Player Acceleration | Hockey Development Blog

Summer Hockey Camps 2024: What To Look Out For

Written by Player Acceleration | Apr 25, 2024 6:39:37 PM

 

It's time to start planning how to keep your son or daughter engaged and active during the summer break. For hockey families in British Columbia's Okanagan region, there's no better option than Player Acceleration's Summer Hockey Camps.

At Player Acceleration, we're all about crafting camps that go beyond the ice rink, to create experiences that shape character and elevate abilities. It's a philosophy centered on personal growth – nurturing not only physical prowess but also mental resilience and emotional intelligence.

Each of our summer hockey camps is designed to offer a blend of skill enhancement, competition, and personal development. Whether your child dreams of becoming a pro or simply want to have a blast while honing their skills, our camps cater to every hockey ambition.

What to Look Out For When Choosing a Summer Hockey Camp

Parents often have trouble knowing what to look out for when it comes to registering for a hockey camp. There are so many options in selecting a summer hockey camp for your son or daughter, here are a few key factors to consider:

Quality of Coaching: 

Look for camps led by experienced coaches who have a track record of developing players and creating a positive learning environment.

Camp Philosophy: 

Consider the camp's approach to player development. Does it focus solely on on-ice skills, or does it also emphasize off-ice training, mental resilience, and teamwork?

Facilities and Resources: 

Check out the camp's facilities and resources to ensure they meet your expectations. Is there access to quality ice rinks, off-ice training areas, and equipment?

Camp Size and Structure: 

Think about whether your child would thrive in a smaller, more intimate camp setting or a larger, more competitive environment. Consider the camp's structure and schedule to ensure it aligns with your child's goals and preferences.

Safety and Supervision: 

Safety should always be a top priority. Make sure the camp has proper safety protocols in place and that there is adequate supervision at all times.

What Sets Player Acceleration Summer Hockey Camps Apart?

 


The Heart of the Okanagan

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Okanagan Valley, our camps are strategically located in Kelowna, Summerland, and Kamloops, offering players an unparalleled setting for their hockey journey. Surrounded by lush valleys, shimmering lakes, and majestic mountains, these locations provide the perfect backdrop for a summer filled with fun and learning.

The Power of Off-Ice Training & Skills

Success on the ice starts long before players lace up their skates. Off-ice hockey fitness training is a cornerstone of the High-Performance Camps, focusing on hockey-specific exercises tailored to enhance players' physical attributes. Utilizing explosive training methods, coordination drills, balance exercises, and core work, participants build strength and endurance in the muscles essential for peak hockey performance. Each session is carefully crafted to target the specific movements and demands of the game, ensuring that players are physically prepared to excel on the ice.

At Player Acceleration camps, we additionally dedicate time to off-ice hockey skills, allowing players to isolate and refine key aspects of their game. Through focused drills and exercises, participants work on stickhandling techniques, shooting accuracy, simulated skating movements, and hand-eye coordination. These sessions provide players with the opportunity to fine-tune their skills in a controlled environment, reinforcing muscle memory and building confidence in their abilities.

Mastering On-Ice Skills

On the ice, our focus shifts to skill development, game strategy, and tactical awareness. The High-Performance Camps at Player Acceleration prioritize on-ice training sessions designed to refine players' skills and enhance their skating abilities. From mastering edgework and perfecting stride techniques to honing tight turns and smooth transitions, participants are immersed in a comprehensive program that fosters game awareness alongside applicable skill development. Through dynamic drills and high-speed, game-like scenarios, players elevate their stickhandling and shooting proficiency, mastering moves like toe drags, fakes, wrist shots, and slap shots.

Unlocking Mental Resilience

Beyond physical training, the High-Performance Camps place a strong emphasis on player personal development, focusing on emotional and mental fitness. Through a variety of practices including self-reflection, visualization, meditation, and breathwork, participants learn valuable techniques to strengthen their mindset and emotional resilience. These sessions empower players to cultivate a positive attitude, manage stress effectively, and maintain focus and composure in high-pressure situations, ultimately enhancing their overall performance on and off the ice.

Building Lifelong Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of summer hockey camps is the sense of community that develops among players, coaches, and staff. From shared triumphs on the ice to laughter-filled moments off it, friendships formed at camp often last a lifetime, creating a support network that extends far beyond the rink.

Empowering Female Athletes

For girls who are ready to shine on the ice, our Female Camp offers a supportive environment where they can hone their skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. Led by experienced female coaches, this camp empowers young athletes to break barriers and achieve their full potential.

Nurturing Young Talent

Our Young Guns Camp is tailored for aspiring young players eager to lay the groundwork for future success. With a focus on fundamental skills, game strategy, and individual development, participants emerge from this camp equipped with the tools they need to thrive in competitive hockey environments.

Don't let another summer slip by without giving your child the chance to elevate their game and create memories that will last a lifetime. Secure their spot at Player Acceleration's Summer Hockey Camps today and watch as they embark on a journey of growth, learning, and fun. We can't wait to see you at camp!

If you're still having trouble selecting the right summer hockey camp for your child, take a look at this video to help you find a hockey program that aligns with your child's passion and developmental stage: 

 

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