Hockey camp pairs young players with high-profile coaches in Bedford, N.S.

Young hockey players from Nova Scotia it the ice with some high-profile coaches today

A group of young hockey players from diverse communities had the chance to hit the ice with some high-profile professional coaches in Bedford, N.S., this week.

“It’s really competitive, there’s a lot of great people, my brother is here,” said hockey player Marcus Gerard.

He is one of 30 players taking part in the first The Wave Opportunity, a not-for-profit initiative that brings players together from diverse backgrounds. The program focuses on youth who may not have had equal access to organized sports.

The players are put through dryland drills and on-ice coaching.

“Focusing on the kids in our community from different cultures and diversities, so not only to learn that game of hockey, but also to be able to start new friendships and learn from each other,” said co-founder Stephen Johnson.

“I think diversity plays a huge role in all sport, but especially because I did play hockey myself, when I grew up, that was never a thing, and we didn’t learn from each other.”

“This teaches so many life skills and it can help them learn how to be active, teach leadership skills, work ethic and being on time,” added coach Andrew Wigginton.

The male and female players, aged 11 to 15, from across the province are putting their skills on display for high-profile coaches like professional women’s player Jill Saulnier.

“I think honestly just to work hard and have fun. That’s generally my message and my rule of thumb for myself now and definitely something that I try to push on the kids,” Saulnier said.

Having the opportunity to rub shoulders with players like Saulnier isn’t lost on the players.

“I think it’s great, a great opportunity. I mean there’s PWHL players here, people that we look up to, so it’s a good opportunity,” said 15-year-old Morgan Nodding.

With the success of this camp, organizers hope to expand throughout the province and country in the years to come to make sure everyone gets the chance to play the game they love.

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