Skill Development - Optional Programs
Thunderbirds offers skill development opportunities throughout the season. When new offerings are made available, those age divisions who are eligible will receive an email notifying them and directing them to register. All current opportunities are available on the TBird Clinics page.
Goaltender Development with ProFormance Goalie School
Sessions will be led by ProFormance Goalie Schools, one of the leading goalie development programs in BC. They have been training goalies in the Vancouver area for the past twenty years and have led our Thunderbirds Goalie School and rep goalie training for the past three seasons.
For the 2021-22 season, we will be offering rotating weekly sessions for our U8 and U9 divisions for players interested in getting additional training. There is no charge for these sessions but sign up will be required. Further information will be provided in late August.
Skills with Vancouver Hockey School's Derek Popke
As part of the Vancouver Hockey School, Derek has developed a curriculum that he brought to our U6-U9 age groups starting in the 2018-19 season. Derek also acts as a coach mentor to the coaches in the division and will bring his years of training to the rink to help develop our coaches. He will be on the ice on a regular basis bringing the latest skill instruction knowledge to our players and our coaches.
In addition to Derek, TBirds will have on-ice skill leads for a number of sessions and Stan Sibert will work with all the U7-U9 team coaches in his Coach Development Lead role.
High Performance Program - click here for more information
The High Performance (HP) Program is an in-season skills program designed for dedicated T-Birds U8/U9 players who want to train, work hard, and take their game to the next level.
Skill sessions are instructed by Derek Popke. As a skating consultant, Derek has worked on-ice with the NHL Toronto Maple Leafs, ECHL Victoria Salmon Kings, MML Vancouver Canadians, and numerous minor hockey teams. His current list of NHL clients include Morgan Reilly (Toronto Maple Leafs), Sam Rienhart (Florida Panthers), Ben Chairot (Montreal Canadians), Troy Stecher (Detroit Redwings), Alex Edler (LA Kings), and Tyler Myers (Vancouver Canucks) to name a few. You can read Derek's full bio at www.vancouverhockeyschool.com.
Players are placed in appropriate skill groups in order to maximize the teaching efficiency and learning experience of each individual player. Sessions do not conflict with T-Birds practice or home game slots.