By Andrew Chong /
From year-round training programs to one-day skills camps, there are more ways for players to develop their game than perhaps ever before.
The array of options out there can be daunting for parent or player; but with adequate research, the player is likely to benefit from the range of choices and end up in a hockey school or training program that fits specific needs in terms of budget, time commitment, skill level, and future goals.
Some single-day programs can by under $100, while some elite training programs can be over $5,000. In terms of specific-skill programs, there are goalie-specific camps, a range of power skating programs, conditioning camps, defenceman-only camps, and so on. In terms of duration, there are day-time summer hockey schools for a few hours each day, full-week overnight hockey schools, weekend skills camps, multi-month training programs, and more.
And depending on a player’s goals, there are fun-oriented programs, high-level season-preparation camps, and all sorts of options in between.
Steve McKichan, former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending coach, runs Future Pro Goalie School. He says that all development programs are not created equal—instructor credentials and program credibility can vary.
“There are several great programs available across the country for players of all positions—unfortunately, there are some unqualified programs,” said McKichan. “Parents and players looking for the right program should look for instructors with bachelor’s degrees and programs that have long histories of success. These days, anyone can hang up a shingle and run a camp.”
McKichan says there are more programs available today than in the last five or ten years but parents and players should still do adequate research because top-quality instruction is not necessarily a given.
“Be sure to find out the exact credentials of the actual on-ice instructors who will be delivering the instruction,” he said. “There are more programs available today but those instructing them don’t necessarily have better credentials.
With so many options out there, it can be daunting to even know where to begin. McKichan suggests a simple starting point.
“Ask for recommendations from other hockey parents,” he said. “Word-of-mouth in this decision is very valuable.”
Glen Forbes, co-director and general manager of Canadian Hockey Enterprises (CHE), a company that runs international hockey camps and tournaments, says its important to pick a program that challenges the player to an appropriate degree.
“There are a range of hockey schools available to players; some are very basic while others specialize in certain programs such as goalie, elite AAA, Junior & college, Bantam & Midget, etc.,” he said. “Some schools also have specific off-ice programs to enhance the on-ice programs. Be careful to select the proper program so the player is challenged but not overwhelmed.”
Forbes adds that as the hockey school climate continues to evolve.
“Hockey schools have come and gone over the years,” he said. “The established schools with a long-time reputation for quality continue to add specific programs and grow with today’s game. Off-ice training is a big part of today’s game and schools and programs have adapted to include it. Female hockey programs have also grown over the past five years.”
Forbes says parents should be absolutely sure of what program they are signing on for.
“Parents should take time to read over the brochures carefully and see what program they feel their child is suitable for and would enjoy: are they competitive or are they coming for training with more emphasis on fun? Then, pick up the phone and speak with the hockey director of the camp to see what program they recommend for you.” |