RED DEER, AB – Hockey Alberta and the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) will host an elite development camp in July, looking to expand upon the success of the inaugural event in 2016.
Eighty elite athletes from the Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League (AMMHL) have the opportunity to participate in the AJHL Development Camp presented by Hockey Alberta, July 18-23, at the Edgeworth Centre in Camrose.
Hockey Alberta works with AMMHL coaches on player identification, final player selections and invitations. The camp features 2001-born athletes who played in the AMMHL this year, and who are not currently on the protected list of a Western Hockey League team.
The inaugural edition of the camp proved very successful as 14 players who attended in 2016 were signed to an AJHL White Card or affiliated to an AJHL team during the 2016-17 season. The camp provided an excellent opportunity for AJHL teams to evaluate and interact with the prospects.
“The partnership between Hockey Alberta, the AMMHL and the AJHL has created a unique opportunity to enhance the development of these players and has proven to be an identification camp for our teams in just the first year,” said Fran Gow, AJHL Vice-President of Hockey Operations. “The camp also provides coaches with the option to complete their HP1 Certification and ensures high level instruction for the participants.”
Players participate in on-ice activities that include six practices and four games, and off-ice and classroom sessions. There will be an AJHL presentation for athletes and parents, and at the conclusion of the camp, each player will receive a scout package and evaluation summary.
“This camp provides the unique opportunity for Minor Midget-aged players in Alberta to learn from some of the top coaches, but also to showcase their talents for AJHL teams while they are learning,” said Drew Dixon, Manager of Coach Development for Hockey Alberta. “The fact that 20 per cent of last year’s participants had AJHL experience this season demonstrates the potential not just for individual skill development but also to help players start on their future career paths.”
For more information on Hockey Alberta’s development programming and athlete skills camps, go to hockeyalberta.ca.