Puckmasters Expands East with Integration of Puckmasters Eastside

DETROIT, MI — February 17, 2026 — Puckmasters Hockey Training announces the integration of Puckmasters Eastside into its growing network of performance-based hockey training environments through the acquisition of the former Synergy and Forerunner programs. The move expands the organization’s high-performance development model into Michigan’s eastside communities, including Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, Clinton Township, and surrounding areas, while laying the foundation for continued growth ahead of the Puckmasters Oakland Junior Grizzlies Performance Center opening later in 2026.

The Eastside integration combines established local leadership and athlete relationships with Puckmasters’ proven training system — an all-in-one development environment focused on on-ice skill progression, off-ice power and athleticism, and the technical mechanics of shooting, skating, and puck control, alongside cognitive training designed to build resilience, hockey IQ, and long-term performance habits.

With more than 17 years of experience developing players through a systematic real-ice approach, Puckmasters continues to position itself at the forefront of modern hockey development, expanding access to structured training environments designed to grow and retain participation in the game while preparing athletes for the next level.

Led by Experienced Eastside Leadership

Puckmasters Eastside will be led by an experienced coaching staff with deep roots in local player development, including Matt Thomas, former Synergy and Forerunner leader, alongside trainers Kyle Lamont and Bobby LeBlanc. The group brings extensive competitive playing and coaching experience while aligning with the Puckmasters training philosophy.

“Our goal has always been to create an environment where players feel challenged, supported, and excited to grow,” said Matt Thomas, General Manager and Head Trainer for Puckmasters Eastside. “Joining the Puckmasters brand allows us to build on what we’ve done locally while giving eastside athletes access to a larger development system focused on long-term success.”

Accelerating Access While Building Toward Shelby

The integration of Puckmasters Eastside reflects the organization’s continued growth and commitment to meeting athletes where they are, while laying the groundwork for the next phase of expansion. While the Puckmasters Shelby Performance Center remains on track to introduce a purpose-built dual-sheet training environment later in 2026, Eastside programming allows players to immediately enter the Puckmasters development pathway and begin training within the system today.

“This is about accelerating access,” said Nick Griffin, Managing Member of Puckmasters Hockey Training. “The eastside has a strong and passionate hockey community. Integrating Puckmasters Eastside allows us to deliver our proven development model sooner while building momentum toward our Shelby Performance Center and the next generation of Puckmasters.”

The Eastside expansion serves as a key milestone leading into Shelby — a next-generation facility designed to elevate hockey development across Southeast Michigan and create a centralized hub for performance-based training.

“Eastside allows us to bring the Puckmasters experience to families sooner,” Griffin added. “It builds relationships and momentum now while we continue preparing for Shelby and the long-term growth of our performance model.”

Terry Bishop added, “This expansion brings expanded skills training offering to our OjG players that differentiates us from other organizations! It’s evidence of the value of the OjG/Puckmaster partnership!”

Training Locations

Off-ice training will be hosted at the former Synergy complex in Clinton Township:

Puckmasters Eastside Off-Ice Training

18780 Kelly Ct

Clinton Township, MI 48035

The off-ice facility will serve as a performance hub for athletic development, shooting mechanics, and cognitive training. The space will also feature a strategic collaboration with Peake Sports Ball Hockey (www.detroitballhockey.com , Detroit Ball Hockey Facebook) , creating a multi-discipline environment that supports year-round player development and expands access points into the sport. By integrating ball hockey and off-ice performance under one roof, Puckmasters continues its commitment to growing and retaining participation in the great game of hockey.

On-ice training sessions will be conducted at:

St. Clair Shores Civic Arena

20000 Stephens St

St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

Players will experience the same Puckmasters methodology already proven at its Wixom location - emphasizing skating efficiency, shooting mechanics, puck control, and hockey IQ.

About Puckmasters Hockey Training

Puckmasters Hockey Training Facility is the nation’s leading real-ice, data-driven hockey development organization dedicated to helping players of all ages train like professionals. Founded on the principles of individualized coaching, consistent repetition, and measurable progression, Puckmasters provides year-round training through real-ice rinks, skating treadmills, performance gyms, shooting and goalie lanes, and cognitive development classrooms. Puckmasters allows all players the ability to train like a pro and build confidence and habits that go beyond the rink.

For more information: www.puckmasters.com

Media Contact: detroit@puckmasters.com