10 FAQ’s about West Coast Hockey Prep Camp

Picture of Nate Leslie (PCC, CEC, M.Ed.)

Nate Leslie (PCC, CEC, M.Ed.)

Camp Director | Certified Executive Coach | Former Professional Player

1. Who are the coaches at Prep Camp?
We are very proud of the coaching quality at Prep Camp.  In the 5 years we have been running Prep Camp, we have seen a dramatic increase in the overall calibre of coaches.  This year we will have coaches from the American Hockey League, European professional leagues, NCAA, BCHL, Junior B, and skill development professionals.  Click here to see our coaching roster.

2. Will I get scouted at Prep Camp?
Every year dozens of players earn tryouts with Junior B and Junior A teams.  If a player is of Junior A calibre, for example, our Junior A coaches will have every opportunity to evaluate that player.  Very often our coaches help players find tryout opportunities on teams, even if it means sending the player to another team.  Our coaching staff is passionate about helping create opportunities for players at Prep Camp.  At the end of the day Prep Camp will provide an opportunity, but past that the player must shine!  More than 100 players that attended Prep Camp in 2011 and 2012 are now playing Major Midget or higher.  Click to see the complete list.  If you should be on this list please fill out the form to let us know!

3. What week is the best for my child?

Week 1: July 15-20
Female Elite players from Pee Wee to Junior.  We have just confirmed that Graham Thomas, Head Coach of the University of British Columbia (CIS) will be our feature coach.  If you have aspirations to play Varsity Women’s Hockey at a Canadian University this week is for you.

Week 2: July 22-27
Elite Male: Midget to Junior.  Elite players born 1998 and older are the target level for this week.  We run an elite midget group, as well as an ‘Above Midget’ group for players who have played at the Major Midget level or higher.  If you have AP’d with a Major Midget team you qualify for this group.  We understand that every midget player wants to be in this group with Major Midget and Junior A/B/Major Junior players, but we reserve the right to place Midget players in a group best suited to his level.  We have many Junior B players, and a few Junior A players in this group.

Week 3: July 29 – August 3
This week is exactly like week 2, but also features a Bantam Showcase group for elite players born in 1999 and 2000.  This elite bantam group is filling up quickly.  We anticipate 10-15 Junior coaches and scouts to attend this week including the WHL, BCHL, VIJHL, PIJHL, and KIJHL.  As many as 10 WHL scouts and coaches will be in attendance.

Week 4:
August 5-10
Week 4 features the following groups:
Junior A to Pro: This group was a great success in 2012.  Players must have played Junior A or higher, or be signed to a Junior A team for the upcoming season.  This group includes players from the BCHL or equivalent, NCAA, and professional hockey.
Midget Position Specific: Players born in 1998-1996 divided into forward and defensive groups.  this is our most ‘Position Specific’ training.
Bantam Position Specific: Players born in 1998-1996 divided into forward and defensive groups.  this is our most ‘Position Specific’ training.
Goalie Camp: Goalies from Pee Wee to Pro divided into age and skill specific groups.  2 goalie sessions per day.
Pee Wee: A great camp for young committed players born in 2001 and 2002.  These up and coming players get the same great coaching that all older elite groups receive.

4. In what age group will my child be placed?
Our first placement is made according to the level the player will be playing in the coming season.  On rare occasions a Midget player may be placed in the Major Midget group, at the request of our scouting staff, or after the first day of camp.  We recognize that every midget player wants to be in the Major Midget / Junior group, but for the integrity of the camp we reserve the right to place each player in the designated group that our experienced directors decide to be the best fit.

5. What level of players attend Prep Camp?
Our camp is reserved for elite players and therefore players must have played at least Rep hockey in order to attend.  We are constantly striving to recruit the highest calibre of players possible.  If your child is not an elite player in his/her club but you would like a summer hockey camp experience with superior coaching, please contact me directly, as we have many other programs suited to house level players.

6. If my kid stays in the dorms will he/she be well supervised?
Yes.  We have heavily invested in our dormitory assets.  Each quad contains 2-4 beds, lockers, and private walls.  We have removed the doors from our quad construction, similar to many boarding schools, as it creates a welcoming and social atmosphere.  Players sharing a quad are of similar age.  There are a range of ages in the dorm facility, which makes for a very rich environment.  Our experience has proven that our older players do a great job looking out for the younger players, and the younger players gain an incredible life experience through the presence of the older players.  Our dorm is supervised 24/7 with adults, as well as group leaders / dorm captains that are generally University or Junior A level hockey players. Click for photos.

7. Can I change weeks if my plans change?
Yes.  For example if you choose week 2 today, but decide a month from now that only week 3 will work for you, I’ll be happy to assist.  Final decisions are due July 1.

8. What payment options do I have?
You can pay in full upon registration, or by monthly installments.  The earlier you register, the more you can spread out your payment plan.  Final payments are made August 1st for players on the payment plan.  We accept Visa, Mastercard, Debit, cheque, and cash.

9. How do I register?
1) Click here to register in less than 5 minutes online.
2) Call Nate Leslie today at 604.628.0316.

10. Do you offer discounts?
Yes.  We are currently offering $100 early discount, as well as $100 off for each additional week purchased per family.  This could be a 2nd week for one player, or 1 week for 2 siblings.  We also have a referral/recruiting program.  Please contact GM Nate Leslie for more details.

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