The Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) is a complete program that includes education, hockey, off-ice strength and conditioning, mental training, personal and team development. The program operates from September 1st to June 30th each year.

The OHA staff is a team of professionals that are committed to the development of each player. The individual needs of each player are identified by analyzing their academics, hockey skills, strength and conditioning and future goals. The individual is then incorporated into a team environment to maximize their development potential.
 
The on-ice program consists of the following:
    •    Five 1.5 hour practices each week
    •    50+ games per season
    •    Professional on-ice coaching staff
 
Specialized training tools:
    •    New computerized video system used for Game Video Analysis
    •    New 50 inch plasma flat screen for video analysis
    •    Infrared timing equipment
    •    Radar guns

The computerized video equipment is the same system used by several of the NHL teams. Each game the academy plays is video taped and analyzed by the coaches. The system allows for individual player isolation and is a valuable teaching tool for many situations. Each week the teams have game video analysis where the head and assistant coaches go over the weekend games.

Goaltenders will occasionally have a static camera, video taping their every move throughout the game. The footage is then reviewed with the goalies by our head goaltending coach Randy Jaycock.

“I never realized how bad a skater I was until I saw a video of myself at 18 years old. I then spent the next 5 summers power skating to assist my skating, which assisted me in being able to play in the NHL. Video analysis is critical tool for self improvement and team concept understanding.” Chuck Kobasew, Boston Bruins
 
Off-ice strength and conditioning highlights:
    •    Professional off-ice training staff
    •    Okanagan Hockey Academy training performance center
    •    New core strength, explosive strength and quick feet equipment
    •    Heart monitored aerobic and anaerobic workouts
    •    An individualized 12 month strength and conditioning program
    •    Weekly weigh-ins
    •    Hockey specific training
    •    Yoga classes
    •    Nutrition and supplement guidance

The Okanagan Hockey Academy Performance Center is one of the most important parts of the program for the players. Players will gain on average 10-15 pounds of muscle throughout the 10 month season. Our certified strength and conditioning coaches,  combined with our athletic therapists provide expertise for maximum development for the players off-ice development.
 
Mental Training Highlights
    •    Professional sports psychologist Dr. Saul Miller
    •    Goal setting
    •    Positive reinforcement
    •    Self Discipline
    •    Self motivation
    •    Self confidence
    •    Breathing techniques
    •    Team building

Dr. Saul Miller uses his "ABC’s of Hockey" to teach players how to focus on key points of their game to enhance performance. He works with players in an individual and team atmosphere. All mental training techniques are hockey, school, family and social related. The mental part of the game of hockey is often under estimated and Dr. Miller has helped hundreds of hockey players from Midget to the NHL improve their mental skills.

Bulldogs announce 2010-2011 roster

Tyler Love hired as Head Goaltending Instructor

Kamloops Blazers sign OHA forward Matthew Needham

Bulldogs acquire Grant, Sorensen for MacMillan

Bulldogs keep busy by working to build on turnaround season