About Be Ready Hockey

At Be Ready Hockey, we believe hockey doesn’t just build better athletes—it builds better humans. There’s something unique about the sport: the camaraderie, accountability, and work ethic it demands consistently shape people for success both on and off the ice.

Meet Blake Hackbarth – Founder, Coach, and Certified Personal Trainer

My name is Blake Hackbarth, and hockey has shaped every part of who I am. After graduating from Hortonville High School in 2016, I played three years of Junior Hockey across various leagues and cities. In 2019, I returned to my alma mater—this time behind the bench—as a coach, and that’s when my journey in player development truly began.

Since then, I've committed my career to helping athletes reach the next level. I’ve worked with over 1,000 athletes, from first-time skaters to professionals playing around the world. My experience includes:

Neenah High School Hockey – Assistant Coach Coach
Pro Vision Hockey Academy – Director of Programming
SPHL’s Knoxville Ice Bears – Front Office Operations
Lawrence University Women’s Hockey – Skill Development Coach
Fox Cities Stars Girls Hockey – Head Coach
Fox Valley Hockey Training - Owner

Today, I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and offer specialized hockey training—on and off the ice—for players across Western Michigan and beyond.

Why Be Ready Hockey?

The truth is that finding a hockey-specific trainer in Western Michigan can be a challenge. That’s exactly why I built Be Ready Hockey. My goal is simple: help athletes develop the skills, mindset, and character needed to succeed in hockey—and in life.

I’ve designed a development model based on:

Years of experience in Junior, College, and Pro Hockey
Certification as a personal trainer
A deep understanding of how to balance elite training with being a kid

Whether it’s private on-ice lessons, group strength & speed training, or full development camps, every athlete gets high-level coaching, personalized attention, and unwavering support.

A Message to Athletes

I tell every athlete I work with:

“The best players in the world are constantly being coached and trained.”

Tom Brady didn’t extend his career because of genetics—he had a team of trainers who were strong, speedy, recovery, nutrition, and more, pushing him daily. If you want to take your game to the next level, why wouldn’t you train the same way?

Outside The Rink

When I’m not coaching, you’ll probably find me at the golf course, batting cages, shooting hoops, or hanging out with my dogs, Montgomery and Memphis. I’m just as passionate about life as I am about hockey—and I bring that energy into everything I do.

Company ethics and Values

Built for Real Development. Built for the Long Haul.

Be Ready Hockey isn’t just another camp. It’s a commitment.

Blake Hackbarth created Be Ready Hockey to give athletes in Western Michigan a serious opportunity to grow—not just as hockey players but as young men and women.

While many hockey camps focus on packing the ice with 50+ kids and offering flashy, one-hour sessions with little personal attention, Be Ready Hockey takes a different approach: real coaching, smaller groups, and development that actually moves the needle.

Every Player Matters

At Be Ready Hockey, every athlete is:

Treated with respect
Held accountable
Pushed in a positive and constructive way

On top of physical skills, players are expected to:

Clean up after themselves
Practice manners and discipline
Learn teamwork
Have fun
And most importantly, become better humans, scholars, and athletes

This isn’t just training—it’s mentorship.

Founder • Coach • Certified Personal Trainer

Born and raised in the Fox Valley, Blake played varsity hockey for Neenah/Hortonville/Menasha, contributing to a record-breaking 24-game win streak his senior season. He went on to play three years of junior hockey, including a trip to the Frozen Four and finishing 9th all-time in franchise scoring, eventually earning the title of team captain.

After hanging up the skates, Blake wasted no time in giving back—returning to his high school program as a coach and launching Recruitment Hockey, a company dedicated to managing and advancing high-level players in AAA, Prep, Junior, College, and Pro.

Why Be Ready Hockey Exists

"I just want every kid to have the chance to play hockey. It’s the greatest sport in the world, and it creates better humans like no other sport can."

After his time with the Southern Pro League’s Knoxville Ice Bears, Blake moved back home with one goal: to give back to the community that shaped him.

"This isn’t just a summer hobby or side gig—this is my life. I want to share what I’ve learned with serious hockey players and families who are ready to commit to real development."

At Be Ready Hockey, athletes aren’t expected to just have fun—they're expected to grow. If you're a C player, we want you on the B team next year. If you're an A player, our goal is to help you put up 150 points.

Ready to Be Ready?

If you're looking for a program that actually cares about long-term development, not just temporary hype, you're in the right place.
Blake Hackbarth and Be Ready Hockey are here to train, mentor, and help you or your athlete become the best version of themselves—on and off the ice.

Company Ethics and Values