All Posts - Hockey Camps by Athletic Mentors

D1 Hockey Champ Tessa Ward Brings Ladies’ Hockey Home This Summer!

April 3rd, 2018 by Athletic Mentors

What do the Winter Olympics, the KOHA, and Athletic Mentors have in common? They’re scoring awareness for the sport of Girls & Women’s hockey.

This summer, Division I Northeastern Husky Forward Tessa Ward will suit up to help coach Mark Olson lead Athletic Mentors’ first Ladies Dryland Summer Training Camp. The freshman and her team earned the Hockey East Championship this season before being sidelined on the way to the NCAA’s Final Four.

For Ward, growing up with a dad in the NHL (Eddie Ward) and four brothers who vied for ice time in their backyard hockey rink, playing came naturally. The basement of her childhood home is still riddled with holes in the wall from their games of competitive mini-stick. Dad was in the mix, much to her mom’s chagrin.

Ward’s older brother, Keegan, now plays for Northern Michigan University. When they were younger, watching him play inspired her.

“I was so jealous. I saw him having fun on the ice, and thought I could do it better than him…” Ward recalls. She’s played since she was four years old, entirely on boys’ teams until Bantam major level. Then she switched over to girls hockey, playing on the Lansing Spartans.

“That’s when I really realized this was something I can do and want to do at the collegiate level.”

For Ward, the dryland camp is the kind of thing she wished she would have had growing up.

“I think it would have been motivating to see girls my age working, getting stronger, growing in the game. I had to travel to play on a girls’ team. It’s great they’re building a program. I’m really looking forward to mentoring young girls.”

Ward credits in part the Team USA Women’s Olympic win this year with the surge in popularity experienced in women’s hockey. “I think it’s shown a lot of girls that hockey is a sport was can all play. It’s not just for boys anymore.”

Earlier this year, the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association teamed up with Athletic Mentors to offer 40 girls, ages 8U to 16U, an opportunity to train both on and off the ice. The program turned heads at USA Hockey.

“The excitement and buzz that is surrounding girls and women’s hockey right now is contagious,” said Emily West, USA Hockey’s ADM manager. “The staff in Kalamazoo is continuing to go above and beyond for these girls and it’s an awesome thing to see how much those girls enjoyed the event.”

That trend will continue this summer in Richland under the tutelage of Coach Mark Olson, former D1 player and national champion, and Tessa Ward. In Dryland training, Athletic Mentor’s unique blend of performance-powered mental and physical conditioning with precise skill development will help serious players ratchet up their level of play. On-Ice skills and conditioning will also be available for those who want to hone their stride strength, power and explosive stops and starts. The coaching team includes former NHL Pro Eddie Ward; pro power skating coach Stacey Barber, and new team member, Nicole Reitz. For Ward, it’s a pleasure to work alongside one of her most influential coaches.

“I’ve worked with Mark since I was ten years old. I trust him as a trainer more than anybody else. He’s honest, works hard, and keeps you working towards a goal. He’s been wonderful to me and my brothers, and has taken me to the next level as a hockey player and a person.”

She hopes she can give some of that back to the program.

“My advice to younger girls is to keep working hard. Keep your head up, and have fun playing hockey. Make a goal and stick to it and don’t let anybody tell you no. Hockey is not just for boys anymore.”

For more information about Athletic Mentors’ program, visit Ladies Summer Dryland Camp or call 269.743.2277.

Athletic Mentors Hockey Camp Alumnus Stefan Noesen Scores First NHL Goal

December 8th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors

Athletic Mentor Hockey Camp Alumnus Stefan Noeson scores his first NHL goal for the Annaheim Ducks

Athletic Mentor Alumnus Scores First NHL Goal 3 Games Into Career with Anaheim Ducks.

Congratulations to Athletic Mentors’ mentoree and alumnus Stefan Noesen who did us proud last night scoring his first NHL goal for the Anaheim Ducks.

“Stefan has been an outstanding member of Athletic Mentors’ Hockey Camp and has worked hard to build his strength, speed, and agility after injuries. His unstoppable nature made this moment a triumph over past tribulations,” AM Coach Mark Olson said. “We’re ecstatic for him!”

According to a press release published by the Anaheim Ducks, Noesen buried a one-timer from the slot in the second period of Anaheim’s eventual 6-5 shootout victory over the visiting Hurricanes, raising both fists to the rafters and breaking out in a beaming ear-to-ear grin. Wednesday night was just his third NHL game with the Ducks.

“I saw the red light and threw my hands up,” said the 23-year-old winger. “It was all the emotion from two long years coming at me all at once.”

Watch Stefan’s First NHL Goal

According to a story by Adam Brady for the AnaheimDucks.com, those two years were more than any athlete should be asked to endure. Noesen battled through not one, but two devastating injuries that each kept him off the ice for extended periods of time. First was the torn ACL, MCL and meniscus suffered soon after being acquired by the Ducks in 2013, and a year later there was the partially torn Achilles that put him on the shelf for most of the 2014-15 campaign.

Brady wrote that in an odd way, Noesen had an impact on the Ducks franchise even before he was acquired by Anaheim. Ducks GM Bob Murray has acknowledged that Anaheim wanted to take Noesen with the 22nd selection of the 2011 NHL Draft, but the Senators snatched him up one pick prior. The Ducks quickly swung a deal with Toronto to send that 22nd pick to the Leafs for the 30th and 39th, which became franchise cornerstones Rickard Rakell and John Gibson.

Two years later the Ducks got Noesen anyway, dealing Bobby Ryan to Ottawa for Jakob Silfverberg, Noesen and a 2014 first round draft pick they used to select Nick Ritchie.

Read the full story of Noesen’s triumph here:

https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/an-emotional-milestone-for-noesen/c-284514808

Brickey Represents USA in 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in Czech Republic

July 13th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors

brickey_use Athletic Mentors’ own Ronald (Scooter) Brickey will be 1 of 22 Americans representing the USA in the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, August 8-13, 2016 in the Czech Republic. As a member of Team USA, Scooter will be a part of the eight best U18 national teams in the world, which includes Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and USA. Team USA has finished in the top three 12 times since the tournament began on 1991.

“I’m nervous and excited at the same time to play with the BEST talent in hockey from around the world!” said the 6’3″ defenseman from Burtchville, Michigan, who first began training with Coach Mark Olson and Athletic Mentors in June 2015.

After Brickey completed his season with the U18 Little Caesars organization, he went on to play in 10 games with the USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2015-16. Scooter was the 84^th overall draft pick for Muskegon in 2015. Additionally, he is set to be a part of the Western Michigan University Division l Hockey Team 2017-2018.

He credits the intense, high paced workouts of Coach Olson with helping him become a more powerful player, stronger and faster on the ice.

“Scooter is driven and deserves the spot he’s earned on Team USA. We’re proud of his dedication and work ethic. He’s set a fine example to our young amateurs to show where hard work will take you,” said Coach Olson.

To prepare for the Ivan Hlnka, Brickey is also receiving nutritional counselling for caloric intake and is doing extra sets to gain more weight. He has three solid meals prepared for him daily at his Gull Lake billet house, which makes it easier for him to focus on his training and recovery at Athletic Mentors. Coach Olson keeps him focused and on task to prepare him to be the best he can be on Team USA.

The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup is an annual event held each August for national under-18 teams from around the world. Named for one of the first Czech hockey stars, the tournament began in 1991 as a three-team showcase. Between 1997 and 2002, the format shifted to the current eight-team tournament. It was then named after Hlinka in 2007, three years after his passing.

While Coach Olson helps Scooter focus on his training, his advisor Eddie Ward keeps him on task and on the right path in terms of preparing for the ins and outs of Ivan Hlinka and what to expect while he is there.

Upon Brickey’s return from the Czech Republic, he plans to continue to train with Coach Olson and Athletic Mentors until he starts his rookie season with the USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks for the 2016-17 season.

“Athletic Mentors is the best of the best place to train if you want to be at the top of your game. The athletes that workout there are all so driven to take it to the next level — this drive helps push me to be even better,” Brickey said.

AM’s Gleason Headed 2016 NHL Combine

May 27th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors

Hockey pro summer program to prepare for NHL Combine scouting Athletic Hockey “Mentee” Ben Gleason joins the elite ranks of the world’s top draft-eligible prospects with his invitation to the NHL Scouting Combine May 30. Gleason and 114 other top hockey talents will complete physical and medical assessments all week with all 30 NHL clubs watching as the NHL Draft quickly approaches.

Gleason, a 3-year alumni of the Athletic Mentors Hockey program, says he’s ready.

“This is the most intense, high-paced training I have ever done. Because of this top-of-the-line training, I feel more prepared and am in the best shape of my life. I am excited and feel confident for the Combine,” said Gleason, who’s been clocking a solid 2-3 hours each day with Coach Mark Olson in preparation for the tough training schedule of his draft debut.

Gleason, a ’98 from Ortonville, MI, just completed his second season in the OHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs. He was a 2nd round draft pick for the OHL’s London Knights in 2014 and was later traded to the Bulldogs. Gleason spent 6 years in his earlier hockey career with the Honey Baked organization.

Gleason credits the Athletic Mentors hockey program for his “amazing” preparation. While living in his Athletic Mentors billet house on Gull Lake, he has 3 professionally prepared meals a day and everything is taken care of so he can focus 100% on his training and recovery with Coach Olson.

“This type of environment has offered me the opportunity to take my training to the next level. I can focus on what needs to be done to get there,” he said.

Hockey camp for rising pros headed to NHL scouting combine During Combine week, NHL Teams will have the chance to have one-on-one interviews with prospects. Gleason’s agent, Eddie Ward of Newport Sports Management, has been instrumental in helping him prepare for this aspect.

“The Combine week is always an interesting event for Central Scouting that seems to go by very quickly,” NHL Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr said. The goal is to present an event that allows NHL personnel to interact with the future stars of our game and assist the NHL clubs in their pursuit of gaining as much knowledge about the draft prospects as possible.

After the Combine is over, Gleason plans to return to train with Coach Olson and Athletic Mentors for the rest of the summer.

“I want to keep training and becoming stronger so when the next opportunity arises to further my hockey career, I’ll be ready to go,” Gleason said. “This program is top-of-the-line.”

Anatomy of Success: Rising Star Alex Cannon

April 4th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors

IMG_7920-1 What does it take to elevate your game? Ask Alex Cannon, who has had a burning desire since age 8 to play on a Detroit team.

Today, it’s safe to say that the Captain of the Plymouth Compuware’s UA15 team who has recently been asked to commit to the elite Oakland Junior Grizzlies U16 AAA team has reached his goal in a big way. Getting there took inspiration, perspiration, and great year-round coaching.

“It doesn’t surprise me in the least that Al has been called up to the Oakland U16 AAA team,” said coach Mark Olson. “That kid has drive, perseverance, and talent to burn. But most importantly, he’s always ready to do the work.”

Cannon began training with Coach Olson in the Athletic Mentors hockey program in 2011 at age 11, where he began sports-specific, age-specific training. His family called summer hockey camp the first “turning point” in his development.

“Al began to learn and understand the importance of training and nutrition in order to get better at hockey and take it to the next level. Because he was and still is so focused and driven, he took all of this and began to apply it to his everyday life,” said Lu Cannon.

For Al, the next few summers at Athletic Mentors summer hockey school gave him an opportunity to work out, stick handle and be on the ice with older kids, junior players and some pros. This pushed him even more to adopt winning practices and rise to the level of advanced play.

One pivotal moment for Al came after an on-ice training session with Eddie Ward. Ward sat all of the kids down and in essence said, “You have to stand out. If your parents have to ask you to stick handle and train you might as well not try to play at a high level. You have to want it and be self-motivated. If you are in a group of kids, you better do something out there that makes you get noticed by the coaches. It’s important to continue to workout all year long and stick handle. This will set you apart from the rest.” Al took those words to heart.

In 2013, he began to workout with Coach Olson all year long. For the first year he was the only one his age working out several times a week after school. He continued to ask to play in Detroit. Coaches Olson, Ward and his parents told him to be patient.

When Al became a Bantam that was the year they were allowed to check. The first game of the season, Al came on the ice with confidence ready to go. His first check was on a player probably 30 pounds heavier. The guy was not expecting it from him and the players, crowd and coaches sat there stunned. From that point forward, that is how Al has played: with ice vision, speed, confidence, strength, leadership and a strong team presence.

“Timing and patience is everything. The support, guidance, and development that Mark Olson, Eddie Ward and Athletic Mentors along with Al’s determination and hard work have opened doors,” said Lu Cannon.

Registration is now open for our summer Dryland Training, On-Ice Skills and Power Skating programs. Visit the Registration Center for details.

Registration is Now Open: Check Out the On-Ice Ultimate Skills & Power Skating Programs

March 28th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors

HAM-Adbit2016Hockey Due to popular demand, Athletic Mentors Hockey is pleased to announce that it has expanded its series of Ultimate On-Ice Skills and Power Skating Camps. Registration is NOW OPEN for young elite, elite and pro level players. Founder & Coach Mark Olson and NHL agent and pro, Eddie Ward head up a star-studded lineup of coaches for the brand new Ultimate Power Skating Camp, which followed 2016’s popular introduction of the more in-depth On-Ice Ultimate Skills & Power Skating package. The on-ice packages can be booked as stand-alone programs, or can be added to any Dryland program.

“The combination of our intense Dryland off-season camp with our new Ultimate On-Ice skills and power skating package will enhance our athletes’ stride, strength and power for explosive stops and starts on ice,” said Olson. “Players will learn new skills that can only be taught by coaches that have played or are playing at the highest level.”

He and Ward will be joined by Pro power skating coach, Stacey Barber and first-round NHL draft pick and rising player, Stefan Noeson.

Also back this year is an attractive all-inclusive accommodation package for athletes who hail from afar or who just want the full camp experience.

Athletic Mentors’ Hockey program is one of the nation’s premier, innovative programs that produces well-developed athletes powered by the perseverance and commitment required for pro-level play. Dedicated hockey players learn how to unleash their peak performance through structured, holistic hockey-specific training. The team of top notch experts in hockey strength and conditioning, programming and sports nutrition are complimented by Athletic Mentors clinical grade testing, physical therapy and sports massage resources. The AM team collaborates with NHL agents, scouts and coaches to ensure effective programming.

“Gone are the days where you could start summer camp training at 16 and expect to be competitive with your peers during the draft,” said Ward, an NHL agent and former pro. “I’m seeing that the most successful players are starting year-round, single-sport training years earlier, and it shows in the level of play. Athletic Mentors and Mark Olson are the best thing that can hone native talent to the next level of play.”

The intensive spring and summer camps feature specific training modules within the areas of physical, mental, nutritional and recovery management. From energy systems development to micro and macro nutrition and recovery strategies, their players emerge as well-developed athletes with the confidence and skill set to succeed.

Serious athletes from all over the nation register for these programs, which typically sell out early. Get the edge to unleash peak performance with an Athletic Mentors Hockey development program today. Register Online or Learn More about our summer hockey programs.

Athletic Mentors Coaches K-Wings for Strength and Conditioning

March 17th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors

Coach Mark Olson working with the K-Wings pro hockey team during a pre-season testing session. Athletic Mentors is the team's strength and conditioning trainer.

Coach Mark Olson working with the K-Wings pro hockey team during a pre-season testing session. Athletic Mentors has been named as the team’s professional strength and conditioning coaching staff.

Athletic Mentors’ slogan is Train Like a Pro. The slogan has taken on a new dimension for up and coming hockey players now that AM is the professional strength and conditioning coaching staff for the Kalamazoo K-Wings of the ECHL.

This summer, athletes in the popular Dryland and Ultimate Ice hockey camps at Athletic Mentors might also have a chance to train alongside some of those pros.

Named the K-Wings strength and conditioning coaching staff in the fall of 2015, Coach Mark Olson says the designation has helped strengthen the Athletic Mentors hockey program beyond its already robust, national reputation. This year, the Ultimate On-Ice Skills and Power Skating Package has expanded to offer a straight Power Skating option.

How K-Wings Training Helps Campers

“Working with the K-Wings is of tremendous benefit for our hockey kids in a couple of ways. First of all, coaching a greater number of high level, pro players in-season elevates the skill level of our own coaching team,” said Olson. “We love being part of the team and helping the coaching staff focus on running the team.”

“Secondly, it’s inspiring for younger, amateur players to train in the same place, with similar programs, as the pros.”

Olson expects some of the in-state K-Wings players will continue their strength and conditioning training throughout the summer. Others will return in-season, and some may even move up to the NHL.

Olson has his trainer’s eye on one passionate, driven player he expects has the work ethic to make it to the next level: Anton Cederholm, the Vancouver Canucks draft pick. He describes the Sweden native as one of the “more driven” players in terms of being consistent with his off-ice training.

While there are many similarities between the K-Wings training and the Dryland hockey summer camps, the pros net a higher training volume using more advanced techniques and higher overall intensity, Olson says.

“We’re dealing with very seasoned athletes on the K-Wings. We love working with them, and making a positive impact.”

Registration Open for Summer Hockey Dryland Training and Ultimate On-Ice and Power Skating Camps

Olson says he’s excited to open registration on this summer’s Hockey Camp and Ultimate On-Ice packages for Young Elite, Elite, and aspiring Pros.

“Our Ultimate Skills & Power Skating package was so popular last year, we’ve expanded the program to include stand-alone Power Skating packages for all age groups,” Olson said.

Since skating is the key to skill development, even the youngest players can benefit from working with Pro Power Skating coach Stacy Barber and Olson’s all-star coaching team. NHL agent and pro, Eddie Ward and first-round NHL draft pick and rising star, Stefan Noeson round out the team.

“The combination of our intense Dryland off-season camp with our Ultimate On-Ice skills and Power Skating package will enhance our athletes’ stride, strength and power for explosive stops and starts on ice,” said Olson. “Players will learn new skills that can only be taught by coaches that have played or are playing at the highest level.”

Also back this year is an attractive all-inclusive accommodation package for athletes who hail from afar or who just want the full camp experience. This year’s residence is a well-appointed Gull Lake home that will provide a resort-style experience.
Visit our Hockey Registration Center to learn more.

Athletic Mentors Hockey Camp Coach Suits Up As NHL Duck

April 14th, 2015 by Athletic Mentors

noesen_resized You might find Athletic Mentors hockey camp alumni Stefan Noesen suited up for the Anaheim Ducks this spring, or wearing an Athletic Mentors Coaching Jersey, depending on the day. It’s been a long strange trip from Plano, Texas to the NHL, but for unstoppable two-way right-winger with the “high hockey IQ,” the ride is worth the fare.

Noesen was called up from the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals to log ice time in the bigs with the Anaheim Ducks earlier this month.

“I definitely had a little bit of jitters in the beginning,” said the 22-year-old.
“As the game went on, it starts to be hockey and those feelings go away. It was a dream come true.”

Noesen’s NHL agent, Eddie Ward, predicts his April debut won’t be his last time in suit, and credits Athletic Mentor’s Pro Hockey Camp with Noeson’s ongoing development and steady progress toward the top of his game.

“Training with coach Mark Olson has given Stefan the edge to up his game and get the call,” said Ward. “He has made outstanding gains in terms of strength and conditioning in the two years he’s trained with Athletic Mentors. The program’s pro-style focus on speed, strength, skills and diet is unparalleled,” Ward said.

Noesen, at 6’2” and 205 lbs, was a first-round draft pick in 2011 for the Ottawa Senators and remains in the NHL’s top 35 prospects in central scouting rank. His proving ground in the OHL and AHL was protracted when he was sidelined by injuries, including a torn ACL that had him sit out the 2013 season, and an Achilles tendon injury last fall. But Noesen has battled back to top form, a feat Ward calls “inspiring.”

“It’s been amazing what he’s gone through. I’m really proud of Stef. There are two ways a story like this can go. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself, Stef’s continued to get himself in phenomenal shape, trained really hard in the summer, had a great training camp…It is just amazing how he’s persevered,” said Ward.

Ward is teaming up with coach Olson this summer to unveil the Athletic Mentor’s On-Ice Ultimate Skills & Conditioning program. Noesen is joining the team as an assistant coach, a role for which Ward says he was made.

“Stefan pays attention to detail and knows all about focusing on the little things to ratchet up his play. I think our young athletes will really benefit from his experience and his incredible attitude. He’s a smart, competitive player with a high-energy, two-way game.”

The team’s excited to provide something different that hasn’t been available to serious players who want to get to the next level.

“This is a camp that’s going to be focused on attention to details; a high-end program that’s really going to push the athletes. In other words: not your typical camp,” Ward said.

As an agent, he feels serious pro contenders need to train year-round to remain competitive players. Increasingly, those who make the pro circuit are one-sport athletes from an early age and are committed to hard work at strong summer programs.

But quantity does not beat quality, he warns.

Even those players who’ve trained year-round from an early age — like Noesen — can use a boost with elite strength and conditioning training and the kind of on-ice skills best mentored by those who’ve played pro or at elite levels.

Noesen is the product of early Dryland training as a former 10-year member of Dallas’s Ice Jets hockey program, where he helped lead his team to a U-12 Tier 1 national championship.

Dryland training has historically been an innovative approach to training all aspects of an athlete, from nutritional counseling to explosive power through strength conditioning. A handful of programs across the US have been pioneers, Athletic Mentors among them.

Noesen, the son of two college basketball athletes, fell in love with hockey at the age of 3 when his grandfather taught him the “motions” of ice skating in the living room. Since then, he’s been driven for ice time.

Despite the hot, humid climate in Dallas, Noesen trained year-round since he was 8 years old. He moved to Northville, Michigan to spend two seasons in the Compuware Under-16 Team, winning a national championship in 2009. After his first-round draft selection, he played with the OHL Plymouth Whalers until traded to Anaheim.

His advice for young athletes who want to make the play to go pro is “don’t stop believing – or improving!”

“Every game I push myself to be better and better, and the more I push myself, the higher I go in the standings,” Noesen said. “Play big and train hard.”

What Is CSCS Accreditation?

October 29th, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

levantando pesas One of the things that sets Athletic Mentors apart is its CSCS accreditation, ensuring that all our program participants receive the rigorous and comprehensive training it signifies. Here a little info about our governing certification agency.

Scope of Practice

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.

History
The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) program was created in 1985 to identify individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for athletes in a team setting. The credentialing program encourages a higher level of competence among practitioners and raises the quality of strength training and conditioning programs provided by those who are CSCS certified.

Today, professionals from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds hold this prestigious credential. This diverse group includes strength coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, personal trainers, physicians, chiropractors, researchers and educators. The CSCS is the only strength training and conditioning certification to be nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and has been nationally accredited since 1993.

Check Out Stack’s Hang Clean Tips for Hockey Speed and Power

October 29th, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

The best way to boost your power as a hockey player is to maintain a highly structured training program like those offered by Athletic Mentors, in season or off season. However, the internet can be home to great tips to supplement your work. In this Stack.com Elite session with fellow Strength and Conditioning specialist Mike Boyle, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot your hang clean for explosive speed and power.
As the Stack Article points out,”If you’re a hockey player, improving your coordination, puck-handling skills and technique for various plays is essential. But speed and power are critical, too. Hockey players who consistently produce power and speed are at a distinct advantage. If you lack explosiveness and endurance, technique may not be enough to help you succeed.”

Check out the video, tips and troubleshooting guide by visiting Stack.com’s Hockey Drills Hang Clean Tips.