Power Skating 101

CONGRATULATIONS DARIUS

It comes with great pride to announce that my son Darius Kondrotas has signed on to play with the Alliston Hornets Jr C team for the 2015 2016 season. Darius has come a long way working very hard to keep moving up and joins fellow PS101 Prospect teammates and Power Skating 101 clients Carson Gandy and Will Ferguson. Darius leaves the Markham Majors Midget AAA team after a great year to which he owes Coach Andre Darlow a great deal of thanks for all the support and ice time he was given growing his game.

CONGRATULATIONS MIKE MCGUIRE AND MATT MCGRATH

Power Skating 101 clients Mike McGuire and Matt McGrath are to be congratulated on signing to play with Midland Jr C next year. Both have worked on ice with PS101 for a few years and the hard work has paid off. Congratulations and looking forward to a good year from both of you. 

CONGRATULATIONS XAVIER DRUMMOND / BRADEN BUTCHER

I am very proud to announce that Xavier Drummond and Braden Butcher have signed with Burlington Eagles AAA. X has been like a second son to me I have been his power skating instructor for over 5 years with both his team and him individually as well as X has been a PS101 Prospect team 99/midget player since my very first tournament. Braden has also been a long time PS101 player and client with his father helping coach the original PS101 Prospects team that won KOR the first year and then again this year.

Great job men!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

World Cup Finals A Night to Remember

For any hockey fan or player growing up in Canada what my family and I were to experience this night was something that will never be forgotten. We were fortunate enough to get tickets to the Canada vrs Team Europe second game which we all hoped would be the finals. Being related to Jonathan Toews in a small way - my sister Donna is married to Jonathans Uncle Gerry - is how this all came about and my thanks to Jonathans parents - Andre and Bryan - for making this special night possible.

While we searched for tickets Bryan Toews offered to check with the NHLPA to see how the price was and availability. In the end we purchased the tickets through him from the NHLPA and received some very nice tickets for me, my son Darius, my daughter Mariah and her boyfriend Aaron. While meeting with the Toews during each intermission the hope that we may get lucky enough to join in the celebration was a dream but first Team Canada needed to take care of business on the ice as they trailed 1 - 0 heading into period 3. 

With just over 3 minutes left in the game Canada finally put one in the net and the place was going wild. This quickly changed when we got a penalty and the nervousness returned. But some great anticipation and a great feed from Jonathan to Brad Marchand who buried the winner put the ACC in a frenzy. They help off to with it in this epic game.

We were then as a family blessed to have been provided wristbands as family of the Toews to join in a private party at the ACC with the players families, friends and the players. OMG while we were so thrilled to be inside when the first players started coming in we were in awe. I mean these are the best players in the world who just won a championship and we were part of the celebration. In came Brett Burns still in his hockey pants and shin pads smiling ear to ear then game in Doughty wearing his goggles for the in room celebration, then there he was Sidney Crosby, Getslaf, Thornton, Stamkos, Price, Marchand, then our boy Toews it was unbelievable all walking past us, congratulating them as they went to meet with their families in the bar. I still cant believe it.

To be with these players getting to talk with them, get pictures with them, meet the parents, girlfriends, wives of some of them was amazing. How proud each of these people were of their sons or husbands or grand sons was simply incredible. My kids were in awe I was like a kid in a candy shop as we carried on watching them celebrate the win into the early morning this was a night we will never forget and what makes hockey and hockey players the best in the best country in the world.

Here are some of the moments again I thank all the Toews - Andre, Bryan, brother David, Jonathans girlfriend Lindsay - for allowing us to part of this special momentous occasion to celebrate with them this could never get old and I cant even imagine what it was like to celebrate the Stanley Cup and only hope I may get that chance one day.

CONGRATULATIONS DAVID MADSEN

I am very happy to learn that Danish 99 top prospect David Madsen will be playing hockey in Canada next season with Hill Academy of the East Coast Elite League. David was drafted this past season to the USHL Cedar Rapids Roughriders but decided to take the Hill Academy route with hopes of getting drafted to the OHL next season. I was lucky enough to have David stay for a few weeks with my family where he and fellow country man Daniel Neilson trained with other PS101 clients both on ice and off ice showing their dedication to being the best they can be. Both also played in 2 tournaments with the PS101 Prospects teams winning both.  We wish David the best of luck this upcoming season. Pictured below is Darius in the middle with David on his left and Daniel on his right.

CONGRATULATIONS BARRIE 2001 AAA OMHA FINALS

For those who may not know I decided to throw my hat into the coaching ring something I have longed for but wanted to be sure I was ready. It is a huge commitment with the only rewards is the joys of seeing players get better, improve, learn what it takes to be a better player and team.

I was asked to become an assistant coach with the Barrie Colts Minor Bantam AAA team for this winter.  It has been a great ride so far and has allowed me to pass on much of what I have learned working with some of the best in the industry and the skating and skills development I live for.

I am so very proud of this young group of players who have come so far and really turned into a team this year. We accomplished 2 of our 3 goals so far by taking first place and now making it to the OMHA finals. Our latest victory was bitter sweet in many ways. After winning the first 2 games of the semi finals we lost a 1 0 game at home and were soon to learn what kind of team we have. Today after a long bus trip to Quinte they responded with a awesome performance to win 3 - 0 and take the series 3 - 1 and move on the the OMHA finals next weekend.

Great work men the best is still to come.

Congratulations Dylan Sikura

Selected 6th Round

Chicago Blackhawks

Dylan Sikura a member of the Aurora Tigers Jr A team since he was 16 years old was selected today in the 6th round by the Chicago Blackhawks. What a wonderful thing for this player and as I was told by his coach James Richmond he was overwhelmed with what had just happened for him.

Sikura who blosoomed into a great 2 way player concluded his final year with the Tigers and was committed to Northeastern of the NCAA on a D1 scholarship. 

This is JR s 4th player he has coached in the OJHL that has been drafted to the NHL and that speaks volumes of what type of development coach he is.

Congratulations Dylan Sikura!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS DANIEL NIELSEN

PS101 Prospects team 98 member from Denmark Daniel Nielsen has been named to Denmarks National U18 team and will be competing in a U18 super series in Slovakia latter this month. Daniel came to Canada this past summer and trained with PS101 this summer and played on the PS101 Prospects team. It didnt take long to see why he is the top 98 prospect in all of Denmark and looks to have a bright future in hockey.

Congratulations Daniel and best of luck. 

Congratulations James Richmond and the LA Kings

Good friend, Special Camp Instructor to PS101 and my mentor James Richmond invited me and my family to be part of a special night celebrating the winning of the Stanley Cup by the LA Kings. JR is the Skating/Skills instructor for the LA Kings as well as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Aurora Tigers Jr A team. I was honoured to be part of this celebration and wish JR all the best for this year with both LA and the Tigers.

And here is a great picture of JR and his wife and son with his Stanley Cup Ring how awesome is that!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Ruan Badenhoarst

PS101 Prospects 98 Chowder Cup goalie and NCOP goalie drafted by the Barrie Colts OHL team was brought up to the OHL club and started his first OHL game. Rue played maginificantly losing a close battle in a shoot out earning first star of the game for his work. Congratulations Rue!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS DRAKE BOARD COMMITTED TO NIAGARA UNIVERSITY 2016

PS101 would like to congratulate Drake Board on committing to Niagara U for 2016. Drake is playing for the 4th in Canada ranked Aurora Tigers Jr A team under coach James Richmond has really shown everyone just how much heart skill and determination a player can have and is being rewarded for all the hard work. Drake was a huge reason for last years Tigers success and this year leads his team in points. Drake joins a long list of players under coach James Richmond that have moved on to a higher level and will be joined in 2017 by fellow Tiger Matt Bernard who also committed to Niagara U recently.

I was also proud to have Drake come and play for my PS101 Prospects in a tournament as the only older player on a team of 98 and 99 and he quickly showed what a leader he is. Although smaller he plays a big game and has amazing speed and helped greatly in PS101 Prospects winning the tournament

Congratulations to both players and the Aurora Tigers Jr A team 

Sam Bennett, 1996 Toronto Marlies AAA,

drafted first round,

9th overall to Kingston Frontenacs

Dear Stan,


Thank you for all the help throughout my young hockey career. All the work and effort you put into helping me with my skating and shooting has really paid off. Look forward to skating with you again this summer!

Sam Bennett

Kingston Frontenacs 9th overall selection

Sam Bennett Team Canada 2012/2013

Wins Gold!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS INNISFIL NOVICE A

SILVER STICK CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the Novice A Innisfil Winterhawks who won the Silver Stick Regionals. Facing some very difficult and highly ranked competition the boys worked hard and brought home the hardware. Congratulations coaches and players.

Congratulations Bradford Major Bantam A Orangeville Early Bird AA Champions

Long time clients Bradford Major Bantam A team once again have shown they can compete at the AA level with a impressive start of the season tournament win at the Orangeville AA Early Bird. Only losing 1 of the 5 games the young men showed all the hard work over the years is paying off.  Great way to start the season !!!! Here is a brief write up as supplied by the team.

Orangeville AA early Bird Champs. How We got there! Game 1 2-2 tie vs. Belle River, Game 2 5-1 Win vs. Sudbury Bulldogs, Game 3 2-3 Loss Vs. Center Wellington Fusion, Game 4 2-1 Win over Orangeville Flyers. Semi Final 2-2 Tie in Regulation, 2-2 at end of Overtime, 1-0 in shoot out to win Semi and Advance to Finals 3-2. Final Game 2-1 Victory over Center Wellington Fusion! Way to go Boys great weekend as the Bradford Bulldogs 99A take their first Tourney Win of the season! Go Bulldogs Go! Season opener on the road Tuesday September 17 2013 in Markham!

Congratulations

Bradford 99 A team has been very close to PS101 many of whom play on the PS101 Prospects 99 team each year. Having been their skating instructor for the previous 4 years I have seen these young players really turn into some great hockey players. It comes as no surprise to me as I am very well that these men could be playing at a higher level that with great pride I would like to congratulate Xavier Drummond, Brett Young, Brenden Wier and Cole Camenzuli for being recruited by Tilton Prep School out of New Hampshire while the team competed in a tournament recently In Nashville. Way to go men this is a great accomplishment.

Congratulations James Richmond

PS101 always striving to bring only the best to their clients is proud to announce that PS101's very own Special Camps Instructor and current Head Coach and General Manager of the Aurora Tigers Jr A team is now also the Skating Development Coach for the LA Kings of the NHL.

JR has been working with PS101 since its inception and has headed many PS101 Camps during the past several years and continues to work with PS101 working with our Elite Summer Training Program and PS 101 98 Prospects team.

Congratulations JR you have made your family proud and your extended families of PS101 proud to be associated with you!!!!!!!!!! 

PS101 where proper instruction is the difference.

Congratulations Bradford Major Bantam A

Regional Silver Stick Champs

Bradford Bulldogs keep rolling along winning there second consecutive Silver Stick Regional Championship advancing to the Silver Stick Championships in January with a convincing 5 - 1 win in the final game. Great work boys you are peaking at the right time.

Daniel Lisi NCAA Division 1 Sacred Heart

Congratulations to Daniel Lisi on receiving a scholarship with Sacred Heart NCAA Division 1. Daniel was a member of the Aurora Tigers Jr A team and has been a regular attendee to show the young players of PS101 the commitment needed to get to the next level as well as helping with instruction at PS101 Camps and Sessions. Congratulations Daniel.

Congratulations to these players for making their respective teams this year

Spencer Hyatt 99 TRW AAA

Cam Cochrane 99 Barrie AAA

Jackson Arcan 99 Barrie AAA

Jeb Paulsen 99 NCP AAA

Ryan Bell 99 NCP AAA

Curtis Hanspiker 99 NCP AAA

Brayden Butcher 99 GB AAA

John Arrizza 99 Barrie AA

Ryan Lomas 99 Bradford A

Mason Hume 01 Barrie AAA

Hunter Frederrick 01 YSE AAA

Brendan Kewley 01 YSE AAA

Cole Patey 03 NCP AAA

Dean Jarvis B45 AA

Isaac Duva TNT AA

These are the ones I know about.

Please let me know if I missed you and I will add you to the list.

Great work men!!!