VMHA 2025 Summer Skills & Development Programs

Location: Hillcrest Arena

July 5th - August 9th | Weekly Sessions

Limited to 20 participants

This program is designed to help VMHA players stay sharp and build confidence over the summer. Sessions run once a week and focus on overall skill development, including skating, puck handling, passing, shooting, and game-play concepts. A great option for players looking to stay active and ready for the upcoming season! Open to players of all levels!

Instructors: Tyler Sandhu

Tyler Sandhu brings extensive playing and coaching experience to VMHA. A former captain of the WHL's Tri-City Americans and UBC Thunderbirds, he played five seasons in the WHL before a five-year collegiate career at UBC. Sandhu went on to play professionally with the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays and overseas in Europe. Now focused on coaching and player development, he works as a skills coach with the UBC men's team and as an assistant coach with the BWC U17 Academy. Tyler is known for his leadership, hockey IQ, and commitment to developing well-rounded athletes.

Location: Hillcrest Arena

July 6th - August 10th | Weekly Sessions

Limited to 16 participants

This 6-week goalie program is designed to help young goalies improve their fundamentals and confidence in the crease. Each session focuses on key areas such as stance, edge work, rebound control, puck tracking, and game situations. With a mix of technical drills and game-like scenarios, goalies will get the reps they need to elevate their game for the upcoming season. Open to goalies of all levels!

Instructors: Jesse Makaj

Jesse Makaj is a dedicated goaltending coach with a strong playing background and a passion for developing young goalies. An alumnus of Vancouver Minor Hockey, Jesse went on to play at the North Shore Winter Club before being selected 23rd overall in the WHL Bantam Draft by the Kootenay Ice. He competed in the WHL and most recently played professionally in Latvia's top league. This past season, Jesse suited up for the SFU NCAA travel team. Known for his technical knowledge and ability to connect with young athletes, Jesse has received consistent positive feedback from players, coaches, and families throughout his time working with VMHA goalies. His commitment to goaltending development and experience at elite levels make him a valuable member of the VMHA development team.

Location: VMHA Training Centre

Prepare for rep hockey next season with a focused off-ice program designed to build strength, speed, and confidence. Each session combines hockey-specific strength and conditioning with essential shooting and stickhandling drills to sharpen your puck skills. Open to all players, this program is the perfect way to prepare for the next level and maximize your off-season development.

Instructors: Gunnar Wegleitner and Kate Allard

Gunnar Wegleitner is a former high-level player with a strong foundation in skill development and performance training. His playing career includes time in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips, Victoria Royals, and Brandon Wheat Kings, along with a stint in the BCHL with the Surrey Eagles, before continuing at the collegiate level with the UBC Thunderbirds. As a coach, Gunnar works with players of all ages, combining technical skill instruction with strength and mobility training to enhance on-ice performance and overall athleticism.

Kate Allard is a certified personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach based in Vancouver, with a background in competitive soccer and extensive experience in athletic performance training. She has built a career helping athletes and active individuals optimize performance, build strength, and prevent injuries through customized, science-based training programs. With a deep understanding of movement mechanics, mobility, and strength development, Kate brings a hockey-specific focus to her work, emphasizing power, stability, and injury prevention to enhance on-ice performance.

Register Here

Register Here