Growing the Game - VGK's Toyota High Performance Academy

The Toyota High Performance Academy is a program run by the Vegas Golden Knights dedicated to helping young hockey players in Las Vegas reach new heights in the sport. The program symbolizes one of the organization's core initiatives: creating a more accessible environment for hockey in the city.

An element of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights program, the Toyota High Performance Academy is meant to supply youth players with camp sessions during the hockey off-season. The benefits of such a program are: VGK involvement through coaching and materials, position-based training, and early team building for youth clubs prior to the beginning of the season.

"The Toyota High Performance Academy is a built-in, best-in-class component of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights program," said Darren Eliot, Vice President of Hockey Programming and Facility Operations.

The Academy held a three-day camp from July 17-19, for 10U & 12U girls and 13U & 14U boys. The boys sessions took place at the America First Center and the girls at City National Arena.

In charge of the boys sessions at American First Center was Brian Salcido, Director of Coaching & Instructor Programming.

"There's different levels of commitment that this game allows," Salcido said. "While it's still fun for these kids, you really start to see them embrace the energy and passion that's needed as they begin to take the game more seriously."

For Salcido, this program is more than just an opportunity for kids to hone their on-ice abilities. It's a chance to help develop their character and apply the things they learn from the Academy to their everyday lives.

"We really like to focus on teaching kids how to act as professionals away from the ice," said Salcido, "Taking care of their bodies, handling their studies, or even just their simple at home responsibilities such as making their beds. It all goes into being a professional."

The on-ice results for the VJGK program and the Toyota High Performance Academy are evident, with the 14U AA boys team crowned as National Champions back in April. The championship team consisted of Academy alumni, many of whom have participated in the VJGK program since it first began.

The girls sessions, held at City National Arena, while undergoing the same process as the boys, had a special guest.

U.S. Olympian Megan Bozek has assisted with the Toyota High Performance Academy in the past and returned for the week of work in Vegas.

Director of Youth Hockey Programs & Fan Development Sheri Hudspeth recognized the importance of Bozek's presence at the Academy and what it means to the girl's VJGK program.

"It is a great opportunity for our Vegas Jr. Golden Knights girls to learn from a player of her caliber," said Hudspeth. "Megan is a great ambassador of the game and role model, her instruction enhances the players experience at the Toyota High Performance Academy camp and inspires our athletes to perform their best, work hard and chase their goals."

The Golden Knights organization proved hockey could thrive in Las Vegas, culminating with its 2023 Stanley Cup Victory. The organization continues to build on its achievements to further development the game in the Las Vegas Valley. Not only does the NHL team grow awareness and interest for the sport, but it assists in molding the next generation of hockey players to come out of Las Vegas.