Matthew Lombardi becomes part owner of Junior hockey team!

Matthew Lombardi, co-founder of Westlake Hockey Development and Nashville Predator newcomer, becomes a part owner of Les Tigres de Victoriaville in the QMJHL. To read more, please click here

---

Westlake completes 2nd summer in Mistissini Quebec with great success.

In 2009 it was a 5 week program with about 35 participants. This past summer it was a 7 week program with around 55 participants. This growth was tremendous, not only inparticipation rate, but most importantly in success rate. In the very first week of the program players wrote down their objectives for their summer development. Westlake Hockey Development director, Carl Michaelson, had this to say, “I don’t think players were surprised when they saw themselves reaching their objectives. I know that as they are heading into their respective camps and try-outs, they are feeling confident about their ability, but I also think they will be surprised at really how much they have improved.” Westlake operates this summer development program in this beautiful Cree community, located in Mistissini, Québec (about 9hours north of Montréal). For six days throughout the week, Westlake’s staff of three work with the aspiring hockey players in the community. They are taken through a summer progression of off and on-ice training and skill development. Major developmental facets emphasized are balance, speed, explosiveness, power, strength, injury prevention, health & wellness, community service, leadership & team building, sports psychology and positive individual growth – for life outside of hockey.

---

Carl Michaelson, departs for second season as assistant coach at his alma mater Hobart College in Geneva, NY

Ready to begin his second stint as the assistant coach at Hobart College, Carl is excited about the prospects of his team, “we will be very different this season, having graduated a very successful class last season. I am excited about the potential of this group. Their summer preparation will be a driving force for a positive start to the season.” Hobart College is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of up-state New York. It was were Carl played his university hockey, under the tutelage of Head Coach Mark Taylor. “Tayls is Hobart Hockey. He is the main reason for all the success the program has reaped over the last 7-8 years. Although the school is amazing, and I love everything about it, I do not think I would still be working there if I were not learning from one of the best in the industry.” The Hobart College Statesmen have been to the Frozen Four two times over the last several seasons, and have gained recognition as one of the top division III hockey programs in the country.

---

Westlake teams–up with Painstation, to develop and train 3 Victoriaville (of the QMJHL) Tiger prospects.

Wishing Maxime, Francois and Angelo a very successful season. On behalf of Westlake, we wish you all the best and congratulate you on your hard work and growth this summer. Special thank you to David Arseneault and his team at Painstation for their great diligence with these young athletes!

---

Lombardi ready to start new chapter in Nashville

Matthew Lombardi said the fact that he enjoyed playing for Barry Trotz a couple of years ago at the World Championships is a big reason he's a Nashville Predator today.

Lombardi, a speedy center who was one of the top remaining forwards in this year's free agent class, will get to play for Trotz for the next three seasons after signing a deal with the Predators on Friday.

To read the full article at NHL.com, click here

---

The Westlake Aid Fund

Westlake is extremely proud to be able to offer programs of such high-quality. As quality level rises, the costs associated with these levels also increases. We do not view our program as something as expensive when compared to the attention and opportunities we offer our students. Nonetheless, we do not want to minimize the opportunity to those families who have the financial means. It is with this notion that Westlake has decided to create The Westlake Aid Fund, which will donate a percentage of all sponsorship money to families who have expressed a significant level in participating in our program but do not have the financial means for the full cost.

Where are your favorite Westlake staff?

Matthew Lombardi: Nashville Predators

Carl Michaelson: Assistant Coach Hobart College

Evan Haney : Hamilton College

Luke Madill: Professor/Hockey Coach Hill Academy

Ben Shutron: University of New Bunswick

Nik Pokuluk: Clarkson University

Steve Van Wyk: Personal Trainer at Muscle Up and future trapeze artist

Frances Michaelson: Operating Muscle Up Personal Training Center & Muscle Up Canada