Brayden Klimosko remembers what it was like to be a youngster seeing his heroes up close at the annual Humboldt Broncos Summer Hockey School.
“I think what I remember most about camp is the interaction with the Bronco players … Players that you looked up to and to see them face to face and help you with your own hockey skills I thought was pretty cool,” he wrote in an email interview.
Now as an assistant coach with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League squad, Klimosko enjoys working hard to put on a successful school for the next generation of players. This year’s Bronocs school will run Aug. 24-27 at the Elgar Petersen Arena. More than 100 young players will have the opportunity to learn from the Broncos.
When asked about the feedback he receives from players, Klimosko explained that while the youngsters might not put their feelings into words like adults would, he noted there are other ways to gauge their interest. The former Broncos player said the players leave the rink with a smile on their face. As well, he emphasized that this is his third year running the school and a number of players have registered for their third consecutive summer.
“I believe the kids look forward to the interaction with the Broncos, especially at the end of each session where the kids as well as the Bronco players partake in a fun game of some kind,” Klimosko wrote.
Bronocs defenceman Greg Moro is looking forward to taking to the ice at the school. It will be his first year helping out at the annual event. The Edmonton native expects to enjoy passing on his knowledge and giving back to the game. He is excited to work with the kids.
“They are full of energy and bring a sense of enjoyment as they’re out there to have fun,” he wrote in a text interview.
All instructors at the school are either current Broncos or past team members. Former Broncos captain David Stumborg, who plays for the University of Saskatchewan, is slated to be an instructor this summer. Klimosko noted there are usually at least four Broncos on the ice for each session at the school.
“It really allows us to work in smaller groups and allows the kids to get lots of one-on-one teaching,” he wrote.
According to info on the team’s website, the mission for the school is “to build the confidence of each athlete while providing an opportunity for each player to reach their maximum playing potential.” It is noted that the Broncos strive to promote a competitive, yet fun environment.
The school is for players in the novice through peewee age categories. Each player will receive eight hours of ice time with two one-hour sessions daily. Instructors are Hockey Canada certified. A goalie instructor will also be there to work with young netminders.
