Programs for Players
Third Party Programs
Breakaway Power Skating is offering Trails West families a discount on full camp registrations. Please contact the TWHA Administrator at admin@trailswesthockey.com for the discount code if you did not receive the email sent to the membership on January 5, 2022.
Registration for all camps is available at Breakaway's website: https://www.breakawaypowerskating.com/
Trails West Hockey Association has partnered with Dark Horse Athletic Inc. TWHA and Dark Horse Athletic believe in developing multi-sport athletes. Dark Horse focuses on an intrinsic love of sport, challenging oneself, and FUN!
Registration for the January session is open and Trails West families receive a DISCOUNTED rate!
Session Details:
Day: Monday or Wednesday
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Webber Academy (1515 93 St SW)
Starts: Mid-January for 10 sessions
Price: $199 including GST (Regular price $231)
Dark Horse trainers are accomplished athletes including an Olympic GOLD medallist, national team athletes, and young professionals from Kinesiology/physical literacy programs who bring their unique perspective to develop fundamental skills through drills, games, and challenges.
BE THE DARKHORSE
Physical Literacy + Athleticism +Growth Mindset +Fun
Program Information: Dark Horse Athletic website
Registration/Questions: info@darkhorseathletic.ca
If interested in registering, click here to download the Dark Horse Registration/Waiver form to include with your email to the above email address. Please note on the registration form what Trails West team your player is on.
Website: darkhorseathletic.ca
Phone: 403.805.6455
TWHA Player Development Sessions
TWHA Coach Development provides members opportunities to experience third party hockey instruction throughout the season. Players must be registered with TWHA for the current hockey season to register for these sessions.
U7 to U11
Kevin Cameron
coachdevU7-U11@trailswesthockey.com
U13 to U18
Joel Domansky
coachdevU13-U18@trailswesthockey.com
Goaltending
Dustin Rodger
goaltending@trailswesthockey.com
Questions concerning the technical aspects of the sessions, should be directed to the applicable individual from Coach Development noted above.
Questions concerning registration, should be directed to the TWHA Administrator at admin@trailswesthockey.com.
Upcoming Sessions
January 20, 2022 - Introduction to Goaltending Session - U9 [CANCELLED]
TWHA Goaltending Development and TWHA Coach Development is providing an Introduction to Goaltending Session. This session is open to all interested U9 players registered with Trails West for the 2021-2022 season. The focus of the sessions will be on basic goaltender movement and technique. The session will be instructed by Top Prospect Goaltending (TPG).
There is no cost for this session. Registration will be a first-come first-serve basis with capacity limited based on number of registrants and goaltender equipment needs. Registration will open on Saturday, January 15 at 10:00AM and close on Tuesday, November 18 at 12:00PM(noon). Confirmation of session will be emailed to each registrant by end of day Tuesday, November 18.
Full goaltender equipment is required for each registrant on the ice. During registration, please indicate if you will be bringing your own personal goaltender equipment to the session. If you will require the use of your teams’ goalie gear, please leave this question blank. It is vital that we have an accurate understanding of who will require goalie gear for each session as TWHA does have a few additional goalie equipment sets other than current team sets that players can arrange to use for these sessions.
Date: Thursday, January 20, 2022
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Arena: Flames Community Arenas – Blue
IMPORTANT for those using extra TWHA goalie equipment: Allow extra time to come to the TWHA storage room in the hallway of the Blue arena to be fitted and receive the goalie equipment prior to the session. There will be someone there to assist if you have any questions.
Top Prospects Goaltending is operated out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. All instructors are high level coaches and have, or are currently playing at an elite level. TPG has consulted with current N.H.L. goaltending specialists, as well as worked with goaltenders of all ages and levels across Canada the United States and Europe. They have worked alongside the senior management of player development for Hockey Canada and have had the pleasure of instructing, evaluating and coaching with the Canadian National Program and have a working knowledge of what it takes to be an elite level athlete.
January 20, 2022 - Player Skill Development with Allegiance Hockey - U7-U13
TWHA Coach Development is providing members an opportunity to experience third party hockey instruction. This session will focus on Puck Confidence for those players in U7-U9 age groups and Goal Scoring & Shooting for those players in the U11-U13 age groups. There are two ice times, one for U7-U9 and one for U11-U13.
Cost per session is $25 (non-refundable) and registration is first-come first-serve basis with a maximum number of 22 players per session.
REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL FOR BOTH U7-U9 SESSION & U11-U13 SESSION (14Jan22 10:09 AM)
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT REGISTRATION: If the system does not allow you to select the session’s participant fee, then the session is FULL even if you think there is one more space available! If you see a “-1” that means registration is over capacity, not that one spot is available – look very carefully for that negative. Be sure pop-ups windows are allowed in your browser or you will not be able to complete registration.
Session Date: Thursday, January 20, 2022
Arena: Optimist
Time: U7-U9 at 5:45-6:45 PM U11-U13 at 7:00-8:00 PM
Session run by: Allegiance Hockey http://allegiancehockey.com/
Instructor for the session is Mackenze Stewart. Mackenze is a highly sought after player development and life skills coach. His program has been recognized and used at the NHL level working with the Vancouver Canucks, as well as many young aspiring athletes. Mackenze’s unique journey to the NHL has made him into a passionate leader that brings the same level of intensity and work ethic to each client. Born with a hearing impairment and having to start the game at the age of 12 Mackenze reached an impossible feat of getting drafted to the NHL, and not a year later he signed his first NHL contract. Today Mackenze is a Certified Trainer, with multiple Certificates in Strength, Fascial Stretching, Body Mechanics, Nutrition, and much more. Having studied, learned, and executed the game at the highest level he now teaches the skills necessary to step into your greatness. The style of coaching Mackenze brings is about inspiration, discipline, and execution. Mackenze takes the time to assess each client’s physical and mental needs while creating a program that will push you past your comfort zone. Mackenze understands that winners pay a price, and he is relentless in his approach to make you a winner not only for hockey but for life.
U7-U9 Session - PUCK CONFIDENCE: The session will focus on skills required when handling the puck including skating with puck control, passing and receiving the puck.
U11-U13 Session – GOAL SCORING & SHOOTING: This session will focus on proper shot mechanics and better puck placement on the net to use in various game scenarios.
Safety Protocol - Reminders
- Players/Coaches/Parents aged 12+ must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination/negative test/medical exemption at arena (those 18+ must also have valid ID)
- Everyone must wear masks at ALL times even in the dressing room and may only remove their masks immediately prior to placing their helmet on and going directly on the ice.
- Players will be required to check-in. Only registered players will be permitted in the dressing room area/on ice.
February 14, 2022 - Optimist 5:45pm & 7:00pm - details to be released end of January
February 23, 2022 and/or March 13, 2022 - Introduction to Goaltending
Past Sessions
December 10, 2021 - Power Skating with Breakaway - U7-U13
TWHA Coach Development is providing members an opportunity to experience third party hockey instruction. This session will focus on Power Skating for those players in U7-U13 age groups. There are two sessions, one for U7-U9 and one for U11-U13.
Cost per session is $25 (non-refundable) and registration is first-come first-serve basis with a maximum number of 22 players per session.
Historically these sessions fill up rapidly so please don't delay registration if you feel this training is appropriate for your child.
December 10, 2021 – Power Skating session – Registration Link Closed - All Session FULL
The above link for registration will open on Saturday, December 4 at 10:00 AM and close when the sessions are full or at 12:00 PM (noon) on Tuesday, December 7
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT REGISTRATION: If the system does not allow you to select the session’s participant fee, then the session is FULL even if you think there is one more space available! If you see a “-1” that means registration is over capacity, not that one spot is available – look very carefully for that negative. I will not be responding to email requests to register your player because the system won’t allow you to select the “last” spot. Be sure pop-ups windows are allowed in your browser or you will not be able to complete registration.
Session Date: Friday, December 10, 2021
Arena: Frank McCool
Time: U7-U9 at 5:45-6:45 PM U11-U13 at 7:00-8:00 PM
Session run by: Breakaway Power Skating https://www.breakawaypowerskating.com/
Designed for all levels of hockey players wanting to take their skating skills to the next level. The most important skill of any player is the ability to skate efficiently and powerfully, our focus starts here. We have over 50 years of specific power skating knowledge and have worked with all levels of players from beginners to professional hockey players. We have a passion to pass this along to every player we step on the ice.
Instructor for the session is Colin Webster. With 20+ years of playing and 10+ years of diverse coaching experiences, Colin has had the opportunity to work with players of all ages and skill levels, from those just learning to skate to professional hockey players. He has coached players from over 18 countries and has organized/led camps in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nunavut, and Switzerland.
Apart from hours spent on the ice, Colin has studied the science behind skill acquisition, teaching techniques, leadership development, and more.
Colin has grown up and spent most of his playing/coaching career in PEI. He recently moved to Calgary with his fiancé to further his career as a skill development coach.
Session Description: Power skating camps are open to all levels of hockey players looking to take their skating skills to a new level.
Safety Protocol - Reminders
- Players/Coaches/Parents aged 12+ must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination/negative test/medical exemption at arena (those 18+ must also have valid ID)
- Everyone must wear masks at ALL times even in the dressing room and may only remove their masks immediately prior to placing their helmet on and going directly on the ice.
- Players will be required to check-in. Only registered players will be permitted in the dressing room area/on ice.
November 17, 2021 - Introduction to Goaltending Session - U9 and U11
TWHA Goaltending Development and TWHA Coach Development is providing Introduction to Goaltending Session. This session is open to all interested U9 and U11 players registered with Trails West for the 2021-2022 season. The focus of the sessions will be on basic goaltender movement and technique. The session will be instructed by Top Prospect Goaltending (TPG).
There is no cost for this session. Registration will be a first-come first-serve basis with capacity limited based on number of registrants and goaltender equipment needs. Registration will open on Monday, November 8 at 10:00AM and close on Friday, November 12 at midnight. Confirmation of session will be emailed to each registrant by end of day Monday, November 15.
Full goaltender equipment is required for each registrant on the ice. During registration, please indicate if you will be bringing your own personal goaltender equipment to the session. If you will require the use of your teams’ goalie gear, please leave this question blank. It is vital that we have an accurate understanding of who will require goalie gear for each session as TWHA does have a few additional goalie equipment sets other than current team sets that players can arrange to use for these sessions.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Time: 6:15pm – 7:15 pm
Arena: Flames Community Arenas – Blue
IMPORTANT for those using extra TWHA goalie equipment: Allow extra time to come to the TWHA storage room in the hallway of the Blue arena to be fitted and receive the goalie equipment prior to the session. There will be someone there to assist if you have any questions.
Top Prospects Goaltending is operated out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. All instructors are high level coaches and have, or are currently playing at an elite level. TPG has consulted with current N.H.L. goaltending specialists, as well as worked with goaltenders of all ages and levels across Canada the United States and Europe. They have worked alongside the senior management of player development for Hockey Canada and have had the pleasure of instructing, evaluating and coaching with the Canadian National Program and have a working knowledge of what it takes to be an elite level athlete.
November 1, 2021 - Power Skating Session - U7 to U13
TWHA Coach Development is providing members another opportunity to experience third party hockey instruction. This session will focus on Power Skating for those players in U7 to U13 age groups. There are two sessions, one for U7-U9 and one for U11-U13.
Cost per session is $20 (non-refundable) and registration is first-come first-serve basis with a maximum number of 24 players per session.
Historically these sessions fill up rapidly so please don't delay registration if you feel this training is appropriate for your child.
November 1, 2021 – Power Skating Session – Registration Link CLOSED
The above link for registration will open on Saturday, October 30 at 10:00 AM and close when the sessions are full or at 12:00PM on Sunday, October 31.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT REGISTRATION: If the system does not allow you to select the session’s participant fee, then the session is FULL even if you think there is one more space available! If you see a “-1” that means registration is over capacity, not that one spot is available – look very carefully for that negative. I will not be responding to email requests to register your player because the system won’t allow you to select the “last” spot. Be sure pop-ups windows are allowed in your browser or you will not be able to complete registration.
Session Date: Monday, November 1, 2021
Arena: Optimist
Time: U7-U9 at 5:45-6:45 PM U11-U13 at 7:00-8:00 PM
Instructor: Shayla Katrick - A certified level 1 power skating coach with over 10 years of Skill Development experience. Currently she works extensively with Girls Hockey Calgary and as a Head Coach with the U18 Midget AA Female Fire.
Power Skating Session Description: This Power Skating Session will focus on building the fundamentals of power skating including stride and technique to improve balance and on ice performance. The session will include 40 minutes of power skating and 20 minutes of drill progression to show in game situation and skill use.
Safety Protocol - Reminders
- Players/Coaches/Parents aged 12+ must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination/negative test/medical exemption at arena (those 18+ must also have valid ID)
- Everyone must wear masks at ALL times even in the dressing room and may only remove their masks immediately prior to placing their helmet on and going directly on the ice.
- Players will be required to check-in. Only registered players will be permitted in the dressing room area/on ice.
Hockey Calgary Programs
What It Takes is a series of virtual, moderated panel conversations with the coaches and leaders themselves. Coaches and leaders at various levels will provide insights for aspiring hockey players on the attributes, characteristics, and skills seen at their levels. Discussions will take a deep dive into preparation, success, and finding out, What It Takes.
Each installment will be applicable to all ages and we recommend tuning into to each session as insights will vary and may be slightly targeted for the most applicable age groups based on the ages categories of the panellists. The Female Hockey Edition will feature a more broad conversation as the panellists are both coaches, players, leaders, and extend across multiple levels. The series is free of charge and will take place via zoom.
Stay tuned for new sessions!
Hockey Calgary takes the safety of our players and members very seriously which is why we have teamed up with I Got Mind Inc to provide a free online session discussing the Power Differential in Sport. Our goal is to keep our athletes and members safe, and we believe that education is the first step.
This presentation is for players, parents, coaches, team staffs and Association members/volunteers.
This FREE one-hour Zoom session will cover:
- Setting boundaries
- Recognizing an unsafe situation
- Knowing who to communicate feelings of unsafe situations to, for yourself and others
- Understanding the effects of unhealthy power differentials
- Recognizing the difference between a disgruntled athlete and an athlete in distress
- How to contribute to a safe and healthy environment
Presenters will include:
- Bob Wilkie – fmr. NHL player and Founder of I Got Mind Inc
- Shawn O’Grady – I Got Mind Mental Health Clinician and Trauma Expert
- Cory Clouston – fmr. NHL, DEL, WHL Coach
- Tania O’Neill – Mental Health Expert and athlete-parent
**Due to the sensitive nature of some of the content, this presentation is suggested for individuals 13 years of age and older**
Full details on the presentation can be found here. Space is limited, sign up today!
REGISTER FOR NOVEMBER 29 @ 7PM
Click here for the Hockey Calgary Information Bulletin and Presentation details on Keeping our Athletes Safe.
Hockey Alberta Skills Camps
Alberta Built Skill Development Camps, powered by Hockey Alberta, will focus on enhancing the skills that your athlete learned during the 2021-22 minor hockey season. Hockey Alberta will be hosting multiple skills camps for all boys and girls in the U7, U9, U11, U13, and U15 age levels. Spots are limited, so register today! No links? Click here
March Skills Camp - Seton YMCA - March 29 & 31
Only $99 (includes two ice times and Hockey Alberta jersey to keep)
REGISTER >
Easter Weekend Skills Camp - Don Hartman NE Sportsplex - April 15
Only $29 (includes one ice time on Good Friday)
REGISTER >
April Saturday Skills Camp - Seton YMCA - April 2-23
Only $199 (includes four ice times and Hockey Alberta jersey to keep)
REGISTER >
April Sunday Skills Camp - Rocky Ridge YMCA - April 3-24
Only $199 (includes four ice times and Hockey Alberta jersey to keep)
REGISTER >
April Weekday Skills Camp - VIVO - April 4-20
Only $299 (includes six ice times and Hockey Alberta jersey to keep)
REGISTER >
April Weekday Skills Camp - Seton YMCA - April 5-21
Only $299 (includes six ice times and Hockey Alberta jersey to keep)
REGISTER >
- All camps will be held in sport and recreation facilities in Calgary that place a high emphasis on cleanliness, and are compliant with the City of Calgary vaccination passport bylaw.
- Camps are easily accessible for Calgary residents as they are reachable by major thoroughfares in the city, and are located near the edge of the city for easy access by families travelling in from rural Alberta.
Darcy Steen
403-660-1049
dsteen@hockeyalberta.ca
Hockey Tips
- 10 Tips to Improve your Hockey Shot - by Tim Turk Hockey
- Shot Mechanics - by Mackenze Stewart with Allegiance Hockey
- Release time - The faster we can get the puck off of our stick without allowing the goalie to react the more likely you are of scoring. It isn't all about how hard you can shoot but more how fast and how accurate.
- Deception - Let's face it, goalies are getting extremely talented and with the added bulkiness of gear (as well as the average NHL goalie being above 6'2) scoring goals from shots directly on net is a challenge. The reason why players like Matthews are able to score is because has a unique release as well as plenty of deception in his shooting
Trails West Hockey Association
c/o Flames Community Arenas
2390 47 Avenue SW
Calgary AB T2T 5W5
