It's time to start lacing up those skates and getting prepared for another hockey season. And what better way to get a jump on the competition than at the Sunshine Coast summer hockey school.
Presented by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) parks and recreation division, this year the SCRD is partnering with the British Columbia Hockey League Junior A Burnaby Express and Top Shelf Hockey, which includes head coach David McLellan and assistants. This is a chance for players and the coach to get quality instruction from junior coaches and to get a taste of how junior players prepare at that level.
The hockey school starts out with a conditioning camp for peewee rep to midget players on Aug. 16 and 17. There is also a goalie camp that weekend as well. The main camp for tykes to peewee is Aug. 18 to 22 with all sessions at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
"All players will receive on-ice instruction in all aspects of the game," said SCRD recreation co-ordinator Tom Poulton."As well, all players will get lots of dryland training in between, with outdoor lacrosse and soccer, even a trip to Sechelt for some swimming at the new aquatic centre. It's a full week, and we hope all the players will get a lot out of it and get prepared for the new hockey season."
Now in its fifth year, Poulton is hoping to see up to 70 kids take part in this year's camp.
"To have this quality of camp and the high level instruction that we have lined up right here on the Coast is a unique thing," Poulton said. "I don't think players, parents and coaches realize how lucky they are to have this type of camp so close to home. It's affordable and offers something for all skill levels. This is also a perfect opportunity for players to go out and possibly get noticed by a junior coach. If these coaches see some abilities, some skills and see someone who is dedicated, they may take a closer look at them for a possible junior career. We have several players from the Coast who have gone on to higher levels of hockey. This camp could be the starting point for others."
For more information on the hockey school, including fees and registration, call 604-885-6801 or email [email protected].
