The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer They laced up their skates, taped their sticks and strapped on their helmets as they were reminded of their favourite parts, and maybe not-so favourite parts, of the sport. The Xtreme Hockey School was held last week in and around the Whitney Forum with roughly 150 players hitting the ice, classroom and field to train for the upcoming season. Ranging in age from six to 20, the athletes split the days between August 15-23 with various instructors to get a feel for the ice for the first time since last season ended. Director Richard Dupre, who has been with the school for 10 years, says the camp went really well, noting they had some of the best students yet. Roughly 100 players made up the beginner and intermediate classes as the specialty clinics had between 50 and 60 players. Though the numbers were down a little from last year, Dupre says so are the numbers for minor hockey. 'Happy' "The ratio stayed the same for minor hockey registration to the hockey school," he said. "We're happy with that." Dupre was joined by former director and current Flin Flon Bombers head coach and GM Mike Reagan as well as Bombers Tanner Korchinski, Dillan McCombie and Cory Dupre, who has played a number of games with the junior team. As well, Richard brought along four fellow members of the University of Alberta hockey team. "It's something that they love to do," he said, referring to teaching the hockey players. While some players are on the ice learning skills and being refreshed on drills, others are either in the classroom or outside doing dry land training. Challenged by everything from a game of soccer or lacrosse to ladder drills, agility tests and hurdles, the students were always moving. The youngest players at the Xtreme Hockey School were six years old and still learning the basics of the sport. "The practice plans are different (for them)," said Richard. "Instead of working on crossovers...we work on edges and balance." 'Prepared' They are "getting ready for when they are old enough to do the other stuff (and) they are actually prepared." Richard, a former Bomber, says when it comes to things like body contact, down the line "the players will have the proper balance and they can excel at what they are trying to do." A big bonus for the school, and what sets it apart from some other schools, is the local talent involved in instructing the students. "I think it means a lot (to players). When I grew up, I idolized the Bombers and ... I wanted to be one," said Richard. Eventually making the Maroon and White lineup, Richard says having Bombers out on the ice as instructors really encourages the players to give it their all. The Xtreme Hockey School is the longest running camp in northern Manitoba, said Richard, who has been the director for two years now. With a span of roughly five years where there were no other camps in the area, Richard says "we've always been able to do it, so we're doing something right." Following the Xtreme Hockey School, Richard will head back to Alberta for his final year of university and continue to play forward for the Vikings.
