed. We feel that this will be a great opportunity for your local business to advertise directly to our facility guests!
Troy Granatier
Owner & CEO
Every great hockey story starts at the rink, and ours is no different. Granatier Sportsplex wasn’t built on a business plan or a marketing pitch. It was built on a simple idea: that Saskatchewan athletes deserve a place to train, grow, and love the game all year round.
Like many parents, coaches, and former players, we saw a gap. Ice time was limited, off-ice facilities were scattered, and development programs often lacked consistency or accessibility. We wanted to change that. We wanted to create a space where athletes from first-time skaters to future pros could find everything they needed under one roof.
So we got to work.
What began as a vision quickly turned into a reality. Granatier Sportsplex was designed not just to be a rink, but a hub for development. From our skating treadmill and synthetic ice shooting lanes to our dedicated dryland training zones and full-service on-ice programming, every corner of the facility was built with purpose.
But we didn’t stop at the equipment. We built a team of passionate instructors, coaches, and trainers who live and breathe athlete development. People who understand that hockey (and ringette) isn’t just about the game — it’s about confidence, community, and character.
Since opening our doors, we’ve been fortunate to work with hundreds of athletes from across Saskatoon and beyond. We’ve launched specialized camps, skills programs, all-girls development sessions, goalie-specific training, and our flagship Granatier U5 Program. We’ve partnered with local associations, supported grassroots initiatives, and most importantly, built a place where athletes feel at home.
Granatier Sportsplex is more than a facility, it’s a commitment. A commitment to helping athletes grow on and off the ice. A commitment to raising the bar for development in Saskatchewan. And a commitment to the families, coaches, and communities who support these athletes every day.
This is just the beginning of our story — and we’d love for you to be apart of it.
If you’re ready to be part of the Granatier Sportsplex family, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking to register for one of our programs, tour the facility, or simply learn more about what we offer, we’re here to help.
Reach out anytime at info@gsplex.ca — and let’s take the next step in your athlete’s development journey, together.
Ty Banks
Operations Manager
At Granatier Sportsplex, one of our core goals is to foster skill development through focused, high-repetition game like environments — and our partnership with the Saskatoon Ringette Association (SRA) is a powerful example of what that looks like in action.
Over the past season, we collaborated closely with the SRA to offer dozens of dedicated weekly training sessions tailored specifically to ringette athletes of all ages and levels. These sessions weren’t just ice time — they were structured, progressive programs built to improve skating mechanics, shooting technique, and most importantly, small-area decision-making.
A Customized Approach to On Ice Ringette Training in Saskatoon
Ringette is a fast-paced, highly skilled sport that thrives on quick transitions, agility, and sharp decision-making. Knowing this, our coaching team at Granatier Sportsplex designed a training curriculum that emphasized:
- Edge control and explosive starts for tighter turnarounds and quicker reactions in tight spaces
- Position-specific drills that mirror the movement patterns of ringette gameplay
- Small-area battle and transition drills to simulate real-game chaos and sharpen hockey sense
- Shooting and passing fundamentals with repetition-based drills to build confidence and precision
Tangible Results From Consistent Development
Across the board, we saw significant gains in player performance. Athletes who attended our sessions consistently reported:
- More comfort and control in small-area pressure situations
- Increased skating speed and balance in transitions
- More powerful, accurate shots and faster release times
- Greater confidence in both practices and games
Parents and coaches also noted a measurable difference in how players approached gameplay — not just technically, but mentally. Players became more decisive and proactive on the ice, taking risks and playing with greater purpose.
The Value of Partnership
This collaboration with the Saskatoon Ringette Association was more than just a programming opportunity. It represented a shared commitment to the long-term development of young athletes in the region. Together, we ensured that players weren’t just showing up — they were improving.
By offering multiple weekly sessions, we created flexibility for families and more opportunities for consistent reps. Many athletes participated in two or three sessions per week, which helped reinforce the skills taught and build muscle memory.
We also worked closely with SRA leadership to align our programming with their seasonal goals. Whether it was pre-season fundamentals, mid-season refinement, or postseason skill sharpening, our training sessions were timed and structured to meet the demands of each point in the calendar.
Focus on Development Over Competition
While games are a fun and vital part of the ringette experience, development happens in training. That’s the philosophy we operate under at Granatier Sportsplex. This partnership allowed us to focus purely on skill acquisition — something that’s often hard to prioritize during a busy game schedule.
With smaller coach-to-player ratios and a controlled learning environment, we ensured players were constantly engaged. Whether it was working on stride efficiency, passing accuracy, or offensive zone entries, the emphasis was always on learning and growth.
“The girls not only improved their skills noticeably over the season — they had a blast doing it. The energy at Granatier was always positive, the sessions were well-run, and the players looked forward to it every week. It’s been a game-changer for our development pathway.”
— Lori Flamond
Development Coordinator
Saskatoon Ringette Association
Granatier Sportsplex U5 Ringette Program:
We’re also proud to announce that Granatier Sportsplex is now home to Saskatchewan’s first and only U5 Ringette program. After seeing the incredible response and development success of our U5 hockey program, we knew it was time to offer the same opportunity to the ringette community in Saskatoon and the surrounding area. This program is designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of the game in a fun, supportive, and development-focused environment. Registration is now open at gsplex.ca/u5-ringette/ and we can’t wait to welcome the next generation of ringette players to the ice!
Final Thoughts
The partnership between Granatier Sportsplex and the Saskatoon Ringette Association is a case study in what can happen when two organizations align around athlete development. Through structured, focused, and player-centered programming, we helped dozens of young athletes improve their skills, grow their confidence, and deepen their love for the game.
If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming ringette development programs at Granatier, or want to get involved, visit gsplex.ca or reach out to our team directly.
Better training. Better development. A better experience on the ice. That’s our promise at Granatier Sportsplex.
If you think your team or child could benefit from tailored on ice development at Granatier Sportpslex, feel free to reach out anytime to info@gsplex.ca
Ty Banks
Operations Manager
Is the Skating Treadmill Right for Your Young Hockey Player?
Granatier Sportsplex is proud to offer the only high-performance skating treadmill in Saskatoon, helping young hockey players improve their stride mechanics and boost their on-ice performance.
For parents of young hockey players, the off-ice training options can seem overwhelming. From dryland workouts to shooting lanes and agility drills, there are countless ways to improve on ice performance, But when it comes to developing strong, efficient skating mechanics, one tool stands out above the rest: the skating treadmill.
At Granatier Sportsplex in Saskatoon, our skating treadmill has become a cornerstone of our player development system. Whether your child is just starting out or preparing for elite-level competition, treadmill training can offer a unique and powerful advantage. But is it the right fit for your young player?
Let’s dive into what makes the skating treadmill such a valuable training tool, especially for stride correction, real-time video analysis, and overall performance development.
The Importance of Skating Mechanics
Ask any coach or scout and they’ll tell you the same thing: skating is the foundation of hockey. A player’s ability to accelerate, change direction, and maintain control at high speeds impacts every aspect of their game. While natural athleticism can go a long way, proper skating mechanics are critical for long-term success.
Young players, especially those in their formative years (ages 7-14), are still developing their neuromuscular patterns. This is the ideal window to instill good habits and correct inefficient movements. Poor skating technique developed early on can become harder to fix later, and often leads to slower development, reduced confidence, and even injury.
That’s where the skating treadmill comes in.
What Makes The Skating Treadmill Different?
The skating treadmill is not a gimmick or shortcut. It’s a carefully designed training environment that allows players to isolate, refine, and repeat the most important components of their skating stride.
Key features include:
Controlled speed and incline: Coaches can adjust settings to challenge stride length, strength, and endurance.
Stable environment: Unlike on-ice training where players must react to gameplay or other skaters, the treadmill offers a consistent, focused surface for repetition.
Instant feedback: Combined with video analysis, players can immediately see and feel what needs improvement.
The treadmill isn’t meant to replace ice time; it’s meant to amplify its value. By focusing on technique in a controlled space, players can build the muscle memory and confidence they need to apply these improvements during real gameplay.
The Power of Stride Correction
One of the most powerful aspects of treadmill training is its ability to identify and correct inefficient or flawed skating patterns.
Common issues we see in young players include:
- Short, choppy strides
- Poor knee bend and lack of power generation
- Over-reliance on upper body movement
- Uneven or unbalanced strides
On the treadmill, these problems become more visible. With the help of trained instructors, players can work through drills and corrections that target specific elements of their stride. Because the treadmill forces repetition, the corrections become engrained faster and more effectively than if they were addressed only during regular on-ice practices.
Over time, these improvements add up: longer, more powerful strides, better edge control, and more efficient energy use. The result is a player who not only skates faster but does so with less effort and greater confidence.
Real Time Video Analysis: Designed For Visual Learners
Today’s young athletes are visual learners. They’re used to watching video clips, highlight reels, and replays. So why not apply that to their own development?
At Granatier Sportsplex, we pair every treadmill session with instant video feedback. Using high-quality cameras and playback monitors, athletes can see their stride in real time, from multiple angles.
This creates a powerful coaching moment. When a player sees how their ankle bends (or doesn’t), how much power they generate with each push, or how their posture changes at different speeds, the lesson becomes immediate and clear. They can make the connection between what they feel and what they see,and then correct it on the spot.
Coaches can pause, slow down, or highlight specific portions of a stride to help the athlete truly understand what’s working and what needs adjustment. It’s a perfect fit for the modern athlete who thrives on fast feedback and hands-on learning.
Who Benefits Most From The Skating Treadmill?
While almost any player can benefit from treadmill sessions, they are particularly impactful for:
- Beginners (Ages 6-10): Learning proper stride mechanics early avoids future bad habits.
- Developing players (Ages 11-14): This is the prime window to fine-tune stride efficiency, power, and control.
- Goal-focused athletes (Ages 15+): Those pushing for AAA, junior, or prep hockey will gain a performance edge.
- Players returning from injury: The treadmill offers a safe, controlled space to re-establish skating form without game pressure.
Even experienced skaters are often surprised at how much room there is for improvement once their stride is broken down in detail.
Beyond The Stride: Building Athletic Confidence
One overlooked benefit of treadmill training is the confidence it builds in young athletes. When a player understands how their body moves and sees measurable improvement in stride speed, length, or balance, they develop a deeper belief in their own abilities.
That confidence carries over to practices, games, and tryouts. Skating becomes less of a mental hurdle and more of a strength. And for young athletes, that mindset shift can be just as important as any technical gain.
Integrating Treadmill Training With Full Development
At Granatier Sportsplex, we believe in a full-spectrum approach to development. That means integrating the treadmill into a broader system that includes:
- On-ice skill development
- Off-ice shooting sessions
- Dryland training focused on speed, mobility, and recovery
- Game-situation drills and small-area play
The treadmill is one piece of the puzzle — a highly effective one — that supports everything else a player is doing. When combined with our experienced coaches, video tools, and athlete-first programming, it helps create real, lasting results.
Is The Treadmill Right For Your Player?
If your young hockey player:
- Struggles with stride length, balance, or power
- Wants to get faster, smoother, and more confident
- Responds well to visual feedback and hands-on coaching
- Is committed to improving their overall game
…then yes, the skating treadmill may be exactly what they need.
We welcome players of all levels to try it out and see the difference for themselves. Our staff will work with you to assess your athlete’s needs and recommend the right training schedule based on their goals and experience level.
“For me, the clear advantage of the treadmill is having the coach right beside the player for the entire training repetition. The coach can provide instant feedback, mid-stride, in a way that's difficult to do on the ice. Recording and reviewing video is easy, and the player can test out corrections very efficiently in a high rep per minute type of situation. The treadmill takes a few sessions to get used to, but the improvements start to show up on the ice fairly quickly after that. It doesn't replace the need for on-ice skating development, but it's a great tool to use in tandem and the bang for buck is pretty good.”
Ready To Give The Treadmill A Try?
Located in Saskatoon, Granatier Sportsplex is proud to offer one of the most complete and forward-thinking development environments in Saskatchewan. Our skating treadmill is just one of many tools we use to help players unlock their potential and fall in love with the game at every stage.
Ready to see what stride correction, real-time video feedback, and elite coaching can do for your athlete? Discover why the skating treadmill at Granatier Sportsplex in Saskatoon is a game-changing tool for developing confident, explosive skaters.
Book a trial session or reach out today at info@gsplex.ca.
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