It was an exciting week at the Ice Station Valencia as they held their first Pro Performance Hockey Academy headlined by actual professional players who are actively playing in the National Hockey League. 



    During the week of August 4, around 40 participants, ranging from age eight to 16 years old, joined the camp to take some notes from the pros.  Mark Hughes of Easton Sports, along with Ice Station owner, Roger Perez, organized the camp, and Chris Hartly, Junior A Coach and Larry Bruyere, Director of Hockey Operations at Ice Station, worked the camp each day along with NHL players and campers.  “We designed the on-ice plan as well as the off-ice activities for the campers,” states Larry.  “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of the campers.”

One of the professional hockey players was Stanley Cup Champion Mathieu Schneider, American professional ice hockey defenseman, who currently plays for the Anaheim Ducks.  “To have Mathieu here every day for an entire week of hockey school was a real treat,” says Larry, “he is very genuine with the kids and by the end of the week, he knew every player’s name.” Left wing Dustin Penner of the Edmonton Oilers, along with his teammate defenseman Sheldon Souray made an appearance and joined the campers on the ice to work with the young players.  Stanley Cup Champ and Anaheim Duck, Ryan Getzlaf, was also an added bonus to have at the camp. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit in and watch an on-ice session at camp. I was pleasantly surprised at the performances of the young campers and the great interaction between the professionals and the players. There’s nothing more rewarding than to learn from the best, and what an opportunity this was!  One hockey mom stated, “My son is absolutely enjoying every minute of camp.  Off the ice, the campers are able to ask the professionals questions and improve their game.  It’s such an awesome experience!”  And indeed it was.  Ice Station Valencia looks forward to hosting the camp once again next year.  See you on the ice!