The 4th annual Merritt Hockey School, scheduled for August 17-19 and 20-25 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, promises to be the biggest and best one yet!
This year’s MHS will be run by Merritt Centennials’ coaches Luke Pierce and Joe Martin. They have taken over the highly-successful program from its founder, former Cents’ player Nick Kang.
“We hope to build on what Nick started,” stated Martin who has plenty of his own experience with hockey schools. He is currently in Whitehorse, Yukon running a school there for youngsters of all ages.
“The main school will run from August 20-25,” explained Martin, “and will be for players 6-14 years of age.”
According to Martin, week-long campers will be divided into three groups: ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14.
“Each participant will get two ice times each day, off-ice skill sessions, games and conditioning, and swimming at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre,” says Martin. “Everyone will also get an official camp jersey, a certificate of participation and a camp report card.”
Martin and Pierce wil be assisted in their coaching by both former and current Centennials such as Brent Fletcher and Merritt’s own Payton Schaefer. Back heading up the goaltending instruction will be Richie Kohorst from Kamloops.
Prior to the main camp for the youngsters, Merritt Hockey School will be running a Junior Prep Conditioning Camp from August 17-19.
The Junior/Prep School will be geared towards players 15 years and older aspiring to play midget rep, major midget, Junior B or Junior A hockey this coming season.
Sessions will be high tempo with practices and off-ice workouts during the day and scrimmages every evening.
In addition to Pierce and Martin, instruction will also be provided by the likes of Dale Hladun, head coach of the KIJHL’s Princeton Posse.
For complete details on this year’s Merritt Hockey School, go to the Merritt Centennials’ website and click on the MHS link on the right hand side of the main page, or contact Brian Barrett at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (250-378-4832).
