Hockey Program
Quick Facts about the Hockey Program:
- North American Style
- 4 Teams U16, U18, U18, U20
- 3 Leagues U16 Austria, U18 EBJL, U20 EBYSL
- 35+ games per team. 10 months of ice times.
- Weekly skating and skill development sessions
- Full-Time Strength Coach
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance
- In-Season and Off-Season Training Programs
- Game video analysis
- Professional coaching staff with 80+ years of experience
Development
Our athletes take part in daily purposeful training both on ice and off ice. Practices are designed with individual skill development in mind through tactical and technical teaching. Our philosophy is to provide our athletes with the tools needed to execute and perform at the highest level possible.
Teaching is a big part of our daily activities, from techniques to hockey IQ that gives our athletes not only a physical advantage but also allows them to understand the game and how to be successful within it. Our coaches are experts by experience having played the game at collegiate, professional, and national levels. Their knowledge of what it takes and their understanding of the player’s perspective makes our academy a unique program
Physical Preparation
We strongly believe that physical preparation is key to long-term hockey development. Our professional Strength and Conditioning Coach, combined with our Athletic Therapist, provide expertise for maximum off-ice development. Testing on and off the ice is done throughout the year analyzing each individual baseline and development curve, as well as identifying each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. With that information a purposeful training program is built around maximizing each athlete’s growth and helping them achieve their optimum athletic potential.
Okanagan Hockey Europe is fortunate to have top quality medical services for our student-athletes:
Full-time Athletic Therapist on staff
First responder at all games
Private Athletic Therapy and Rehabilitation
Access to Medical Doctors
Prep
Our Prep team will participate in the highly competitive, multi-national U20 Erste Bank Young Stars League that includes clubs in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia. It is comprised of players that study in the 11th or 12th grade (7L or 8L LAIS).
As one of the youngest teams in the league, the Prep team will have a great opportunity to gain experience against some older clubs.
Varsity
Our Varsity teams will participate in the U18 Erste Bank Junior League that features clubs from Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia. It is comprised of players that are mainly attending the 10th, 11th or 12th grade (6L, 7L, 8L LAIS).
Players from these teams are always able to step up and play at the U20 level should our coaching staff feel they player can both physically and mentally handle competition level of the older league.
Junior Varsity
Our Jr. Varsity team is comprised of players who attend the 9th or 10th grade (5L and 6L LAIS). The team will compete in the Austrian U16 National League which offers a competitive schedule that allows our players to develop and adapt to our systems and expectations.