Calgary, AB – the Western Hockey League held its first WHL Prospects Camp this past weekend at Father David Bauer arena in Calgary, AB.

Presented by Reebok-CCM, the camp was open to 1999-born Major Pee Wee AA players from Alberta, and focused on skills development and education. Over 60 players took part in the weekend event that featured on-ice skill development sessions, off-ice seminars, and on-ice and off-ice combine testing.

“We are thrilled with the success of our first WHL Prospects Camp,” said Tyler Boldt, the WHL’s director of player development and recruitment, and the chief organizer of the prospects camp. “The players enjoyed their time and showed extremely well, specifically in their introduction to Sport Testing’s on-ice and off-ice testing program.”

The three-day camp offered players a unique hockey experience and allowed them the tools that they require to further their hockey development to their full potential.

“My experience has been great…a blast,” said Ethan King, one of the youngsters who took in the three-day camp. “I had a lot of fun, and I think it was very good for me to try this out, and make some new friends.”

Instruction and coaching were provided by several WHL Alumni while combine testing was provided by Sport Testing, who conduct testing for the OHL and QMJHL as well as many other sports.

Through Sport Testing’s on and off-ice combine testing, players were able to get an accurate assessment of how their abilities and skills compare to others in their age group, and also learn which areas they need to focus on, in terms of skill development.

“We received nothing but positive feedback, and look forward to planning future camps in the hope of helping in the development of many more athletes,” said Boldt.

Ethan King’s father, Derek, was one of many parents who felt the camp was nothing but a positive experience for their kids. He says the professionalism level and quality of instruction, and the inclusion of combine testing helped make the experience unique and highly beneficial for the kids.

“It was good caliber, which is what we were looking for, there was great coaching, a lot of good drills, and the on-ice testing was pretty unique,” said King.

“It gives them a benchmark for themselves, and also a chance to see other kids and the level they are at, so it was a really good learning tool,” he said. “Now they know what they have to go home and work on.”

Up next is the WHL’s seventh annual U.S. Prospects camp in Anaheim, California, from April 13 – 15, 2012.

For more, visit the WHL Prospect Central page.