Elite 40 Camp

Elite 40 Summer Intensive Development Program

Banham Elite Hockey

Banham Elite Hockey and staff are excited to offer our 8-Week Elite 40 Summer Development Program, designed for players who are fully committed to improving their game during the summer months and preparing for their upcoming season.

This high-level training program is built for motivated athletes looking to elevate every aspect of their performance through elite instruction, high-tempo practices, and game-focused development.

Program Overview

The Elite 40 Summer Development Program includes:

18 Hours of On-Ice Training
9 Hours of Off-Ice Strength & Agility Training
9 Hours of Classroom & Video Instruction

Players will train in a professional development environment focused on:

Skill Development
Skating Mechanics
Strength & Conditioning
Speed & Agility
Hockey IQ & Video Review
Sessions will be held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer.

Development Phases

Phase 1 – Skill Foundations & Offensive Concepts

Focus on developing elite puck skills, skating edges, passing, shooting, and offensive decision-making.

Key Areas

Edge work and skating control
Passing and puck movement
Shooting mechanics and quick release
1-on-1 competition
2-on-1 offensive reads
3-on-1, 3-on-2, and 3-on-3 attack situations
Phase 2 – Power Skating & Battle Development

Designed to improve skating explosiveness, puck protection, and compete level in high-pressure situations.

Key Areas

Power skating techniques
Advanced stickhandling
Shooting in motion
Wall battles
Corner battles
Puck protection and body positioning
Phase 3 – Overspeed Training & Scoring Mentality

High-intensity training focuses on speed, attacking the net, and scoring in competitive situations.

Key Areas

Overspeed skating
Net-front scoring
Rebounds and second-chance opportunities
Net-front battles
Driving and attacking the net
Offensive timing and finishing
Phase 4 – Game Application & Hockey IQ

Integrating all skills into realistic game environments while improving hockey sense and positional play.

Key Areas

Small-area games
Half-ice competition
Full-ice game situations
Positional awareness
Hockey IQ and decision-making
Team systems and transitions
Program Instructors
Frank Banham
Former NHL player with over 20 years of professional hockey experience in North America and Europe. A former draft pick of the Washington Capitals, Banham played in the NHL with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and Phoenix Coyotes while building a successful international professional career. Frank currently serves as Director of Hockey Operations for the Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones and specializes in elite offensive development, hockey IQ, and player advancement.

Christopher Crane
Christopher Crane is a former professional hockey player from West Chester, Ohio, who was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 7th round of the 2010 NHL Draft. Crane played collegiate hockey at Ohio State University before beginning a professional career in the AHL and ECHL with organizations including the Worcester Sharks, San Jose Barracuda, Allen Americans, Orlando Solar Bears, and Wichita Thunder. Known for his skill, toughness, and offensive ability, Crane brings high-level playing experience and player development knowledge to Banham Elite Hockey. He currently serves as Head Coach of the University of Cincinnati Hockey Club and focuses on skill development, hockey IQ, compete level, and mentoring young athletes both on and off the ice.

Andy Pokupec
Andy Pokupec is a highly respected hockey coach and development mentor with extensive experience working with players at the AAA, high school, and junior levels. Andy was instrumental in helping build and establish the Moeller High School Hockey Program and also played a major role in helping develop and grow the Buckeye Hockey League in its early years. Known for his strong leadership, teaching ability, and passion for player development, Andy has helped guide numerous athletes throughout their hockey careers both on and off the ice. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, hockey IQ, compete level, discipline, and building confidence in young players while creating a positive and demanding training environment.

Bobby Pokupec
Former Notre Dame Academy standout and current University of Cincinnati player. Bobby has extensive experience playing AAA and high-level competitive hockey and focuses on skill development, skating mechanics, puck control, and offensive creativity. His ability to connect with younger players makes him a valuable part of the development staff.

Brent Sopel
Former NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup Champion with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sopel played over 700 NHL games during his career with teams including the Vancouver Canucks, Atlanta Thrashers, Montreal Canadiens, and Chicago Blackhawks. Brent brings elite-level defensive knowledge, hockey IQ, leadership, and professional experience to the program.

Kris Renfrow
Kris Renfrow is a former professional goaltender and high-level performance coach with experience playing in the ECHL, including time with the Cincinnati Cyclones and Allen Americans. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Renfrow has built a strong reputation in both hockey development and athletic performance training. In addition to his playing background, he is a certified performance coach specializing in strength training, mobility, conditioning, recovery, and hockey-specific athletic development. Kris brings a unique combination of professional playing experience, goalie expertise, and elite fitness training to Banham Elite Hockey while helping athletes maximize performance both on and off the ice.

Lee Lansdowne
Dedicated goalie coach with extensive experience in goaltender development and training. Lee specializes in skating mechanics, positioning, rebound control, tracking, and situational play while helping goalies improve both technically and mentally in game situations.

Mikhail Mikhaylov
Former Russian Olympic track and field trainer with extensive experience in speed development, biomechanics, agility, and elite athletic performance training. Mikhail brings high-level expertise in acceleration, movement efficiency, explosiveness, and conditioning techniques designed to maximize athletic potential both on and off the ice.