The Greater Toronto Hockey League hosted its PD Skill Development Day on February 18 at Scotiabank Pond.  

For the third season, there was a full day camp for players in all levels from Under-9 to U13, and a half day camp for players U14 to U17. The event welcomed just over 70 players participating.

The camp for U9 to U13 players works to enhance fundamental skills while emphasizing the importance of having fun. The players took part in two on-ice sessions that focused on passing, shooting, skating, puck control, and small area games.  

The day’s schedule also included two off-ice sessions. The first off-ice session gave players the opportunity to learn in the classroom about what it takes to play for Team Canada. In the second off-ice session, players took to the field to play different sports including dryland training, soccer, and flag football. 

“I had a lot of fun – my favourite part of the day was playing hockey and the drills,” Alex, a player participating in the U9-U13 camp, shared. “I would love to come back again next year.”  

In the U14 to U17 half-day camp, players had a two hour on-ice session focusing on individual skills. Following the on-ice session, players took part in an off-ice session which included dryland training and soccer. The GTHL’s Development Day emphasizes the importance of playing different sports and being a multi-sport athlete in the progression and overall development of becoming the best athlete possible.  

The GTHL’s Development team asked for feedback from participants and received overwhelmingly positive responses with all participants having fun. The majority of participants found the camp was of good or great value, along with being relatively inexpensive compared to other programs. Players also shared that they loved the Hockey Canada jersey as a keepsake. 

The GTHL continues to look at offering player development opportunities more often in the coming years, including the most recent Development Day coming up on Friday, November 18. Click here to register. 

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