Hockey training device

Abstract

A hockey training device having a pair of posts extending vertically relative to the surface, a crossbar interconnecting the pair of posts, and a stick trainer pivotally coupled to the crossbar at a first end and extending to a blade at an opposing end. The stick trainer is pivotal between a first position where the blade is in contact with the surface and a second position where the blade is spaced apart from the surface. The stick trainer is preferably biased into the first position to simulate an opponent holding a stick. The pair of posts, the crossbar, and the stick trainer are at least partially covered by foam and may be detachable from each other transporting the device. A pair of supports having a series of spikes may be used to secure the device on an ice surface during use.

1 . A hockey training device for positioning on a surface, comprising:
 a pair of posts extending vertically relative to the surface;   a crossbar interconnecting the pair of posts;   a stick trainer pivotally coupled to the crossbar at a first end and extending to a blade at an opposing end, wherein the stick trainer is pivotal between a first position where the blade is in contact with the surface and a second position where the blade is spaced apart from the surface.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the stick trainer is biased to resist movement into the second position. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the pair of posts, the crossbar, and the stick trainer are at least partially covered by foam. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the pair of posts and the crossbar are detachable from each other. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the pair of posts and the crossbar are interconnected by a quick connect fitting. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a pair of supports, each of which is coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of posts. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the blade comprises a spike for engaging the surface. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein each of the pair of supports comprises a series of spikes for engaging the surface. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein each of the series of spikes comprises a threaded shaft removable threaded into one of the pair of supports. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the stick trainer is weighted to resist movement from the first position into the second position. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the stick trainer is weighted with a weight block having a weight between two and ten pounds. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the stick trainer is biased into the first position by a spring. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the stick trainer is pivotally coupled to the crossbar by a spring hinge that biases the stick trainer into the first position. 
     
     
         14 . A method of developing hockey skills, comprising the steps of:
 providing a hockey training device on a surface, wherein the hockey training device has a pair of posts extending vertically relative to the surface, a crossbar interconnecting the pair of posts, and a pair of stick trainers, each of which is pivotally coupled to the crossbar at a first end and extends to a blade at an opposing end;   positioning a puck in proximity to the blade; and   stealing the puck by engaging one of the stick trainers with a hockey stick so that the one of the stick trainers is moved from a first position in contact with the surface to a second position where the one of the stick trainers is spaced apart from the surface.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the stick trainers are biased to resist movement into the second position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the stick trainers are each weighted to resist movement into the second position 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the stick trainers are each pivotally coupled to the crossbar by a spring hinge that biases the stick trainer into the first position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step of shooting a puck so that is passes between the pair of posts without contacting the blade of at least one of the stick trainers. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step of moving a puck in a figure eight so that it passes between the posts and around the blade of each stick trainers.