academies/ colorado
OVERVIEW
At the Okanagan Hockey Colorado our primary focus is to promote the long-term development of each of our athletes in the classroom, on the ice, and in the community. Putting young, motivated people in a structured environment, surrounded by a world class staff and support system, allows us to deliver a consistent message and value system that we feel is imperative to the long term development of our students.
We believe that elite athletes need to be challenged, yet supported, in all aspects of their lives. We hold our student-athletes accountable on their efforts, attention to details, and above all their attitudes. We have learned through experience that those three key ingredients are keys to future success.
OHC is built on experience, knowledge, passion for our game, and above all, OHC is built on each individual’s mark left behind as they move on to achieve their goals. The commitment to excellence in all areas is what makes the Okanagan Hockey Colorado a tremendous opportunity for any young and aspiring hockey player.
DOWNLOAD THE OHA PROSPECTUS BOOKLET
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CURRENT TEAM
LOCATION
Centennial, Colorado, located a mere 20 minutes south of Denver in Arapahoe County, is often cited as the best place to live in the state. It’s considered a safe suburban community to live with a population of just over 110,000 people. With plentiful parks and local eateries, it’s a place many professionals and young families call home.
The Family Sports Ice Arena is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a unique development opportunity for each of our student-athletes.
Highlights include – 2 NHL sized ice rinks, private academy locker rooms, meeting rooms for players & coaches, video rooms, on-site skate sharpening and pro shop. And, it’s also used as a practice facility for the Colorado Avalanche.
HOCKEY PROGRAM
Okanagan Hockey Colorado has partnered with Drill House Sports Center (DHSC), a team facility dedicated to the progression of its athletes. Their coaches provide advanced physical and mental training, proper nutrition and recovery insights. DHSC is a place for those passionate about the game who are committed to their continued improvement. DHSC is owned and operated by former NHL players (including Head Coach David Clarkson and Assistant Coach John Mitchell) who share their real-life experiences with players.
On Ice Development
Events will be based out of Western Canada, Eastern USA and Central USA, barring any travel restrictions. We will be participating in an Exhibition Series in Western Canada with CSSHL teams.
Over the long term we will be working with groups to build out a similar league as Western Canada and the CSSHL.
Our athletes participate in purposeful daily training both on and off the ice. Through tactical and technical teaching, practices are designed for individual skill development. Our philosophy is to provide our athletes with the tools necessary to execute and perform at the highest level possible.
Physical Preparation
We strongly believe that physical preparation is key to long-term hockey development. Testing is done multiple times throughout the year, analyzing each individual baseline and development curve, as well as identifying each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. With that information a purposeful training program is built around maximizing each athlete’s growth and helping them achieve their optimum athletic potential.
Enabling players to compete at the highest possible level involves standardized on- and off-ice testing protocols. All players will participate in WHL (Western Hockey League) Combines to measure their progress and identify areas of weakness.
EXPOSURE AND PLACEMENT
Okanagan Hockey leads the way in exposure and placement of players to Junior A, WHL and NCAA programs. Our coaches have extensive professional hockey backgrounds that show diversity in their routes to success. As a result, our staff possess a network of contacts that is second to none. Junior and college hockey programs often contact our coaching staff because they value our knowledge, honesty, and integrity.
It is often difficult to decide which path a player should take after graduation. We will do everything we can to prepare parents and players for what lies ahead on their athletic journey.
When choosing where a student should play next, we remain impartial in the decision-making process. A hockey player’s future home is a personal decision with financial implications. It is ultimately up to the athlete and their family.
EDUCATION
OHA players will attend Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado.
Arapahoe is a comprehensive college preparatory school committed to preparing 100% of its students for meaningful post-secondary opportunities. More than 93% of Arapahoe graduates continue their education at the college/university/trade school level.
Arapahoe has an outstanding teaching faculty that values academic rigor and believes that all students can learn at a higher level.
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