One camp down and one to go, then it is full steam into the Summer Development Program. Whalers GM/Head Coach Tom Winkler believes that this program is what sets the Whalers apart from other programs. "We have a goal of providing our players the best program for off-season training. The fact that we have two and a half hours a practice time, five days a week for eight weeks, provides us with unlimited opportunities for individual skill development and team development practices," stated Winkler. Coach Winkler also believes that this environment provides the specific Whaler teams with a competitive advantage when the regular season begins in September. "The more the players and their specific teams are together, the more they become bonded. Our system is much more effective than the traditional training camp. It is also a great avenue for us as coaches to refine our line combinations and defensive pairs," Winkler said.  Along with the on-ice portion of the program, there will be a monitored off-ice component added this season. "We are going to continue to build the off-ice component of this program as we move forward, it is an area that we need to continue challenge our players in the most effective way," said Winkler. The Whalers will also utilize the building relationship between the US Navy SEALS and Whaler Nation. Last weekend, the Whaler Nation youth teams went through SEAL training as part of their team building program. Winkler plans to have the Junior teams go through the same training. "That was such a great experience for those kids, the SEALS were outstanding and they know that they can be a little tougher on the Junior players. Not only do the SEALS push the kids, but their message of respect, trust, and team work is second to none," stated the coach. The dates for the final camp are June 25th-27th at the Chilled Ponds in Chesapeake, VA. The Summer Developmental program will begin on Monday, June 29th!

If you would like to join one of the premier junior hockey programs in the country, please contact GM/Head Coach Tom Winkler at 757-374-8417.

Whaler Notes:
The Summer Development Program is open to all players ages 14-20. For more information on participation and fees, please call Coach Winkler at 757-374-8417.