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Whether a professional athlete or just learning a sport, “practice makes perfect” many coaches tell their players.
By definition the phrase is “a form of encouragement for someone to continue to do something many times, so that they will learn to do it very well.”
The great Vince Lombardi once said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” And, when you think about what he said, it makes sense. Because if you are not practicing the right skills correctly, you will never be perfect, even though pure perfection is hard to achieve for anyone.
But perfection isn’t what MassConn United or M/CU Training Center in Agawam is all about — it is about “perfect practice” for them.
Trained in early childhood education at Springfield College, Shad Hanrahan purchased the facility six years ago with just that in mind.
“My goal was to have a place where athletes could train on- and off-season for all sports and provide them with a quality environment to up their game,” said Hanrahan, who after 18 years helping to run eight child care centers owned by his family, was looking for something different to do.
“We provide training for everyone and anyone with any ability whether the sport they choose is new to them or they are looking to improve their skillset in the off season,” Hanrahan said.
From beginners to pro, M/CU Training Center is a onestop shop to improve your game — whether ice hockey, field hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, golf or soccer. They employ top local trainers and their knowledge, skills and training to develop programs that will make you a better player no matter what your skill level. Their small player-to-coach ratio clinics allow them to focus on each individual athlete’s needs.
M/CU Training Center has two 45x80 smaller ice sheets, 45x100 indoor turf, three batting cages, 45x100 roller hockey/slash boxed field, five golf simulators and a full gym setup.
“Hockey is definitely our main business, it’s year-round for us. There are not many places like ours where you can get ice time for an affordable price and quality training throughout the year,” Hanrahan said.
As the saying goes, “You can’t just step out on the ice and skate.” It takes plenty of patience and practice – think how many people you see taking a tumble on the ice when learning — alongside strong ankles and good balance.
Among the many hockey programs offered at M/CU to help skaters gain confidence on the ice and learn the skills necessary to play a good game of hockey are: Hockey Tots (year round), Hockey Night Skills Clinic Session 2, Adult Learn to Play Hockey (both year round), Full Day Summer Hockey Clinic (2025), Spring 3v3 Hockey League (2025), Eight Week Summer Hockey Training (2025), and the Learn to Skate Drop-In sessions to help participants get more comfortable on the ice, which takes place every Sunday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (year round).
Ice rentals are $125 for one hour to skate with family, friends, or all alone if you choose; 1 on 1 Lessons are $150 for a 50-minute session; Team Rentals are $150 for one hour, Eight Week Package is $425 (year-round six-to-eight-week sessions); and Vacation Camps during Christmas, February, April and Summer are $350.
M/CU also offer their unique 413 Hockey Program, a progressive approach to a combination of athletic training and education for hockey players in grades 6-9. The program consists of a full school year of education and hockey training. It is designed for players to study and train intensively for one school year to prepare them to move onto a traditional brick and mortar school with an elite hockey program.
“This a great opportunity for a hockey player who is focused ongoing to the next level. Our academy allows the player to participate with any team they choose and receive high quality training throughout the season. They will also have yoga, gym and film review sessions,” Hanrahan said, noting to keep an eye out on their website for future Demo Days, where for free you can stop in and check out what it is like to attend the 413 Hockey Program.
Other programs to check out on the M/CU website include: Veterans Day 1v1 Training, Intro to Lacrosse (March 2025), Rep City (March 2025), Summer Field Hockey (2025), Field Hockey Training Sessions 8 (November), 1v1 Private Training (year round), Summer Turf Burn Field Hockey League (2025), Hard Knocks Baseball Academy (keep checking website for updates), Full Plate Group Training (year round), and Softball Lessons (year round).
For golfers who miss the links during the colder, snowy months, M/CU has five state-of-the-art golf simulators where you can play up to 18 holes. Thanks to software you can be transported to digitally replicated golf courses such as iconic Pebble Beach, Pinehurst and St. Andrews. Simulators work by recording your swing to help you improve your game — including ball speed, spin, launch angle and more. It is $50 per hour and M/CU also offers league play.
If baseball or softball is your game, M/CU Training Center has three batting cages.
They offer two pitching and hitting membership packages. The Hall of Fame at $120 per month gives you unlimited cage access, $125 clinics, discounts on trainings, and you are allowed one free guest pass — $20 per additional player. They consider the All-Star membership their best value for $40 per month with $20 hour cage rental, $10 for half-hour cage rental, $125 clinics, discounts on trainings, and you are allowed one free guest pass — $30 per player. If you prefer not to invest in a membership, hourly cage rentals are $45, half-hour cage rentals are $25, clinic pricing is $175, and trainings are $85 per hour. They also offer team training rentals.
Strength and conditioning are important when playing any sport and M/CU offers a program to help athletes perform at their highest level with small group coaching for all fitness levels for ages 11-22, and tailored workouts toward each athlete’s physical ability.
“Whatever sport you participate in and want to reach the next level, strength and conditioning plays a vital role. In conjunction with Full Plate Strength and Conditioning out of Westfield, we provide an opportunity to help reach your goals and prepare you for your optimal potential. From following a weekly workout routine to advising you on your diet, Full Plate is there every step of the way,” Hanrahan said.
After successfully working with children for many years at his family’s day care center, Hanrahan brings that background and more to M/CU Training Center.
“I’m trying to get the best out of the kids who come here. And we are affordable, so everyone can participate,” Hanrahan said, who has coached many youth teams including lacrosse, baseball and basketball.
Chris Connors, who coaches Girls’ Varsity Hockey at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, agrees.
“We consider M/CU a second home for us. Shad and his staff promote a family atmosphere here since he took over ownership in 2017. I have known Shad for years and he is a class act. His center is state-of-the-art, and he tailors his business toward the youth. Shad is so hospitable and operates a one-stop shop which parents and athletes love. We even hold our team parties and dinners here, especially at Christmastime,” Connors said about using the facility for the team’s skills practices, fitness workouts and more.
And for the really fun part of M/CU, they open their facility for children’s birthday parties starting at $400 for a two-hour block of time and the unlimited use of their ice rinks, roller rink, batting cages, indoor lacrosse/soccer fields. They have tables and chairs that can be used and you provide everything else, although they will provide décor, or you can bring your own. They also open their space for corporate and local fundraisers.
M/CU TRAINING CENTER IS LOCATED ON 153 SPRINGFIELD ST. IN AGAWAM.
HOURS ARE DAILY FROM 7 A.M. TO 9 P.M.
OF SPECIAL NOTE, M/CU PROVIDES SPACE AND TRAINING TOOLS, BUT USERS
ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SPORTS GEAR AND EQUIPMENT.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES,
CALL 413-301-6040, AND CALL OR STOP IN TO M/CU TO SCHEDULE A TIME.