Announcement: Skill development for the 2017-18 season

Over the past three months, staff and members of the Board have worked to identify a plan to implement for the coming season that will:

• provide an exceptional learning environment for our players
• offer professional development for our coaches
• begin the process of developing an overall curriculum for Vancouver Thunderbirds Hockey

After an extensive search, the following skills providers will be in place for the 2017-18 season:

Initiation: Leslie Global Sports (LGS) has been retained to lead the bi-weekly skills sessions for our H1-H4 program as well as a weekly skills session for the Intro to Hockey program. Nate Leslie and Ben MacKay will provide the on-ice leadership and LGS will be providing full season guidance through practice plans and other resources to support our coaches.

Recreational: Mike Todd will have a sole focus this season on the overall development and support of the recreational division and will provide leadership during the on-ice skills sessions.

Rep: Vancouver Hockey School will work with our rep program. On-ice skills will be led by Derek Popke with teams rotating through a set schedule. Additional clinics led by Derek will also be available for our Atom and PeeWee players.

Further details to follow at the start of the season.