Power Skating 101

A Night With Stanley

This was truly a night to remember. I was very honoured to be invited to the LA Kings Stanley Cup party the other night to celebrate with my good friend James Richmond in his and Mike Futa celebration with family and friends with the Cup. JR and I go back a long way having played hockey together for years and then having him be a mentor to me as an instructor working many of PS101 camps and sessions.

Being we are all from Rexdale and closely around the same age there were many people I had not seen in a very long time, friends from school days at TCI, friends including Colin Patterson who won the Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989. 

How neat was that to be able to put on a Stanley Cup Ring which my family all took pleasure in trying on thanks to Colin, how cool was it to meet and get pictures with a budding star and instrumental player in winning the Cup who happens to be a protoge of JR's skating instruction in Tyler Toffoli and how incredibile was it to have your picture with the most famed and fabled trophy in sports and with a great friend and mentor. Priceless.

This was a night to remember and my family is thankful to JR and Mike Futa of the LA Kings for allowing us to be part of this special celebration.

Darius Kondrotas Mariah Kondrotas James Richmond Stan Kondrotas

The Richmond Family

David Madsen Daniel Nielsen MacGregor Richmond James Richmond

The Guys who made it all possible

James Richmond Skating Instructor LA KIngs

Mike Futa VP Player Personal LA Kings

Darius with Tyler Toffoli LA Kings 

Mariah and Tyler Toffoli

Tyler Toffoli and myself

Darius with Colin Patterson Stanley Cup Ring on, Mariah, Colin Patterson and myself

Wearing Colin Patterson Stanley Cup Ring

Wea

Farewell David Madsen and Daniel Nielsen

The time sure flew by and the Denmark players are leaving to go back to Denmark after spending a month in Canada training with JR and with PS101. I had the pleasure of having David and Daniel stay with my family while JR had business in LA with the Kings. Both my clients and I were lucky enough to have players such as this play on my Prospect team winning both tournaments entered, working out with my Elite Summer Training Program on ice and off ice at ISPW and taking part in other skating/skills skates I had.

The hard work and effort put into everything they did not only showed our players what it takes but shows why they are ranked top prospects in all of Denmark. All work deserves some play too and the boys loved fishing and had the true up north experience of tubing. I wish them the best of luck in the coming year of hockey in Denmark and hope we see them again next year.

Pictured below is David Madsen, James Richmond, Stan Kondrotas, Daniel Nielsen

Chris Taylor Tier 1 Southern Connecticut Stars U16

Long time client Chris Taylor hockey career keeps taking off in leaps and bounds. After accepting a scholarship with Trinity Pawling Prep School Chris was invited to play for the U16 Southern Connecticut Stars this past weekend. Here is a brief note from his Dad Royal and some pictures. Keep up the great work Chris your making The Taylors and PS101 family very proud. 

Here are pictures from the tournament so far. Fall Face Off Tournament in MA, Teir 1 Southern Connecticut Stars U16. So far Chris has 3 goals in 4 games. Playing great. He's had a great summer and start to the Fall thanks to you and PS101.

INTERESTING READ

This is not an article on participation trophy’s.  This is a story on player and parents that too many time people do not want to talk about.

Yesterday I spend time with a friend of mine and his son who is Major Junior player, and will likely be NHL draft pick next June.  A very talented player who should have very long NHL career.

During that time I watch and observe how the family interact before, during and after the on ice sessions.  I also have the chance to watch the players I have heard of, but do not know.  How they interact with their family, coaches and other at the arena.

There are some very big differences between the very high level player and the player looking to play on the high level team.

I ask my friend this one question; “What do you think is the most important role you play in your son career?”

His answer;

“I am only here to support what he wants to do with his life.  It is not my dream for him to play in the NHL, its his dream.  I never initiate a hockey conversation about his game, practice or training.  If he wants to talk then I give him my opinions, but I always remember that this is his life not mine.”

How many of you parent can say the same thing?  Do you action support you words?

Yesterday I also see more than one parent yelling from the stand, trying to coach the kid as he come off the ice, and expressing disappointment at every mistake.  I see parent walk up to coach uninvited to offer they opinion.  I see parent talking bad about organization, linemate they son play with, and the system of how player be chosen for team.

These are the parent of Trophy Kids.

The kid accomplishment is the trophy for the parent to carry above they head.  It is the parent bragging right with other parent.  It is like parent is in some type of competition with every other hockey parent, and it is not just in hockey.

We all see these parent.  We know who they are.  Most of us avoid them.  Most team avoid them once they are identified.

Yesterday I also ask one of these parent the same question; “What do you think is the most important role you play in your son career?”

His answer;

“I need to arrange for the best camps, and that I hire the best trainers.  I make sure I take the time off from work to get things done.  I call the coaches, and I research what teams I might be able to get a tryout arranged.”

Now go back and read the first parent answer.

In the first answer every statement surrounds supporting “him”.  In the second answer, not once did the parent mention “him”.

I recorded these answer on my phone so I did not make the mistake.  Not only is the content of the answer different, but the tone of each parent is dramatically different.  One is relaxed one is very aggressive or anxious.

After I speak to the parents I speak to the players and ask “What role do you family play in you hockey career?”

High level NHL prospect say;

“My family is always there for me.  Whether I have a good or bad game, everything remains the same.  They know I don’t need to be told how I played, and they give me my space.  The only time we talk about hockey when I am home is if we are watching a game together or I need to vent.  If I had to talk about every practice or game with my family I would quit playing.  That’s my coaches job, and I leave him at the rink.”

Prospect player say;

“My Dad does it all for me.  He wants me to make the NHL.  He gets me the best of everything.  I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Which parent are you?  Which parent do you want to be?  How would you and your son answer these question?

Coach

Mitchell Conlon

January 27,1998- December 6, 2015

It comes with great sadness that we have lost a very young man this past week. Mitchell was a team mate of my son Darius with the NCP Bantam team and was also a client of Power Skating 101. To the Conlon family my sincere condolences from the Power Skating 101 family Mitchell will be dearly missed

Another Player leaves us to soon

For the second straight year our family, the hockey and surrounding community have heavy hearts with the passing of a very well liked player both my son and I knew well. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Coleman family as they get through this most difficult time. Here is a link to the arrangements I know many of my clients and friends knew the family well. 

http://www.druryfuneralcentre.com/book-of-memories/2792420/Coleman-Kyle/service-details.php

A Great Hockey Story

Kevin Frankish Breakfeast Television

Whale Cove, Nunavut is an isolated Inuit community of about 400 people that is further away from here than the Gulf of Mexico.  A teacher there, Andy McFarlane, put together a high school hockey team but chances for the boys to play other teams are limited by geography.  To try and give the boys an experience they would never forget, Andy began a “kickstart” campaign to raise funds to bring the boys to a tournament near Thunder Bay.  His hope was to raise 10 thousand dollars.  I found out about the effort and put it out to our viewers of Breakfast Television on Citytv.  The result…in two hours 20 thousand dollars was raised.  This meant the boys not only would get to the tournament, but they would also be able to come all the way to Toronto for a visit.  That will happen this week.  Last week I had the chance to go and visit the boys up in Whale Cove (in -50 degree conditions).  I would love for you to check out my experiences through my collection of video blogs at www.bttoronto.ca/kevin  

Congratulations Dylan Sikura and Michael Laidley

Congratulations to Aurora Tiger Jr A players Dylan Sikura and Michael Laidley on being named to the OJHL Top NHL Prospects team. Both have had great starts to their years and bright futures ahead of them having already earned scholarships at D1 schools next year.  

Congratulations Daniel Lisi

Congratulations to Daniel Lisi of the Aurora Tigers Jr A team on getting a scholarship with Sacred Heart Unniversity Division 1. Daniel has been a long time helper and attendee at many of PS101 camps headed by James Richmond. We wish Daniel the best of luck in the next 4 years and will monitor and report his growth with the team.  

Sam Bennett Wins Gold U18 Team Canada

Congratulations to Sam Bennett long time client who won Gold with Team Canada U18 against the USA beating them 3 -2 for the first Gold medal for Canada since 2008. Sam you have come such a long way you have made everyone very proud of your accomplishments.

Congratulations Philippe Lefreniere

Congratulations to Phillipe a long time client  who made the jump from Bradford A to Aurora AA Minor Bantam. Many a earlymorning session over the years showed the commitment needed to move up in level. Keep up the hard work Philippe!!!

Congratulations to Jake "the Wall" Semmens for getting ap'ed from the Barrie Bantam AA team to the Barrie Bantam AAA 99 team!!!

Congratulations to Matt McGrath on getting ap'ed to the Midget Barrie AAA team from the IMHA Midget A team!!!!!!

A REAL LIFE MOMENT

I received the email below this morning and was proud to hear and learn more about 2 of my long time students Jeb Paulsen and Dillon Keay and how they have been there for and helping a close friend of theirs Logan through a life challenging time of his life. 

Logan was diagnosed with AML leukemia and in the words of Jebs mother Ang Paulsen, who is a emergency and ancology nurse, "is enduring the absolute toughest chemo there is to endure! Logan has to endure almost 6 months if living in sick kids during this treatment and as a 16 year old boy you can imagine how horrible this is:(  the thing that gets him thru it are visits from his good friends and his parents who rotate being at his side 24/7.  Also his type of AML is the most curable if you can survive the rigorous chemo. Logan has a Facebook page on the survivor man website. Good wishes are welcome...at times like this you realize that nothing else really matters than your health".

Many times in the dream of playing hockey to many things are taken for granted and to many things like friendships are lost over the dream so when I read and find out about players of mine who understand how important life itself is and how to be their for a friend it makes me proud to be associated with them and happy to do the job I do.

 Hi Stan,
It s Ang ( Jeb's mom). I just wanted you to know that Jeb missed power
Skating yesterday because one of his best friends was fortunate enough to be home from sick kids for a few days. Unfortunately, Logan ( Jeb's friend) is battling leukemia. We had him and some of his friends here for a BBQ and Logan stayed over... It really boosted his spirits. He said to me this morning that he couldn't t have endured another round of chemo without some normalcy in his life. Jeb really didn t want to miss hockey but obviously this was more important for him to do. I wish I could be there this weekend but I work. Good Luck!
Ang

Congratulations Nick Vecchiarelli!!!!!!

I just got word that long time client and a huge favourite of mine Nick Vecchiarelli formerly of the Bradford Bulldogs A team I have instructed for 3 straight years has just earned a spot for the defending OMHA Champions York Simcoe Express AAA Bantam team. Nick has been attending both team skates and privates I do Friday mornings for the past several years and he has worked so very hard and deserves and earned this opportunity. All the hard work has paid off Nick. WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Connor Lees and Kyler Marklinger

Long time client and also a player of mine when I coached, Connor Lees, has made 3 huge steps in 3 years culminating in his being a proud new member of the North Central Predators Minor Midget AAA team. Connor came to play for me when I coached a IMHA A team 2 years back and then last year made the jump to Barrie AA. After another summer of hard work at PS101 Summer Training Program as seen in the top picture and attending many other camps and sessions of PS101 Connor has now made it to AAA. Congratulations you earned it now the hard work begins.

Another client Kyler Marklinger who had done just about everything a goalie could do in AA for the Barrie Colts winning everything from a OMHA title to OHF title to Quebec tournment title his patience and hard work was rewarded by also becoming a proud new member of the North Central Predators Minor Midget AAA team. Kyler is a regular attendee of PS101 camps and sessions including our Summer Training Program as seen in the bottom picture and his hard work also paid off. Congratulations Kyler.

Get ready Connor and Kyler off ice and on ice training starts in May cant wait to work with both of you again.

Congratulations Graham Jones

I wanted to congratulate Graham Jones for making the jump from Innisfil A to Barrie Colts AA Minor Bantam team. I have had the pleasure of working with Graham this past year with both his team and at some of my camps and work ethic is never a concern he just keeps going and going and that work has earned him a spot with Barrie AA. Keep up the hard work Graham the sky is the limit!!!!!

Congratulations Mitch Tucker

I have had the pleasure of working with Mitch last year on several differnt occassions from doing skating sessions with his team to him coming to some of my camps. Mitch work very hard this past year and has been rewarded with becoming a proud new member of the TNT Minor Bantam AA team making the jump from IMHA A. Great work Mitch hope to see you soon at one of my camps.

Congratulations Kris Jansen

Congratulations Kris Jansen for making the jump from Bradford A to the TNT Minor Bantam AA team. Kris has often attended PS101 sessions and his efforts have been rewarded. Way to go Kris you earned it!!!!

Congratulations Jamie Hermiston

A lot of hard work and determination has earned jamie  aspot with the Bantam A Barrie team. Jamie has been coming to my camps for a couple of years now and I have noticed a marked improvement in his skating and this work earned him a spot with the team. Congratulations Jamie!

CONGRATULATIONS JAMES RICHMOND

OJHL COACH OF THE YEAR

It comes with great pride and honour that I announce that James Richmond, Head Coach and Genreal Manager of the Aurora Tigers Jr A team - 8th ranked in Canada - has been named OJHL Coach of the Year.

JR is a Special Camps Instructor for PS101 since there inception and has helped with many a players at PS101 Camps. This is the second time he has won this award and is truly the best coach for young developing players there is in the game today. 

Here is a link to a write up for the OJHL Web site - http://pointstreaksites.com/view/ojhl/news-21/news_143740

CONGRATULATIONS AUSTIN BROWN

I will not forget the first time Austin was on ice with me and I kept watching him and finally had to ask who he was and where he played because he was such a good skater. He told me he was playing local league which I was just amazed. Part of why was he is a smaller player and a NRP but his skills were very impressive. Austin continued to work hard so he could make the A team as a NRP which is very difficult considering there were so many trying out for that team. Well Austin got the call and I just wanted to congratulate him on being a new member of the Bantam A Innisfil Winterhawks!!!!!

ELITE SUMMER TRAINING WELCOMES DENMARK 1999 TOP PROSPECT DAVID MADSEN

PS101 Elite Summer Training Program had the pleasure of having a special guest join the group. David Madsen, one of Denmarks top 1999 prospects, joined them for the past few weeks of on ice training. It didnt take long for all to see why David is a highly rated top prospect in the 1999 age group in Denmark as his skating and shooting skills were outstanding. The boys all had a great time with David as they made a new friend which we hope to be back next year for the full camp and a name to remember.

David's father, Bjarn Madsen is a partner with Sports Management Group  www.sportsmanagementgroup.net -  an agency for many proffessional atheletes most notably to us NHL hockey players Henrik Zetterberg and Nicklas Backstrom with other NHL players such as Frans Nielsen, Anton Straalman, Marcus Johansson, Magnus Paajarvi to name a few. SMG has offices in Denmark, Sweden and Rhode Island USA.

It was great for our group to meet both David and Bjarn and we hope to see more of both of them in the future.

Elite Summer Training 2013

Darius Kondrotas and David Madsen

CONGRATULATIONS SAM BENNETT

RANKED NUMBER 1 OVERALL NHL DRAFT

I am very proud to announce that Sam Bennett of the Kingston Frontenacs has been ranked number 1 by Central Scouting at the mid term for this years NHL draft. All the hard work and commitment is paying off PS101 couldnt be prouder.

Congratulations Sam and the Bennett family!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Aboard David Blais

Institute of Sport Performance and Wellness

PS101 with its never ending desire to add only the best for its clients has teamed up with David Blais and his company The Institute of Spot Performance and Wellness to offer another option for Elite Dryland Training.

PS101 welcomes Special Camps Instructor Darcy Roy

PS101 would like to officially welcome Darcy Roy to its ever growing stable of Elite Special Camps Instructors. With over 35 years as a player and coach Darcy brings a passion, experience and motivation to the clients of PS101. Darcy is expected to head many of PS101 endeavors as he has in the past with my Defence Camps. For more information on Darcy please visit my instructors page.