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Centre Ice Hockey Camp Expands Reach and Ambition

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Young hockey players from across Yukon and the Northwest Territories were given the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and NHL alumni at the fifth annual Centre Ice Hockey Camp in Whitehorse. The camp, hosted by former Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston, featured on-ice training and off-ice sessions focused on strength, agility, and nutrition fundamentals. Guest instructors, including U.S. Olympian Cayla Barnes and former NHL player Arron Asham, led drills and skills sessions that emphasized leadership and responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Centre Ice Hockey Camp welcomed approximately 170 young hockey players aged 6-17 from Whitehorse, Dawson City, Haines Junction, and the Northwest Territories.
  • Registration filled in just three days, leaving over 50 players on a wait-list, according to Grand Chief Peter Johnston.
  • An all-girls clinic took place on July 26, featuring four instructors from the Professional Women's Hockey League and attracting 60 registered participants.
  • Eleven guest instructors, including former NHL players and experienced coaches, delivered fast-paced on-and-off-ice training throughout the week.
  • Guest instructors included U.S. Olympian Cayla Barnes, former NHL player Arron Asham, defenceman Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, and Yale University alumna Claire Dalton.
  • Coaches offered consistent feedback on time and space awareness, with drills focused on edge work, quick turns, and puck control.
  • The camp plans to expand its capacity to 270 athletes next year by securing both ice surfaces at the Canada Games Centre.
  • Centre Ice Hockey aims to operate as an independent youth-development organization backed by new sponsorships and partnerships.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 170 young hockey players participated in the Centre Ice Hockey Camp.
  • 60 girls registered for the all-girls clinic on July 26.
  • The camp has expanded its yearly capacity by 100 participants since its 2021 launch.
  • Twelve NHL alumni and experienced coaches taught at the camp.
  • The camp attracted over 50 players on a wait-list, indicating high demand for its programs.

Sources:

  • Yukon News
  • "Centre Ice Hockey Camp Expands Reach and Ambition" by Jake Howarth, Copyright 2025 Yukon News.

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