WHD - For the MIND, for the BODY, for the SKILLS...
The Mind: As we see it Westlake Hockey Development understands the power of the mind. We have learned that it is the small things that must be our prime focus. Thus, we teach the fundamentals. Dr. Wayne Halliwell, our sports psychologist, concentrates on the specific tools an athlete can use to control the mind in the physical and mental realms of the game. In fact many of these tools can be put to use in everyday life. Seeing as Dr. Halliwell has worked with many hockey players, from the NHL and the Canadian National Junior programs, he is able to demonstrate how these tools can be applied. The mind is a powerful thing; it is the ultimate guide to successfully achieving your goals. With our help you will be able to apply these tools. Once you have strengthened this mechanism it will allow you to become the best player you can be!
The Body: Westlake Hockey Development realizes that we all have different strengths and weaknesses. Some people are naturally flexible and others are not. Some have incredible balance and other do not. Some have very powerful legs and some have very strong upper bodies. Our point is that everyone is shaped and built differently. We cannot control genetics thus we cannot compare ourselves to the next player. With that said however, we have the power to control what we would consider to be a weakness through strength training of various kinds. The first step to success is targeting the areas of weakness. We target these weaknesses through personal evaluations because they are essential to the athlete’s development. After that is done with the help of a qualified hockey specific trainer, a program is designed tailored specifically to your needs. Once we have provided you with the proper tools and personalized programs, it will be your hard work that will allow you to succeed.
The Skills: Westlake Hockey Development recognizes that there are many different types of hockey players. This is not only highlighted by different positions but also by each player’s specific skill-set. Based on your particular skill-set, you have a role which your team expects you to fulfill. At this point in your career we want to guide you to improve the skills which you possess as well as develop those that are lacking. Our knowledgeable and experienced head instructors will help you attain another level attributable to their specific skills which are vital to your success as a player. Their understanding of the game and its many facets will allow them to build on your current abilities. The key is knowing what you need, in order to achieve this you must first understand these needs.
