EDMONTON – The Okanagan Hockey Group (OHG) has announced a partnership with the Royal Glenora Club on the creation of a new Okanagan Hockey Academy in Edmonton.
The new Edmonton academy will bring together OHG’s expertise and extensive network, while giving local students the opportunity to train close to home. OHG’s success can be seen through its placement of more than 100 alumni in junior, collegiate and professional hockey leagues around the world.
The coaching team will be led by Randall Weber, a former professional player with over 24 years experience. Having previously coached at the Penticton academy, Weber has a strong understanding of OHG’s background and training approach. Sean Brown, former NHL player and Oilers defenceman, will also be joining the academy, working with the students in skills development and training.
“The Okanagan Hockey Group is thrilled to be opening our second Canadian location in Edmonton,” said OHG president Andy Oakes, which opened its first academy in Penticton in 2002. “The new location will give Albertan students the opportunity to train within their home province and continue to participate in a familiar education system. The academy’s all-encompassing approach fosters growth and sport excellence within our athletes.”
Working with its partners, OHG will ensure athletes develop skills both on and off the ice. Its agreement with Ross Sheppard High School will oversee athlete academics, educational requirements and the creation of flexible schedules to accommodate practices. Athletes will play, practice and train at the Royal Glenora Club— a state-of-the-fitness facility that has been serving Edmontonians since 1961.
“The Royal Glenora Club is proud to partner with OHG on this amazing athletic initiative,” said manager David Martin. “The club strongly understands and values the important role sport, especially hockey, plays within our community. We are honoured to contribute to the development and success of our nation’s young and aspiring athletes.”
Tryout camps for the academy will be held June 5 – 7 at the Royal Glenora Club. On the OHG’s Twitter account, Oakes was quoted saying that the academy will have a midget prep team to start in 2015-16. OHA Edmonton becomes the fourth location with Penticton, the United Kingdom and OHA Europe.
The OHG was founded in 1963 in Penticton. Since its establishment, OHG has become an icon in the hockey camp industry and has grown to be the longest operating hockey camp in the world. OHA’s success can be seen in the long list of players who have played junior A, in the Western Hockey League, university and international levels as well as the NHL, more recently Ottawa Senators rookie Curtis Lazar.
The Royal Glenora Club is Edmonton’s premier, member-owned, family-oriented, sport and social club. The Club is committed to enriching the lives of its membership by providing an environment conducive to healthy living and personal excellence.
