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After careful consideration, on a scale of 1 to 5, we give you and your team a perfect 10. And we’d like you to share that with your staff, please. This feedback comes from Week 2 Bantam boarding player Alonzo Colburn (Blue, No. 11), from Kenmore, Washington. This was his first visit to the camp, and he’s still talking about what a totally awesome experience it was. He loved it; he learned a lot, worked hard, had fun and met some great guys. His absolute favorite thing about camp–by a wide margin: the coaches. They were outstanding. The drills were demanding. He loved the pace. Other faves included: the overall program (a working camp including both hockey and fitness–and time for some fun, too), the food (healthy never tasted so good) and the other attendees (in particular, the New Zealanders–who he loved spending time with). He’d like to come back next year–which is the best gauge of what he thought about his experience. As the adult accompanying Alonzo on the trek north, I too had a terrific time. I stayed in the background, so that Alonzo could have the full boarding experience, but did slip in to watch the ice times and attend the talks. I found the camp very well organized and very well managed–from registration through check-in and beyond. The camp info on the website was very thorough and the staff were terrific and very helpful–which made it easy. I was impressed with the very high caliber of coaching talent on the ice with the players, as well as the intensity of the drills. The evening talks were really informative. Discipline was well-maintained and I observed it being applied in a firm, but respectful manner. (I accidentally overheard part of a discussion by a dorm counselor or supervisor and was impressed at how well he balanced listening with accountability in handling a situation). And you can’t beat the location. So, very well done. We’re thankful that Doug Lindores gave us a call. Wishing you and your team continued success.
-Sheila Mickool. Kirkland, Washington
Nate, I wanted to thank you again for having Nathan at camp for the 2 weeks. I hope he performed well and was a good student. He did make the Major Midget team so he will play for the Vancouver Canadians. He said he learned a lot and was very happy in Port alberni. Hope you are busy and doing well.
-Lori McCarnan, Vancouver BC
Just a thank you for helping Jamie Powers for the last 2 years. She was just selected to the Battleford Sharks AAA team in the Saskatchewan Female AAA league. All the way to the selection camp she kept repeating what your goalie coaches told her at the camp. So she made it to the AAA from a club team last season with no coach and a very disheartening year, your camp kept her going. Thanks Again.
-Wayne Powers, Saskatoon SK
My son broke his wrist at Prep Camp on Tuesday evening. My wife and I were at the game and just want to say the situation was handled very well by everyone involved. I especially want to acknowledge Rhett White, the Nanaimo Clippers trainer who was really on the ball and even stopped by the hospital later to see how he was doing.
-Father, Campbell River BC
Just want to say thank you. Stella said she had an amazing time! She got so motivated by the experience. Evan talking about playing in university (which is pretty big since she’s only in elementary school). She met so many nice girls and said that the hockey was awesome. We’ll definitely do this next year too. My best.
-Danielle Rockel, Vancouver BC
Hi Nate and rest of staff of West Coast Hockey Prep Camp! On behalf of our son Colton, and myself and my husband Troy we would like to thank you so much for all you did to help us out when Colton hurt his back! You guys are amazing, with helping get him to the hospital and accommodating us so we could fly out last night! You and your staff truly are amazing people! Colton is still hurting but looking forward to coming back to camp next year and staying in the dorms!! Thanks again we truly do appreciate everything you did! Please thank Dickie again too for us! Thanks so much!
-Colton , Kari and Troy Skead, Enderby BC
Hi Nate, just wanted to send a big thank you to you and your staff. My daughter Jenna was there last week for the female camp. She has done many of these types of camps in the past and thoroughly enjoyed your camp and felt the competition was first rate as was the coaching. Please send a special thank you to Mark as Jenna raved about what a great coach he was and that she learned a lot from him. Thanks.
– Munir Velji, Vancouver BC
After midget ended we chased hockey tryouts all over Vancouver Island and then wound up in Fort St John. When our son David’s first rookie season of Jr B was finished we decided to spend our entire training budget at West Coast Hockey Prep Camp. David spent two weeks of quality hockey training both on and off the ice. His performance at the camp found him a place on the Victoria Cougars and a VIJHL championship. From a hockey dad of 20 years thank you Coach Geoff Grimwood and the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp for getting me some hardware. We will be back in 2013.
– Dave Marshall Sr., Comox, BC
Great Camp! The ice sessions are top notch, the dry land is so much better than other camps and the residency program makes this camp a must for anyone that can’t take a week off in the middle of the summer. We will be back for sure!
– Bellefleur family, Campbell River, BC
The female camp was amazing. It has been the best camp we have been to and will be attending every year.
– Rielle Family, Vancouver, BC
My daughter is 13 and has been playing hockey since she was 5 and we have done many, many hockey camps over the years and this camp was by far the best, she was challenged to do her personal best and to compete at a higher level. Also the days are filled with activity and we definitely got our moneys worth!! Emily was excited to get up and go each day of the camp!!!
– Rathbone Family, Port Alberni, BC
Kristian had a great camp with you this summer. He stayed in your dorms and was amazed at how great the food was! Next year he will be returning along with his younger brother who is a second year peewee rep goalie.
– Jonathan Stead, Merritt, BC
Great Camp: very professional, with many updates leading up to the Camp ensuring all bases were covered for first time players arriving which made us feel very comfortable coming in. Bailey loved meeting all the Canadian Kids and establishing future relationship with them, he had a wonderful time..
– Rob Walsh, Dallas, TX, USA
Ezra had a great experience. Quality coaching. High energy drills.
– Dave Paddock, Port Alberni, BC
Absolutely the Best!
– Tony Bocale, White Rock, BC
First words out of Lauren’s mouth when she was picked up from the ferry were, “can I please go again next year?” Lauren nearly made the Bantam A team as a first year (but has been kept on as an affiliated player), which is an increased level of success for her, and this was due, in part, to the skills learned and fitness gained at the camp.”
– Bowen Sly, North Vancouver, BC
The 2 weeks that Hunter was there he really enjoyed the experience, he was treated well, the food was good, and he was pushed on and off the ice. Thanks he is looking forward to his 3rd year of camp.
– Findlater Family, Powell River, BC
My son had a great overall experience at the camp, and he improved his hockey skills considerably. His conditioning was the best its ever been by the end of the week. He loved meeting new friends, and participating in new on-ice drills. He really liked the staff, and the coaching. Although he liked the breaks between practices, and spent ++ time practicing his shot on the plexiglass during this time, I felt that the 3-hr break on the Friday was too long for 11-12 year olds. Overall, a terrific experience for my son. Thank you!
– Pee Wee family, Port Alberni, BC
I have no doubt that the 5 years of Junior Prep Camp has had a big impact on not only Kurt’s ability to play the game at this level but also his confidence and character that enabled him to rise to the challenge that he was faced with. Best of luck to you and your organization.
– Kelly Fraser, Okatokes, AB
I am a parent of a Pee Wee player that participated in the Pee Wee Prep Camp this year. I would like to let you know I thought the camp was well run and my son enjoyed getting to know and play with players outside of Port Alberni. The Hungarian Players were a hit. In particular, one coach, Kevin Hasselberg was awesome. His ability to connect with kids is amazing. He can modify and adapt on the fly to challenge kids in any drill at any level. My son particularly liked him as a coach. We look forward to next year. Thanks again!
– John McDonald, Port Alberni, BC
Hi Nathan, We had a great time in Vancouver and Port Alberni and have returned to Hungary safe and sound. Your camp was professional and well-organized. Congratulations! I wish you all the best.
– Best regards, Zoltan Kovari, Budapest, Hungary
Thank you for running such an amazing camp, Harrison had a blast!
– Chantry Jelinek, North Battleford, SK
Just wanted to say again how well run your camps are and look forward to bringing Kristian back next year with his younger brother Mack as well.
– Sincerely Jonathan Stead, Kamloops, BC
I am glad Paul is participating and look forward to options for next year.
It is good to keep kids busy and he is meeting so many people from all over the place, which is amazing!– Celeste Haldane, Port Alberni, BC
Hi Nathan Grayson had great week and will be back next year for sure thank you.
– Gerald Schmidt, Winnipeg, MB
Hi Nate. A quick note to say thank-you so much for Ben’s experience in Canada. Sounds like he did some hard training & had a fantastic time – definitely came back with a smile on his face!! He says he & Harrison were spoken to by a scout from the Kelowna Rockets. Once again, thanks for all your hard work & giving Ben (& the other boys) such a great opportunity. Kind regards.
– Leigh Sonntag, Queenstown, New Zealand
Nate, I wanted to thank you again for allowing Grant to attend your camp. He had a good time and said it was the best work he had put in, in quite awhile.
– Mike Fisher, Seattle, Washington, USA
Hi Doug, Just a quick note to say thank you so very much for phoning me and letting me know about the prep camp in Port Alberni. Chase loved it, had a great time and learned lots. He said it was by far the best camp he had been too. So thanks again as I never would have known about the camp if it hadn’t been for you!
– Anne and Chase Anchikoski, Lake Country, BC
Dear Mr. Leslie. Thanks to you and your staff at the prep camp. Kai had a great week and really enjoyed his training. From the on ice sessions, to the fitness training, to how great all the support staff were, it was a first class week. The relationships he built with his fellow players, and the great coaches and staff who were there during the week, were incredibly positive. It is gratifying to know that all the camp goals that your organization sets out, in your information package for the Junior level of the elite boys camp, were delivered and exceeded. This was Kai’s second year and it is money well spent, and on top of that, a great deal. He will definitely be back next year.
– Andrea and Murray McDonald
Emily LOVED the junior prep camp!!! We have done many many camps over the years Emily has played hockey and this was by FAR the best hockey camp and highest caliber of training we have ever been too!!! Thank you so much.
-Karen Rathbone, Port Alberni, BC
I have talked to Grayson briefly and he thought it was an amazing week so thanks for everything.
-Gerald Schmidt, Winnipeg, MB
Kristian came back from week 2 full of confidence for his upcoming tryouts. He said that your camp was the best camp he has been to.
-Jonathan Stead, Kamloops, BC.
We wanted to tell you how happy we are, and more importantly, how happy our daughter is with her first “away from home” hockey camp experience. To put it simply she loved the camp. When we spoke to her throughout the week she talked about the dryland training, on ice training and scrimmages, coaches, the great food and of course the fun that her and her friends, both old and new, were having during their down time. She admitted it was a lot of work and that she was pushed to improve but she also indicated that it was a lot of fun. Her comment to me when I was picking her up was “I wish I could stay longer”… need I say more? Please thank all of the coaches and volunteers that helped make this such a memorable experience for her. Keep up the good work. We’ll most definitely be back next year.
-Lara and Mike Alexander, Surrey, BC
Duncan had the best time at your camp last week and had only great things to say. The hockey was awesome and coaches were great. Felt like it was a great experience all round. We will definitely send him there again next year. Thanks for everything and I hope the rest of your summer camps are successful.
-Cheers, Donna Newman, Westshore Hockey Academy, Victoria, BC
Leo was twelve when he attended the Port Alberni Prep Camp for the first time last summer and absolutely loved the camp culture and training regime. He had a great time. Prior to registering him for this summer, his mother and I had been discussing how we should dispense our family’s resources when she posed a question to me. She did not believe my answer so she asked him directly at dinner one night. “Would you rather go to Disneyland in California or to the Prep Camp?” Leo took one long, baleful and “Are you for real?” look at her before saying Prep Camp. No question about it, he loves it there!
-Jaime Martinez, Vancouver
Elite Female Camp: After all my camp experiences I have put this one at the top of my list for the coming summer and Maegan and Ali will both be attending and sleeping in the dorm!!
-Randy Beres, North Vancouver
My daughter’s commitment and dedication to the game encourages us to continue to support her dream of playing major midget hockey. Nathan Leslie made it easy to send her away. Constant communication, pick up and drop off at the ferry – safe environment, good food and great training! Courtney emailed nightly about how great the program is and that she wished she could train in Port Alberni year round… Ryan Walter spent an extra few minutes with Courtney one-on-one on the ice simply because she asked a very good question. Those few minutes have made an amazing difference on those two on ones! Thanks Ryan! Courtney is excited for next summer and bringing up her game to the next level. We are excited to send her! Thank you Nate for providing a program that works!
~ Sandra Weatherbie
I just wanted to say that the camp has been just GREAT for both our boys Bryan & Nathan. They really enjoyed all parts of your camp, from the workouts, to ice time & food time. The staff have all been just great. Thanks for all your hard work.
-Brenda Read
Once again the boys had a great experience at your camp. I found the goalie instruction to be very well done and the boys definitely picked up some new skills. They enjoyed the great food and we really appreciate both trainers and how they cared for Devin when he got injured. He is like a walking disaster this year breaking his wrist in Lacrosse and it keeps going. Thank you for the extra meals as well. We will be there again next year. Andrew has a Western Prospects camp next week in Regina and I’m glad he worked hard this past 2 weeks as he will be much better prepared. I will be comparing the 2 camps closely. It will be hard to beat your hospitality I can tell right off the bat. Thanks again!
-Dave, Trish and the Boys (Cusson)
I just want to thank you for everything you did for Dylan. He came to you with no confidence, and now he’s walking tall, and he has so much confidence in himself again. It’s so good to see that again. I guess he was pretty quiet there, because he saved it all up for the ride home. He didn’t stop talking about you guys, and the wonderful time he had at your camp for the whole drive home (2 1/2 hrs.) He had such a great time there. His knee is fine, and please thank Dick from us as well. Dylan is looking forward to seeing you next year, and Phil he says you’ll still be mad at him. He will be awake before you can wake him up…Thanks again!
-Tracey Clements
On behalf of myself and Anton I would like to thank you for a camp well-organized and well-run. Anton had a great time and especially enjoyed the training sessions with Brady Robinson from GDI. Apparently the food was excellent, the facility top notch and the friends a lot of fun.
-Kind Regards, Marina and Anton Coertze
When we picked Josef up in Nanaimo after two weeks at Prep Camp he was so full of stories and excitement that we talked long into the evening about how much he learned and how much enjoyed himself. He thought Prep Camp was one of the best things he had ever done in his entire life. Mind you, this is from a guy who has caught big fish in BC, and experienced lots of other things. Josef doesn’t live a boring life. However, he just couldn’t say enough good about the Prep Camp experience. He enjoyed EVERYTHING about it.
I will say the very best and most honourable comment was about you two. When I asked how was the camp, one of the first statements that came out of his mouth was, “Phil and Brenda are like family, they opened themselves up to me, and made me feel so welcome. They’re absolutely great Dad, no they’re the best.” I continued to hear so many good stories about Phil this and Phil that. And, I didn’t tire to hear of them even to this day.
I hope you think of us right away when announcing the 2009 Prep Camp. Josef WILL BE THERE! He is already spreading the word about how great Prep Camp is. What’s that they say, no better advertising than word of mouth. If you need a US spokesperson or reference make sure you contact Josef.
-Sincerely, Don Chase
The stories from our son, Grant, just keep coming about his experiences at camp. He truly enjoyed himself and found the quality of hockey to be much better this year. He really wants to be ready to play hockey at his first year at a Canadian prep school. Thanks to you and your family for helping to make our son’s memories of Canada so special. I had to laugh at the rock wars, snake catching and all around camp escapades. You must have a heart as big as the ocean to take on a camp full of 15, 16 and 17 year old boys. You should DEFINITELY write a book! Hope Grant hasn’t worn out his welcome with junior prep hockey too much… he is counting on returning next year.
-Francesca Thiem, California
Colton has earned a spot on The Bantam AAA team. So thanks again for the prep camp opportunity, it played a key part in Colton’s confidence and skill development for sure.
-Bob Jeffrey, Union Bay
Just a note to let you know that Billy had a FABULOUS time at the camp. He couldn’t stop talking about it and had nothing but great things to say. Thank you for hosting!!!
-Debby Long, Washington
Matthew really enjoyed all aspects of the camp, especially that he could eat any time he was hungry. He met a lot of kids and really enjoyed the scout report on his strengths and weaknesses. Thanks for all that you do for the boys!! We’ll keep in touch this year.
-Sandra Scarth, Calgary
We wish to thank all of you for a wonderful six days at your hockey camp. Our boys came home everyday exhausted and exhilarated. Everyday we heard about the great things they learned, how many goals were scored against them and the fun they had. It was an experience they won’t soon forget. We asked them what they like most about the camp and they said “everything” including yoga. The kids on both teams had our boys working hard to make saves and work on their weaknesses. The funny part for us was the friendly competition our boys had pitting yellow vs black in the daily scrimmages. Andrew was proud that his yellow team always seemed to come out on top on the scoreboard, even if it was just one goal. Devin’s daily challenge was to win one scrimmage and although that didn’t happen, he always came home positive.
On the last day when I picked up our sons they didn’t seem to want to go home, another testament to the fun they had. I watched as you both took great care to ensure that all of the boys had rides home and no one was forgotten. I could feel your genuine joy and concern for the boys at your camp, all of this in the short time it took me to pack up my boys. Thank you for “everything” as the boys put it. The coaches on and off the ice were supportive and had a great rapport with the boys. I only met a few and thanked them for their help during the week.
I know this was the first year you had a Pee Wee camp and I hope it was a positive experience for you and one that will continue. Our kids had the pleasure of attending your inaugural camp for this age group and I hope they gave back just some of what you gave them.
-Trish Cusson, Port Alberni
I can’t say enough about how the Junior Prep Camp has helped Jared. Your camps have provided great instruction, fierce competition, and the perfect environment. Your advice and guidance with Jared has been extremely helpful and appreciated as well.
– Jerry Katz, San Jose
Marius was very happy with the camp and all he was able to experience. The expertise and challenges offered by your coaches were great, I’ve already heard Marius boast to his friends.
– Linda Nerby, Norway
Thanks for all your help with my brother Jonathan. He seemed to have liked the camp and he said it’s the best camp he’s been to and learned the most during these past 2 weeks. He’s already looking forward to training camp next month so he can show people his new skills. Seems like you had the best goalie coach. Jonathan is looking forward to working with Angelo further on his skating abilities.
– Hu Brietkopf, Coquitlam
I would also like to say how impressed I am with you and Phil and how you are both genuinely concerned about the boys and their needs, and how you treat them individually and as individuals. I found my stay with you all very pleasing, friendly and professional. The Alberni Valley Prep Camp I’m sure will always be remembered to Spencer as a great life experience, I know it will be for me.
– Grant Wells, Surrey
It’s a great event for our community to acquire and we’re very confident that our great facilities will enable the Prep Camp to conduct an excellent program for all of the athletes. The Alberni Valley Multiplex will be the site for all of the on ice sessions. It’s an excellent two-sheet ice facility with first class amenities for coaches, athletes and spectators. All of the other facilities required for the camp are directly adjacent to the Multiplex, making it easy for the camp to conduct all of its operations from one central location. The athletes and their families will find Port Alberni to be an excellent location for the Jr Prep Camp program. It’s a great place to spend a week in the summertime.
-Ron Doetzel, Alberni Valley Multiplex
My son Andrew has attended the Junior Prep Camp for the last two years. This year was special for him. Andrew was seen and scouted by the Estevan Bruins Junior A team during your camp. He has since went on to play the preseason at the Junior A level and has been affiliated to the Cypress Cyclones of the SSJHL. All this was possible through his involvement at your camp. Barry and Gary and your staff have done wonders for Andrew and I am strong supporter of the Junior Prep Camp.
– Bob Doherty, Commissioner – Southern California Amateur Hockey Association
