Acadia Hockey preparing for positive opportunities for Youth

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - There is no question there will be some alterations to this year's hockey camp programming, but change does not mean things cannot get better. Unfortunately, the Axemen's preparation for the coming season will be changed to a January AUS Conference start date but this may benefit the local hockey community.

With minor hockey start dates most likely being pushed back a month and provincial health guidelines altering tryout start dates, there has been an immense amount of work put into the safe return of hockey. With this preparation comes opportunity. 

"We would love to be able to prepare for our league to start in late September, but we know that is not going to happen, so we need to prepare for the new date of January 2021 with no excuses. We are excited about the opportunity that lies ahead for the team for this season and that will be our focus," noted Axemen head coach Darren Burns.

The bright spot for local minor hockey is that the Axemen can provide more development opportunities for youth level hockey players.

The Axemen hockey staff has familiarized themselves with Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia's COVID-19 return to play protocols along with Nova Scotia's health authority guidelines.

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"We plan to start with a couple of weeks of camps for different age levels as well as position-specific camps which will run in the evenings of August into September. We are hoping by the middle of September, as restrictions become less stringent, we will include more programs.," said Burns.

The Axemen's focus will be to create confidence for all participants and families by following the protocols provided by Acadia Athletics, Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Canada, and Nova Scotia's local health authorities. Confidence and safety will be paramount for Acadia's camp operation including the Axemen's hockey camps.

"We are fortunate to have great guidance on our campus by Michelle Wood, who has worked tirelessly to provide guidelines for a safe environment," noted Burns.

"Assistant Coach Kris MacDonald has done a tremendous job providing professional guidance and interaction with camp participants during the time he has been with the Axemen program. He takes great pride in providing strong leadership, not just from a hockey standpoint, but their well being and development as people. There is no question this needs to be the staple of what we offer, and his work and dedication create this as the foundation of our camps," added Burns.

A partnership with the Valley Wildcats and Berwick's Kings Mutual Century Centre (Appledome) will provide the opportunity and great environment to return to play in the Annapolis Valley at a high level.

"The space at Acadia will also be a huge help in plans for entering and exiting the building and creating social distancing which is required" Burns added.   

"The strength of our camps has always been its staff and instruction. Our players have come through the best junior leagues and minor hockey associations across Canada. They have lived the experiences of our participants, so there is no one better to help teach them. They can help them learn in a positive environment whether it is the basics for a beginner or for the player who wants to be challenged. Their years of experience and background experiences cover it all. Our players build relationships with the kids and we not only spend the time with them at a camp, but we see their progress throughout the season. These interactions can lead to lifelong relationships. It's not just hockey, the social interaction is probably more important as this is what sports should be about - building confidence, learning teamwork, and creating bonds and friendships," said Burns.                                    

Burns concluded, "The last few months have been tough for kids. We want to take what has been a difficult situation and help them come out of this stronger than ever. This will be our blueprint for sure."