Over the years Hockey Canada’s National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) has developed some of the most renowned and innovative coaches in the world. From volunteer moms and dads to national and international coaching icons, the program is responsible for educating close to 20,000 coaches on an annual basis.

This summer, from June 25 – July 1, fifty coaches will descend on York University in Toronto to take part in the High Performance I and II coaches’ seminar. This week long, in-house program is targeted at coaches working with athletes in the high performance stream and will provide coaches with the opportunity to attend lectures on topics such as Practice Planning, Ethical Coaching, Leadership and Technical and Tactical play.

In partnership with the Ontario Hockey Federation and the Greater Toronto Hockey League this event will also provide coaches with a practical opportunity to work with athletes within the high performance context. Eighty under-17 male athletes from Ontario will participate in four practices and four inter-squad games with each of these sessions planned and delivered by the high performance coaches.

Mel Davidson, General Manager of Canada’s National Women’s Team, Level IV certified coach and group leader at the seminar, is a graduate of the program and a tremendous supporter of coach education. “The development of a high performance coach is a process that includes practical coaching experiences, educational opportunities, working with other high performance coaches and applying learning constantly” stated Davidson. “I know first hand the quality of the program and what it meant to my development.”

Along with Davidson, current NHL coaches Tom Renney, Mike Babcock, Perry Pearn, Marc Crawford, Mike Johnston, Ken Hitchcock, Jacques Martin and Andy Murray have completed NCCP High Performance certification throughout their careers.

This year’s training attendees include former NHL rearguard and current Brampton Battalion assistant coach, Drake Berehowsky; World Gold Medalist and current Head Coach at Waterloo University, Geraldine Heaney; and former National Junior Team player, Eric Calder.

For more information on NCCP coaching programs in your area contact your provincial branch.