Testimonials
My dream is to play hockey at the highest level. My three years at OHA were instrumental in helping me move forward on that path, teaching me what it takes to be a pro both on and off the ice.
At the end of grade nine, my parents and I decided it would be beneficial for both my hockey and scholastic development to attend OHA the next year. We toured other hockey academies, but ultimately felt OHA was the best fit for me. The coach’s and trainer’s expertise allowed me to learn more about the game, further develop my skills, strength and stamina and readied me to enter the WHL as a competent and confident 16 year old. With the support of great teachers and tutors my grades improved and I made friends that will last a lifetime. I highly recommend OHA for the player who is looking to take their game, grades and life skills to the next level.
Initially we thought we thought choosing Okanagan Hockey Academy with Emily was the right decision because she would further her hockey career, but OHA did so much more than make her a better hockey player. While at OHA, Emily was surrounded by people with similar goals and mind sets as herself which allowed her to push her limits while having a second family to support her. The staff members went above and beyond to assist her in any way that they could. From van drivers taking her to school early or staying late so she could meet with teachers to academic advisors noticing she was homesick and needed a little extra support. Knowing the support system she had, as parents we were confident that she was in good hands and taken care of.
After her two years at the academy Emily truly became a woman that was fully prepared to attend post-secondary at the University of Wisconsin. She developed so many life skills while at OHA that she can take with her for the rest of her life including perseverance, integrity, the ability to work with anyone, advocate for herself, the importance of a good character and independence. The staff, coaches, billets and community is unmatched. We are so proud of the well-rounded-individual Emily is and believe the Okanagan Hockey Academy had a large role in helping shape her into who she is. We are grateful for our experience and hope that every young hockey player and their families are able to have a similar experience to ours.”
Choosing the Okanagan Hockey Academy was one of the best decisions I have made for my development. The relationships I built with my teammates, coaches, and staff are bonds that will last a lifetime. The structure of the program on and off the ice prepared me to play junior hockey.”
My time at OHA provided me an opportunity to grow as a person and athlete. Without OHA I would not have had the opportunity to play post secondary hockey. The life skills I learned at OHA are skills that I will have with me forever.”
My time at OHA allowed me to further my development as a hockey player and person which ultimately prepared me for the next level. OHA taught me how to be a professional and truly gave me the experience of a lifetime.
I can confidently say the Okanagan Hockey Academy had an impact on me as a hockey player but more importantly as a person. OHA taught me to bring my best self in all aspects of life including as a student, player and community member. I learned many life skills during my time at OHA that I will take with me much longer than my playing career and that is the greatest gift the staff, coaches, billets and community gave to me. I strongly believe I am a more well-rounded individual because of my time at OHA. I hope any young hockey player with drive, determination and a passion to become a better player and person is able to have the chance to attend somewhere so amazing. For me OHA gave me the best balance of academics, athletics, family and social life. I am extremely grateful for my time at Okanagan Hockey Academy.”
“It goes without saying that the Okanagan Hockey Academy offers world class player development for its student athletes. However, the individuals that attend are challenged both on and off the ice. The combination of the excellent academic facilities of Penticton Senior Secondary along with the opportunity to interact with individuals from all walks of life while living away from home, expedites the maturation process for these young athletes. I have no doubt that my three years at the academy built the foundation of who I am as a person and ultimately prepared me to pursue a career in medicine.”
In 2010 I was fortunate enough to play at the Okanagan Hockey Academy on the Midget Prep team. With coaches like Robert Dirk and Greg Holst it was an unbelievable year. I have to this day still never been on such a close-knit team. It was my first year of midget hockey and that meant a lot more travel. Playing in the CSSHL I got the opportunity to play in some pretty awesome spots. The league helped me learn to stay on top of school, which has helped me not only in college but also in junior. I was able to make an easy jump to junior and college academically with the help of Dave Nackoney, a guidance counselor at Penticton Secondary School who works with all the student athletes. To this day if I need anything he is always more than willing to help. It is the great staff that left such an impression on me, and made it possible for me to be where I am today.
Being a part of the Okanagan Hockey Academy has been an extremely rewarding and unforgettable experience. It has enabled me to gain confidence and acquire life long skills expanding beyond the game of hockey. The balance between academics and athletics is superb, allowing you to achieve your ultimate success. The academy assisted me in achieving my dream of playing hockey at the NCAA level while studying Pre-Medicine. Without this caring support group, none of this would have been possible and I am forever grateful.”