By / Mike Beasley
Laurie Boschman may not be a big league manager or head coach but he still has a devout passion for developing hockey players and quality individuals.
After retiring from the NHL in 1993 where he registered 577 regular season points with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators, Boschman stayed around the game as the Eastern Ontario Director for Hockey Ministries International (HMI).
The Montreal-based Christian organization has been active since 1977 in every area of hockey including youth, college, Junior, European, minor pro and the NHL.
Through their hockey camps, chapels, clinics and conferences, HMI serves the spiritual needs of players, coaches, families and friends.
With live-in and day camps throughout Canada , the United States and Europe, HMI along with Boschman know exactly what works when it comes to running a quality hockey school.
“There are several key components to look for when deciding upon a hockey school,” said the veteran of 17 NHL seasons. “Things like how long the kids are going to be on the ice during a typical day. Who are the individuals that will be running the on-ice activities? What are their credentials? What kind of hockey experience do they have? Have they ever run a program like this before?”
The first captain in the history of the new era of the Ottawa Senators also suggests asking lots of questions about a school specifically with a family that has had a child take part in the past.
“Find out whether the hockey school offers extra-curricular activities away from the ice like dry-land or hockey specific training. Price point and location are also key points. Parents are sometimes willing to send their kids away if it’s a good quality camp. Watch for a different cost factor for sleepover camps compared to all day camps.”
Boschman also encourages parents to find out if the instruction and calibre will be to the level of a particular individual.
“Sometimes it can be misleading if the camp is billed as AAA level but find out that house league players are taking part. You have to make sure that the camp is truly specific to the skill set of your son or daughter.”
Another factor Boschman advises parents to look into is whether the school is just for boys or girls or a combination of both.
After skating in more than 1000 regular season games during his big league career, Boschman valued his downtime during the off season which is something that he thinks minor hockey players should take advantage of as well.
“I’m a big proponent of giving the kids more than a few weeks break after their season is done. I think it’s important for them to get that break and play other sports. If a kid wants to go to a hockey camp that’s fine, but makes sure it’s the right fit for them. Attending a summer hockey school can help with skill development but in my opinion it’s not an absolute necessity for them to get to another level.”
For more information about Hockey Ministries International, log on to www.hmi.org |