Riverside Secondary School District43
Good morning gentlemen.
I am quite pleased with the Pacific Rim Hockey Academy’s professionalism and have noted that my teenage son has had no problem getting up for the ice times and dry land training. He in fact quite enjoys the ice times and the on ice drills/coaches that he has had.
I have been impressed with Mike (my sons) attitude now with school and especially time management with homework and hockey. The late Midget A practice and game times where at least twice per week he is up until well after Midnight has certainly taken its toll on his performance in the earlier months, but I can see an improvement in his competitiveness and skill of late as he gets a bit more accustomed to the routine. His strength and shot still needs work, but that will come as he continues to develop in your program.
The program has certainly been worth the money from my perspective. Thanks all who are involved. Stu Anderson (Head Coach Port Coquitlam MHA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My son Chris is enjoying RPM. He was a little hesitant at first given that it was 5 days per week, plus P.E. and of course he plays for a hockey team. He has gone down 2 pant sizes in 2 months, he is stronger, faster, and enjoying the program. He told me this week that he would like to sign up again for next year.
There are days when he has a hockey game the night before, a early ice time with RPM, then P.E., and then another game at night. It would seem to me that given the RPM program is 4 course credits, he should be excused from the physical portion of PE. I am sure that every kid that is taking the RPM program is also playing hockey outside of school for a community team as well with 3 or more ice times a week. That is our only criticism. Keep it going!!! Kevin Cahoon,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello, my son is enjoying the academy although I get the feeling it could be more challenging but realize it is hard to work with all the different levels. He is in the later class and feel if he was in the earlier it would not work out for us as the regular hockey goes to late during the week and this could be a problem for next year going into Midget. It is a lot of hockey when you combine the two. Ideally it would be better to have the academy in the off season -2nd semester but understand ice is a problem. The flu has not helped -getting them back to normal has taken sometime. Overall we feel it is a great opportunity for kids that are keen and hope it will be an option in the following years.Laura Genovese
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, from my son has said it is good. Heather Hemphill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi there - just wanted to let you know that I think you are doing a terrific job, and my son Chris Mah, has really enjoyed everything so far. He is in Grade 12, and I wish this had been offered last year too. He has no complaints, nor do I. He is really looking forward to the next few months
Thanks a lot! Sandra Mah
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Sir. Madam,
I would like to thank you for the hard and professional work of River side hockey academy team and coaches. It was a great opportunity for my son to build up some more skills and knowledge and good habit of early morning workout.
Best regards, Nasrin Khanmohamady
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
My son, Erik Rasche was thrilled when he first heard the hockey academy was coming Riverside Secondary. It actually made him look forward to the start of school. The academy is meeting both his and our (parents) expectations. Erik talks highly of the on and off ice training with everything seeming to be balanced and well rounded. The instructors are knowledgeable and to push the player to become better, not compared to others, but against themselves.
Unfortunately Erik suffered a hockey related injury and has missed a couple of weeks of the academy. We are hoping he will be back on the ice in 7 - 10 days, something he can’t wait to do.
Sincerely, Mitch Rasche
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My son, Justin Togno, is participating in the Hockey program at Riverside Secondary. Although he has only had one year of hockey when he was much younger, I feel it is great that the academy has given him the chance to still participate in this program. Justin loves the program and wants to continue in it next year. He has been able to improve his skills and looks forward to going to school and to hockey. His coach Darren Straumford has been very good and positive with Justin's progress.
Overall I'm very happy with the program and I hope that it will continue at Riverside. I think it is a great way to get kids to come to school and participate in a team orientated course that promotes responsibility, exercise, and good life skills, doing something they enjoy. Nina Heller
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this email in support of the Riverside Hockey Academy run by RPM. I have a long and diverse background in hockey having played up to Junior in my younger years. In addition I instructed power skating for years in the 70’s & early 80’s and I have trained at the High Performance 1 coaching certification level. I have coached in AAA programs at all levels of minor hockey, was Coaching Coordinator for Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey for the past two seasons and now scout for junior and college teams.
My son is a second year Bantam player (Grade 9) and enrolled in Riverside Secondary due to the considerable history of successful graduates, his social connections there, and largely to participate in the Hockey Academy. He has been very satisfied to date in his participation in the Hockey Academy despite the high physical demands of the schedule (ice 3 times per week and 2 intense dry land sessions) coupled with Physical Education every other day and his schedule playing for the Bantam A Rep team. The RPM instructors and Mr. Luongo have been very positive and the drill variety is very good along with the progression incorporated into each skill development. In this group there are several grades 9-12 (male & female) and the teachers have done a very good job at creating a positive and yet challenging environment for each participant.
I have coached several of the participants in the program in addition to my son and from speaking to them and their parents they all are very satisfied with the program in all aspects.
I have been advised that the dry land aspect of the hockey academy is very challenging and a great amount of variety in activities is incorporated. My son is in fine condition largely because of the academy and its program (on & off-ice).
There appears to be a positive group “culture” amongst the participants and the players appear to be enjoying the opportunity despite their various ages.
Overall I have seen the Hockey Academy improve my son’s hockey skills, fitness and he has really enjoyed this privileged experience. J. A. Michie, Chairman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My son, Riley Schmidt is thoroughly enjoying the hockey academy at Riverside. I have to be honest, it took a couple of weeks for him to adjust to the early mornings but now that he has he is glad he stuck it out and is looking forward to the four extra credits. The separation of the stronger and weaker players in this session was a smart move on your part and will be beneficial to both parties.
It is unfortunate you were not able to secure the gym at Riverside for their dry land sessions. Other than that you get two thumbs way up from our family for a job well done. Looking forward to participating in the academy for the next three years. Laurie Schmidt
Centennial Secondary School District 43
To: RPM hockey Management,
Just a quick note to let you know that my daughter (grade 9) has enjoyed this class. She has been on the ice since she was six years old playing Ringette and just starting playing Hockey one year ago. She has always been a great skater, but she definitely needed the puck handling and control practice. Watching her play her games now, not only has her puck handling improved, but I also see her skating has improved. She is hoping to be able to take this class again in grade 10.Thank-you,Diane Harris
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, My son, Carson Robinson, is enrolled in the RPM Hockey Academy out of Centennial Secondary School. I think it's a great program! A very good mix of on ice and off ice activities. Best of all, he loves it!I would not hesitate to enroll him in it for his next two years left at high school. I would definitely recommend the program to anyone.
Thank you. Darcy Robinson
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 29, 2009
I would like to take this opportunity to show my support for the RPM hockey program which my son, David, attends as one of his courses at Centennial High School.
Not only does my son love the on ice time, he is, also, very engaged in the dry land training. David had broken his leg last December during a hockey game and was out of all sports for the following six months. I have not only noticed David’s leg regaining its muscles but also his overall conditioning has greatly improved. David’s has never been one to do exercises such as push-up and sit-ups but is now found doing them at home as well. Another benefit is that the program is helping our son to work through his fear and anxiety of being hurt in hockey. And we have also noticed a steady improvement in David’s hockey skills.
David has many times commented that he doesn’t have time to wander off school ground during lunch breaks because he doesn’t have time since the hockey class is linked to his lunch break. As a parent, this is another benefit to the program.
Another benefit is that he is spending some of his spare time volunteering down at the rink helping younger kids in their skating program.
Mary Wycherley
My son Tony is involved in the hockey academy this year at Centennial. His involvement in hockey stems from a deep abiding love and respect for the game. Outside the city hockey association, Tony has never had an opportunity to develop his skills in an atmosphere where stick handling, power skating, shooting and development of hockey instinct is encompassed in one setting. The academy offers a quality program which enables each student to develop into a more confident and skilled player. I believe the instructors and teachers involved in the academy are instrumental in providing quality on-ice and off-ice programs that will help the students become better players and well-rounded individuals.Lily Vukasovic
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Rim Hockey Academy Coaches,
Just a note to thank you for developing the hockey academy at Centennial High School. Our son Adam thoroughly enjoys it, and looks forward to it each day. He goes to school with a positive attitude towards school and genuinely looks forward to the day.
The benefits to our son of proper instruction in hockey skills, dry land development and nutrition, performance motivation, team play and sports psychology has significantly improved his performance and attitude in his sport pursuits as well as life and other relationships. The volunteer component of the program is very important to developing good community citizens, and we appreciate this being included. Attending the academy also has the benefit of introducing Adam to older kids that look out for him and support him around the school. He has mentioned this several times that the kids at the school in the academy are like a team, have bonded and stick up for each around school. This is a significant benefit to us as Adam is a first year student at Centennial and had some anxiety about integrating into a new school – the academy has made this transition much easier – thanks for that as well!
We would give our support to continuing this program, and would actually like to see the program extend into an all-year program (two semesters) or at least until the ice comes out in March. Not sure what you would do for the balance of the semester – perhaps dryland or another sport (ball hockey, roller hockey). There is also Planet Ice - not sure if you have given any thought to starting the program first thing in the morning in the second semester. That way parents could drop their kids at Planet Ice and the academy would only have to bus them back. I know other academies use bussing. Just a suggestion! I have heard that you are contemplating having two groups next year – I might suggest you break them up into two levels of skills, especially if there is quite a discrepancy between skill levels. It hasn’t been a problem as kids work at their own speed in the drills but if there are two groups it might be more challenging to each kid to have peers closer to their own skill level.
In summary, we feel the program should be continued to give kids a chance to pursue a sport they enjoy, so they maximize their physical education opportunities. It also improves their outlook towards school which, especially for boys, can sometimes be a challenge to hold their attention! It also broadens the opportunities our local schools can provide and utilizes under used municipal facilities. Thanks for providing this opportunity for our son!
Paul & Jo-Anne Rockwood (parents of Adam Rockwood)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Natasha Panahi - Grade 10 Centennial Hockey Academy Student:
The Hockey Academy provides a high level of development.
The trainers are very good.
The program itself is better than what I was expecting it to be.
It's been great! Natasha Panahi
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi,
The academy is fun and seems to be improving the players. I like how on the ice sessions, every time they do something different, and focus on different things. Also, that since they only have one class, they look at everyone’s abilities as well, and help everyone improve on things they might lack on. The dry land is great, it seems to be really helping and strengthening everyone. One thing that I would improve on and change is the ice time. It seems to be difficult splitting up two blocks and doing the academy in between, having time to shower and get back to class on time. Maybe you could change the time of the ice time to later on in the day, perhaps last block.
Katherine KovacsCentennial Secondary
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pitt Meadows Secondary School District 42
Dear Craig and your wonderful staff at PRM Hockey,
My son Connor Brickwood attended the Junior Hockey Academy in Pitt Meadows for his grade 6 and grade 7 year. He absolutely loved the program. My husband and I were most impressed with the attention to detail. The care given to make sure each instruction given was understood and executed correctly. The lesson “what you put into something is what you get out of it” was reinforced over and over. By the second year I defiantly noticed Connor being able to concentrate and focus a lot better, not just in hockey, but in his school work and home life. He went from a “C” average kid to “A’s and B’s kid in his grade 7 year.
Connor most defiantly wanted to continue with the High School Academy in Pitt Meadows. We had to put a lot of thought into it as we live near 232nd street and this would be a great commitment not only to Connor but also to us; getting him to school and home. With his marks improving and his ability to focus and understand instruction we decided as a family we would continue with the Pitt Meadows Academy. I have to say he loves it even more. Recently we had our first high school parent teacher interviews and I really couldn’t believe the remarks from the teachers. “Connor chooses seating conducive to learning”. “Connor is a delight to have in my class”. “Connor has all his assignments handed in on time”. “Connor is receiving an “A”. “Connor’s best asset is his attitude”. I thought they had the wrong kid. Many wonderful hockey lessons are taught in the Academy and even more importantly many life lessons are taught. Discipline, respect, giving back, hard work and personal achievement are just to name a few.
We feel we have made the right choice for our son. There is a definite sense of pride and belonging in Connor. Thank you RPM for really changing Connor’s outlook on school and life………and of course; hockey too. Sincerely Lorae and Brad Brickwood
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi there I would like to thank all your staff as this is the first year our son Chris Beaubien has been in the academy in Pitt Meadows, although he has been in a couple sessions in the summer to get ready for the tryouts we wish we had put him in the academy in the previous years as he is having a great time and getting allot out it. We feel he is getting good quality teaching that he has not gotten before and learning good techniques that will help him now and in the future Thank you Andy Beaubien
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew is in the Pacific Rim Hockey Academy in Grade 11 at Pitt Meadows secondary School. He loves the program and we intend to continue with it next year as well.
I believe that the Academy is a great program and excellent value. Matthew's goal is to play hockey at university while pursuing a post-secondary degree.
I further believe that the Minor Hockey associations that have students in these programs enjoy the benefits of this tremendous development. I only wish that more students would take these programs. I hope that others appreciate the value of having programs such as these in our community. Michael Carter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am the father of 2 High School Academy students. One is in her third year at the Academy (grade 10) and the other is in her first year at the High School Academy (grade 8) , was in the Elementary Academy last year. Both girls love the Academy and is the highlight of their High School days. Their Elementary School friends went off to a different High School, as Pitt Meadows Secondary was not their catchment area. However, both made new friends and are happy going to Pitt Meadows Secondary. As for the Academy itself, I have witnessed it first hand and being a longtime player/coach I really can appreciate it. At the girls regular practices we just don't have time to focus on the little things to make a well rounded complete hockey player. This is something the Academy has the time to focus on, with their very talented instructors. I feel very fortunate to be in a location that offers this great opportunity for the kids to become the best players that they can be. Todd Langston
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To all the Coaches and Staff at Pacific Rim Hockey Academy.
This will be Chris's 3rd year with the Academy and he just loves it. The Academy has taught him respect for himself and others and the camaraderie of being part of a Great Hockey System. The Staff, Coaches and Owners are all extremely professional. All of the young women and men are all treated equally, whether they are a super star or just someone dreaming of being one. Every one at the academy are always the first ones to volunteer to help out at tournaments for the younger kids. It is an extremely healthy environment at the Academy and Pitt Meadows High School.
Again, if I can ever help out with the Academy please do not hesitate to call
My Hat is of to everyone, Great Job Thanks You. Luke.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Holly, Craig & Co.
My son Ryan Salvesen, has found the hockey Academy to be a very enjoyable experience for him. As you know, he had never played hockey prior to joining the Academy as it was never financially feasible as well as the time involved.
Having this program offered through the school and during those hrs has make it possible for him to have had this experience. The cost involved is very little considering the amount of time they get with you and on ice training etc.
Ryan has found it to be a very positive experience and will continue through grade 12.
Thank you for all that you do for our community.Cheers - Kim Salvesen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
Our son Joe is in the Grade 8 hockey academy at P.M.S.S. He really enjoys it. The breakdown of certain skills is excellent and as a parent watching his league games, I can see more confidence in his game. neil Sheridan
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RE Mountain Secondary School (Langley) District 35
Hello, my name is Ron Armour and I have a son enrolled in the Hockey Academy at Mountain High School. Let me start by saying that this is probably one of the most positive steps I've seen ever introduced into a school curriculum. The result for my son has been most noticeably in his regular season play (Langley Minor Hockey), his work ethic and his overall general attitude towards himself and the sport of hockey.
My son's name is Chase Armour and he is grade eight and in his first year of high school. The program first and foremost put him into a class with guys and girls who have the same interests and this made his transition into high school much easier. He enjoys the PE/ Hockey mix and has improved his game considerably because his fitness and general well being has come up ten fold. I believe the Hockey Academy should become a permanent fixture in this high-school and all others and I completely support this program. As I stated earlier in this letter, this is the most positive idea I have seen implemented into the school curriculum this far. We need more of this!!!
Thank you. Ron Armour.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank RPM Hockey for participating in Hockey Development 101 at R.E. Mountain in Langley.
My son, Matthew, is a goal tender in the program and loves it! He has learned a great deal and is especially thankful to Ryan for all his positive support and training - as he has not had such a good experience in the past. It's nice to hear how much he is enjoying the program.The program has been a great learning experience and we hope that it will continue for years to come. We're grateful for all the hard work that has gone into making this program a reality. Sincerely, Alison Kromm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To whom it may concern
My son Jonathan Bedard attends the RPM Hockey academy through his high school, RE Mountain Secondary. Since the start of the academy I have seen great improvements in Jonathan’s overall hockey skills. The use of the Langley Events Centre (LEC) has been a great experience for Jonathan and the close proximity to Jonathan’s school has made it easier for us parents. I have only heard good things from my son about the academy and the lessons provided. I am also encouraged by the fact that the academy ensures it's students focus on their academic grades in their other classes. I feel the academy provides a safe and healthy environment for my son which is a contributing factor in signing him up for next year’s academy.
Thank you to all the staff involved with the academy for all their commitment and efforts.
Best regards, Tony Bosnjak
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi,
My son Tyler is presently enrolled in the hockey academy at RE Mountain Secondary and is loving it. Being a first year bantam player, he has improved sooooo much that you could not tell that this is his first year playing Langley Minor hockey. Keep up the great work. Theresa Walker
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just wanted to send off an e-mail expressing my thoughts on the program running at the Langley Mountain Secondary school. For a first year introductory program it seems to be well run and organized, the on ice product/instruction appears to be capable and knowledgeable relative to improving the players. However I do see some challenges of providing adequate challenges for the very wide range in the player’s skills, and would see the benefits of having some separation of skills at least part of the time. I would have to say overall that both my son and I are pleased to be part of the program and really look forward to how it will evolve and develop in the years to come. Regards Paul Albrecht
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello, I wanted to take the time to thank Mr. Darrin Ponak and RPM Hockey for working diligently in bringing the RPM Hockey Academy to Mountain Secondary School.
My son, Jared, decided to become a goalie in his second year of Peewee and knew that he needed to work hard to compete with those kids that had become goalies earlier in their development. RPM hockey has not only helped Jared improve his on ice skills, but we have seen a huge improvement in his overall fitness level! Before the RPM Hockey Academy came to Mountain Secondary, Jared had a difficult time in P.E. – now, he loves it and managed to get an “A” this semester. Jared’s confidence in net has improved so much and this has translated into success with his Langley Minor Hockey Team.
Not only has Jared improved his hockey skills, but this was one of Jared’s better semesters in high school. He has become a more confident person – and that goes beyond the rink!
Thank you RPM for your hard work and I look forward to your continued success in Mountain Secondary School. My other son, Ryan, is a couple of years away from attending Mountain, but he too looks forward to joining the RPM Hockey Academy in 2011/2012!
Best regards,
Jamie Bieberstein
Hi this is kahleils mom I appreciate the opportunity Kahleil has had to be involved with the hockey acadamy
He enjoyed it very much This has enhanced his hockey ability This is his first year on ice When he began he was working on perfecting his stopping Two months into hockey he scored three goals assisted two in one game His bantum team has been moved up to double a This acadamy has been good for Kahleil Thankyou
Pitt Meadows Elementary (Grades 4, 5 6 & 7)
This is the second year that my son Jack has been enrolled at the RPM Elementary Hockey Academy. We are extremely satisfied and pleased with the entire program as it not only offers ice time and dry land training but also other benefits such as ways of staying healthy and motivation speakers. Jack speaks highly of all the trainers on and off the ice. The trainers are friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. We, as parents, have no expectations of Jack playing professional hockey as some parents do in this highly competitive game but wanted Jack to have more confidence and knowledge of the game for his participation in minor hockey. Last year he did become more confident and had a particularly great season all because of RPM Hockey Academy. We also like the fact that he can attend or make up ice time or dry land if he needs to miss his particular scheduled day. You get your money's worth that is for sure. We will be signing up again next year for sure. We are happy to see him sweating it out on the ice or dry land and NOT sitting at home playing video games like so many other kids I know!
Yours truly,Dawn Hartford
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are very pleased with the academy, my son, Andrew is a goalie and the time spent with Ryan has improved him tremendously, he has gained more confidence, his positioning is now accomplished with ease. It is actually great to watch his smooth movement in the net. He has extended his knowledge of knowing where he should be and when. The entire staff is great and very encouraging. You really couldn’t have a better program! My son is very excited to attend each and every session. Veronica and Todd Henderson
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To whom it might concern,
I write this letter to acknowledge the excellence of the elementary hockey academy located in Pitt Meadows. In 2008 my oldest son started in the elementary academy and my son’s hockey skills increased significantly At the end of the season he was the best player in his hockey team and due to his dedication he received an award. The emphasises at the elementary is that hockey skills are learned at the level the hockey player is. My son plays Rep Hockey, I think there is a lot to learn, and the players at the elementary academy learn it well. Last but not least if you count all the hours on ice and all the off ice It is a great deal!!!!!. My youngest son started in the hockey academy in September and he loves it Philip Oosterman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear RPM,
So far we have been happy and impressed with the Hockey Academy. We started in the middle of September and Trevor has enjoyed going to this each week on Monday’s and Wednesday’s. We would certainly put him in the Tues / Thurs program as we know this is more suited to his age group (and has fewer participants) however, we have another family that takes him on Mondays and we help their family on Wednesdays.
We fully support the hockey academy and feel that it is a great supplement for kids and youth who play in the Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association. Sincerely, Catherine and Nis Schmidt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to give a few words of support for the Pacific Rim Hockey Academy. This is my daughter's second year with the Elementary program of the Hockey Academy and it has helped her hockey skills tremendously. She plans on attending the High School program next year as well. The top quality instruction and the one-on-one attention to the student's individual needs is second to none. Regards, Jennifer Shaw
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To whom it may concern:
My name is Marv Magnison Jr. I would like to write a few words regarding my son second year attending the P.C.H.A in Pitt Meadows. My son loves it, the academy is much more than I expected. The skilled and knowledgeable staff have a great way of communicating with the kids, creating an environment that strives for a high level of skill development, and fitness. The education the kids get from the guest speakers adds it own value, and with the activities away from the rink, the kids bond, and make friends that will last a life time. I am very grateful for the opportunity that my son has to have such a fantastic and worth while program in our community for him to attend. Regards, Marv Magnison Jr.
Dear RPM
I'm not quite sure where to begin. I have two children in hockey. My kids couldn't be more different in their personality, hockey style and abilities. I wasn't sure how you would be able to accomodate both styles, but you have. The staff is excellent at meeting the needs of both players and challenging each skill. Both my children are an asset to their teams. They both strive to improve. They respect the staff and value the skills being taught.
My son has been passed over for the last two years of "rep" try outs. This year he is being called up to the A team to fill in for sick or injured players. The confidence and skills that your talented teaching team has given him is starting to shine through, and coaches are taking notice.
I understand that I don't have an NHL hockey player in my house, but I do have a boy who loves the sport and is eager to play hard and work hard for his coaches and team mates. The secondary hockey program has given him a home to feel comfortable, safe, and confident. I couldn't be more pleased. I hope you have noticed the changes in him this year. He seems to be more outgoing and confident around his peers. I look forward to him attending again next year.
My daughter, well, she's a different story! I don't know where to begin for her. I would like her to push herself to another level. She has to do this on her own. I can't wait for her to attend the secondary program next year. Thanks for all the hard work, energy, time and knowledge. Shayla Richards