Ep.4 Mike Sommer. New York, PWHL – Say Yes, Be a Sponge.
Owen Hart
July 11, 2024
Mike Sommer is one of the longest tenured Prep Camp coaches and is now the Assistant Coach with PWHL New York.
Marketing/Recruitment - West Coast Prep Camp | Coordinator/Coach - LGS
The West Coast Hockey Prep Camp is a one of a kind life experience. Not only does Prep Camp serve as a high performance hockey development opportunity, but it also provides registrants the opportunity to bunk with other camp attendees in our residence hall dorms. This room and board offering gives players a unique blend of exceptional hockey training with a fun summer camp atmosphere. Room and board campers are housed in excellent dorm facilities located next door to the arena at the Alberni Valley Athletic Hall.
Features of the Room & Board program include:
Boarding for Monday – Friday of camp (next door to rink)
Additional nights can be purchased (i.e. Friday night, Weekend)
3x meals per day, in addition to full access to nutritious snacks and beverages (thanks to our outstanding kitchen staff!)
Dorms supervised day and night by our experienced camp counsellor team
Ability to request bunking with friends in camp (no guarantees)
Daily activities and seminars arranged by Camp Counsellors
To ensure that the dorm experience is top-notch, we rely on our incredibly talented Residence Hall Team.
Leading the way in this group is our Residence Hall Directors and Coordinators. For all four weeks our Residence Hall Directors and Coordinators oversee and support the team of Camp Counsellors in addition to fostering an inclusive, safe and positive environment for all.
Residence Hall Directors responsibilities include managing the Dorm Team, developing programming, behaviour management and parent communication. Residence Hall Coordinators are tasked with supporting a small team of Camp Counsellors and aiding in the supervision of players.
This year we are proud to announce our exceptional Residence Hall Leadership Team for West Coast Hockey Prep Camp 2024.
Brittany: I have been working as a dorm parent in hockey academies for the last 4 years. I felt that this would be a fun summer job that directly relates to the career path I am on. I also thought that it would be a cool experience to combine my love of hockey with such a unique environment.
Zoe: A few years ago when I saw the opportunity to make a difference and bring in my expertise I ran with the chance. Ever since I have been supported and welcomed to take the lead in this ever changing, fast paced environment.
Breanna: The convergence of the spirited hockey community and the chance to facilitate overnight stays for players in residence excites me, as it presents a unique opportunity for learning, community, and growth! My passion for fostering community and personal growth through sports, along with my background in Residence Life and Services drew me to a leadership role with the Residence Hall team. I have heard nothing but amazing feedback about camp from players and staff alike, so I had to jump on the opportunity to be apart of such a wonderful community!
Grant: Chance to be a part of a great camp and a fun team with a strong history in helping develop players for the next level.
Brittany: As mentioned above I have been a dorm parent for the last 4 years. This experience directly relates to the coordinator position here at camp. Working with student athletes in a close knit environment is my day to day!
Zoe: I have an extensive background in education within schools, as well as non-traditional outdoor and environmental education. I have worked with students aged 0-18, as well as university aged students and in adult learning. My love and passion for education and sports while I was a cheerleader for many years gives me a unique twist I bring to the table. I have been able to cultivate supportive and safe work environments in my roles as manager and supervisor and confidently bring an open mind when in a staff team.
Breanna: In university, I began my Residence Life and Services career, gaining valuable insights into the dynamics of communal living and the profound potential for personal development. I was able to hone my skills in community-building, conflict resolution, and fostering a supportive environment. I have also worked several camp positions, having the privilege of working with folks aged 10-19 during overnight camp, provided day support for numerous sports camps, and been a participant in professional hockey development programs.
Grant: I have been a principal for 19 years. Have strongly believed that sports have a huge role in developing strong individuals. I played university soccer and have coached sports for over 30 years.
Brittany: I love building relationships with the campers as well as being out on the island! I can’t wait to see all the familiar faces I’ve grown to know over the last two years.
Zoe: My favourite part of camp is the connections that are cultivated between players as well as with staff and players. Throughout the past few years at camp I have witnessed friendships being forged and mentors being made out of young leaders.
Breanna: My favorite part of camp is the sense of camaraderie and community that forms among players, coaches, and staff in such a short amount of time. Living, eating, and developing on and off the ice facilitates the chance for meaningful connections and lifelong memories! I am also looking forward to supporting players in achieving their personal and professional goals during their time at camp through challenging and engaging programming.
Grant: I am most looking forward to connecting with kids and setting up structures that ensure a positive dorm experience for all athletes.
Brittany: I think the best part of the dorming environment is that it gives the campers a chance to spend time with friends outside of their teams. I don’t want to give too much away, but campers can expect some activities they’ve grown to know over the last 2 years, as well as some brand new ones!
Zoe: I think the best features of our residence program is our team building activities, getting teams to communicate with each other outside of an ice setting, as well as the evening optional activities like swimming, where players get to hang out with people that aren’t necessarily on their team during the day.
Breanna: The Dorm Program offers a holistic opportunity for players to immerse themselves fully in everything camp has to offer! This year, players can expect engaging activities that provide opportunities for team bonding, skill development, and memorable experiences on and off the ice. From wake up to lights out, those staying in residence will be supported by knowledgable staff, a balanced meal plan, and an environment that ensures they maximize all the benefits camp has to offer.
Grant: The friendships and connections that are made. You have a chance to experience what is means to be committed and fully encapsulated in the sport. Athletes can expect a high standard of accountability and to stay busy through fun events.
Brittany: Campers and their families should be excited to attend camp/dorm because it’s an amazing opportunity to develop as a player while also creating meaningful relationships/connections with players, coaches, and staff members. Camp is great for hockey, but the relationships these kids from all over form is like nothing you’ve ever seen. Kids who go to camp knowing no one end up with a dozen new friends at the end of the week.
Zoe: Every year we have players come in that have been to camp many years as well as those who have never been and the experience they get through the extra bonding time in the residence cannot be matched. Older kids show their leadership and bring younger players under their wing and younger kids learn to spread their wings while experience being away from their family, some for the first time. We have an amazing staff team that has committed to continue learning and growing in our abilities, as well as making sure residence is a fun and safe place to be. Being able to have free time and spend those extra hours with friends at camp is a priceless experience.
Breanna: Players and their families should be excited to attend camp and stay at the Residence Hall because we offer a comprehensive experience that goes beyond on-ice training. The opportunity to stay on-site enhances convenience when fostering a strong sense of support and community among players.
Grant: The residence adds to the overall experience for the camper. It allows the athlete to focus on their development and goals for the entire week. Athletes will make new friends and connections as they grow in the hockey world. My son was part of the residence program and still connects with the friends he made and follows their hockey pathways.
The West Coast Hockey Prep Camp is a life changing experience for all of us. The planning starts the day the last camp ends. We hope you will join us. Time, and space, is running out. What’s holding you back?
Camps for male and female hockey player’s and officials ranging from U11 – College/Pro. Have the experience of a lifetime with Prep Camp in 2023.
Mike Sommer is one of the longest tenured Prep Camp coaches and is now the Assistant Coach with PWHL New York.
The West Coast Hockey Prep Camp is one of Canada’s most well respected overnight summer high performance hockey development camps.
Sound Bites “Taking the courageous choice to step right out of minor hockey for about three years and just train and work
Sound Bites “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play in four world championships for a country you're not
