Raise your kids’ hockey skills to new heights with Senators summer camps
For 13 years, the Ottawa Senators Summer Hockey Camps, presented by Canadian Tire, have been one of the region’s premier summer hockey destinations. With skill development opportunities for players of all levels, the Sensplex facilities are the place to be this summer.
“I’ve attended and observed many different hockey camps, and I have yet to witness the quality of programming that is available at the Sensplex facilities. Nobody does what we do at the level that we do it,” said Andy Bryan, director of hockey programs for the Sensplex facilities.
72 different summer camp options will run during this year’s nine-week summer camp season at three stateof-the-art facilities, the Bell Sensplex, Richcraft Sensplex and Cavanagh Sensplex.
Why choose an Ottawa Senators Summer Hockey Camp? Just ask the campers. The Senators camps achieved a 95 per cent customer satisfaction rating in 2016. Last year about 2,300 participants attended the camps.
“We have a camp for every player ranging from beginner to elite,” said Bryan. “Our participants range from youngsters age four in the ‘Intro to Hockey’ camp, up to 17-year-olds who are pushed to their limits in the Bantam and Midget Elite Camps.”
For goalies, there are a wide variety of camps that include instruction on the technical aspects of goaltending. One of the more unique options available this year is a goalie camp run by NHL Ottawa Senators goaltending coach Pierre Groulx.
“That isn’t happening anywhere else in the region,” Bryan said. “That’s for us.”
Variety, uniqueness and the quality of skill development are just a few of the key components that set the Ottawa Senators Summer Hockey Camps apart.
The exceptionally-trained staff are led by Ryan Smyth, Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs head of hockey development as well as Jordan Krusch and Ryan Hand, lead hockey instructors. Off-ice hockey specific training is designed and delivered by Sens strength & conditioning coach Chris Schwarz and his FitQuest team (Bell Sensplex) and the HEO Performance Centre (Richcraft Sensplex.) With a dedicated focus on error detection and correction, participants of all ages and skill levels are able to hone the skills needed to push themselves to new heights.
“Our goal is not just to create exceptional hockey players but to help create exceptional people,” said Bryan. “Our staff undergo rigorous training delivered by renowned experts in their field. Staff are trained in areas including teaching methods, effective and safe supervision of children and how to foster team-first behaviour. We want to empower staff to handle any situation and be able to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences.”
Safety is always paramount and accreditation by the Ontario Camps Association helps to uphold the highest standards possible. “We are the only accredited hockey camp in the national capital region which is quite exceptional as most OCA members are your typical outdoor day or overnight camps. We break the mould a little bit,” said Bryan. “Accreditation took over two years, and we’re now following best practices and setting some of our own.”
Each year the Ottawa Senators Summer Hockey Camps strive to deliver a positive experience for all participants both on and off the ice. Bryan and his team attend camps run by their counterparts in other NHL cities to share and develop best practices while constantly looking for new enhancements and innovations. A direct result of this can be seen in some of the unique Sens experiences that pepper the camps.
“We want to build connections with parents and participants alike; we make them feel special, not just one of 2,300,” said Bryan. “We value feedback to make sure we’re improving every season.”
The Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs also run a Spring and Summer 4-on-4 youth league which they call “hockey in its purest form.” The only league of its kind sanctioned by Hockey Eastern Ontario, it provides a fantastic opportunity for players to get creative and develop new skills, in an atmosphere that prioritizes fun.
No body checking is allowed at any age level so that everyone, regardless of size, can focus on the enjoyment of the game.
“The camps really focus on skill development and the leagues are a way to boost confidence,” said Bryan. “Being able to immediately apply new skills in a game-like setting helps build confidence and is the perfect complement to station-based skill development that takes place in our camps.”
For a full schedule of camp or league options or to register, please visit Sensplex.ca, call 613-599-0222 or visit the Bell or Richcraft Sensplex Facilities main office.