The Salmon Arm Hockey School is gearing up for its 33rd year of operation at Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.
Established in Enderby back in the early 1980s and seeing the likes of players such as Eddy Beers, Brent Gilchrist, Sandy Moger, Troy Mick and Ron Flockhart go through the hockey programs, the school moved to Salmon Arm once the Shaw Centre was constructed.
The popular programs are back once again this summer. Aaron Konescni, power skating specialist, returns for his tenth year, as well as head instructor Ryan Marsh, who also oversees the defenceman session.
The hockey school will feature a new goaltending program headed by Lyle Mast. Mast is a highly respected instructor throughout North America working with goalies at all levels including several current National Hockey League goaltenders. It is expected that Cody Franson of the Toronto Maple Leafs and newly appointed coach Troy Mick and assistant coach Brandon West of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks will be making their return debut on the instructional staff as well.
The hockey school offers programs to all levels of hockey including the fundamental program which is catered to aspiring hockey players in the five- and six-year-old range.
Gord Mackintosh, one of the co-founders of the hockey school, calls the school the “hotspot for summer hockey” in the North Okanagan/Shuswap. “It is a opportunity for families to vacation in the Salmon Arm area and for the whole family to get involved in summer hockey.”
The annual ProAm scholarship game is set for Aug. 8 and will feature a number of BC Hockey, Western Hockey, college and professional players in the line-up. The annual scholarship will be presented to a graduating minor hockey player later this month.
The hockey school will feature three major adult tournaments this summer as well. The 35, 40, 50 and over tournament is set to go on Aug. 11 weekend while the 60 and over players will hit the ice mid-week on Aug. 14, 15 and 16. The 19 and over men’s recreation and co-ed tournaments will be on tap on the Aug. 24 weekend.
More information on the hockey school programs can be found on the website at www.salmonarmhockeyschool.com or call the hockey school office at 250-832-4511.2012-06-27