FUN hockey! UBC Thunder

SPACES AVAILABLE

We are pleased to announce that FUNdamental Hockey (FUN Hockey) is in full swing for this spring and summer. Our development sessions are currently ongoing and our Thunder teams will participate in a series of development sessions with the ultimate goal of participating in exhibition games, a jamboree, and/or local tournament. Currently, we are working on research initiatives with children born in the years 2004-2008. If your son or daughter in interested in this program please feel free to contact our team (Dr. Rosalin Miles (rosalin.miles@ubc.ca); 604-822-1337 or Dr. Darren Warburton darren.warburton@ubc.ca).

FUNdamental Hockey (FUN Hockey) is a leading off-ice development program for youth hockey players. This initiative is part of our “Program of Excellence in Sport Development” consisting of a program specially designed for athletes from the ages of 4 – 18 yr. The FUNdamental Development for Hockey Performance (FUN Hockey) program is centred on the guiding principal that hockey should be fun for all children regardless of skill level. Moreover, it is designed in an age-appropriate manner to ensure that skills fundamental for growth and performance are developed. FUN Hockey and our Thunder teams were developed to ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn about hockey in a FUN and nurturing environment. Our program is run by faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and volunteers dedicated to youth sport. This initiative builds upon the research and work of Drs. Bredin and Warburton with youth and high performance athletes. Our program was created leading up to the 2010 Olympic Winter and Paralympic Games as part of the Sport Cardiology and Musculoskeletal Assessment Research Team (SMART 2010) for the 2010 Vancouver Games. We are pleased to continue our various related grassroots research initiatives and spring hockey development for children from across the lower mainland.

SPRING JAMBOREE (2007-2008 Age Group)

FUNdamental Hockey is dedicated to the development of fundamental movement skills in a fun and safe environment. As part of this research- and community-based initiative, we are organizing the first annual UBC FUNdamental Hockey Jamboree to be held in Greater Vancouver (location and date to be determined so that it does not conflict with other spring hockey programs and sporting events). This Jamboree is designed for boys and girls that are currently playing minor and/or spring hockey. Children from across Canada and BC are welcome to attend. The tournament is designed to provide professional coaching and game play in a non-competitive environment. Emphasis will be placed on fun including fun in game events (such as shoot outs and various competitions). Depending upon the number of players enrolled we may play in a 4 on 4 or 5 on 5 format. Each child will play in at least 3-4 games.

The 2017 Jamboree is for boys and girls between born in the year 2007 and 2008. Other ages may be accommodated if there is enough interest. Parents will be asked to rate their children so that an equal balancing of teams can occur. Please note that the games will be held in the Greater Vancouver region (UBC, Delta, and/or Richmond) and that some games may occur during the weekday (late afternoon or evening). As we are advocates for higher education, we will aim to attempt to limit the number of games played during regular school hours. We will also try to avoid times that conflict with other spring sports (as best as possible).

Our 2007 and 2008 Jamboree can likely accommodate 40 or more players. We encourage children to play for other spring teams and use our jamboree as a fun event to end the spring hockey season. It is anticipated that from this group of kids that 3 on 3 teams and/or regulation teams will naturally evolve. At the end of the day, it is about the kids having fun and meeting each other. If your son or daughter in interested in playing in this FUN jamboree tournament please feel free to contact Dr. Rosalin Miles (rosalin.miles@ubc.ca); 604-822-1337.

Our Instructors

Mark Rice

Mark is completing his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Bredin. Mark’s research focus is on talent identification in young athletes. Of particular interest is the ability to predict elite athleticism in youth hockey players. Mark is originally from Calgary Alberta where he attended the University of Calgary and received a BSc in Kinesiology. He completed his MSc at UBC working with youth hockey players (under the supervision of Dr. Bredin). Mark brings with him a high level of sport performance in various sports as a as an ex-professional golfer who played on the Canadian Golf Tour as well as a national squash team member, and a high level hockey player (drafted to the WHL).

Nick Held

Nick Held is a PhD student working under the supervision of Dr. Warburton. He also works at Fortius Sport & Health as the Director of Hydrotherapy. He has extensive experience in sport/performance conditioning and rehabilitation for wide ranging clientele. This includes working with a variety of professional athletes from the NBA, NHL, AHL, MLS and CFL, as well as Olympic athletes from Field Hockey Canada, Canadian Soccer Association, Rugby Canada, Snowboard Slopestyle and Athletics. He has a Masters degree in Sport Psychology. As a current PhD student in the Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation laboratory at UBC he has a passion for helping athletes optimize performance and reach their full potential. He is currently working a high performance physiologist with Canada’s National Men’s Field Hockey Team. He played Junior B Lacrosse and was drafted to the QMJHL playing Junior A hockey in Ontario.

Volunteers and Directed Studies Students

Our program involves approximately 10-15 student volunteers completing graduate or undergraduate work at the University of British Columbia. The majority of these individuals are from the School of Kinesiology. Some students will also complete directed studies projects working under the direct supervision of Dr. Bredin and/or Dr. Warburton. Interested students should send a letter of contact and short CV to Dr. Rosalin Miles (rosalin.miles@ubc.ca); 604-822-1337.