VEGAS (October 18, 2019) - Vegas Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz announced today, October 18, the return of the Vegas Golden Knights High Performance Academy presented by Cirque du Soleil, an innovative program led by VGK Director of Hockey Operations Misha Donskov for local elite level players in the 12U and 14U age groups (Boys and Girls). This year's High Performance Academy will be comprised of four teams, including two Girls teams at the 12A and 14A levels. All camp proceeds will continue to benefit the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation.
VGK High Performance Academy Presented By Cirque Du Soleil Returns
"We are proud to start our second year of the High Performance Academy and give local, highly-skilled hockey players the chance to train like our pro athletes," said Vegas Golden Knights Director of Hockey Operations Misha Donskov. "After the success of last year's program, we've been able to see the positive impact our hockey operations and coaching staff have made on our local youth hockey players and are excited to continue those improvements. New to the High Performance Academy this year is a girls program. The growth and development of the girls/women's game is a priority for our organization, and this is a significant step in achieving our objective. We are grateful for our tremendous partnership with Cirque du Soleil and for their continued support in growing the game in our city."
As part of the High Performance Academy presented by Cirque du Soleil, participants will truly "practice like the pros," as the various on and off-ice training sessions will be organized and run by the Vegas Golden Knights coaching, performance and hockey operations staff. The staff includes Assistant Coaches Mike Kelly, Ryan McGill and Ryan Craig, Video Coach Tommy Cruz, former NHL player and Vegas Golden Knights Color Commentator Shane Hnidy, Sport Performance Specialist Jordan Troester, Director of Hockey Operations Misha Donskov, Vice President of Hockey Programming and Facility Operations Darren Eliot, Hockey Operations Analyst Dustin Walsh, Hockey Operations Assistant Keith Veronesi, Senior Director of Facility Operations and Programming Andrew Stewart, Hockey Director Dell Truax and Senior Manager of Youth Hockey Matt Flynn (please note that the participating VGK High Performance Academy staff will vary from session to session).
The Academy will feature four sessions throughout the course of the 2019-20 season with an emphasis on individual skill development and team/game tactics. The specific areas of focus will be: skating, puck-handling, passing, shooting, individual tactics, team & game tactics and small area games. Not only will participants receive on-ice instruction, they will partake in video review and off-ice training both before and after their on-ice sessions.
The video component will incorporate VGK/NHL video to ensure that the athletes understand how the skills and concepts apply to practical game situations and scenarios.
Off-ice sessions will be directed by Jordan Troester and take place both prior to the on-ice sessions and after the on-ice sessions with a focus on fundamental movement foundations. This includes proper preparation for pre-game warm up and post-game recovery, cool down, regeneration and nutrition. In addition, off ice education will include strength and conditioning, mental preparation, and the importance of sleep/rest for optimal performance and improvement.
The cost of the program is $150 per player to participate in all four sessions. Please note that all proceeds go to the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation.
2019-20 Vegas Golden Knights High Performance Academy Schedule (all sessions take place at City National Arena)
Monday, November 11
12A/14A Girls Teams, 4:30 p.m. - 7:50 p.m.
12AA/14AA Boys Teams, 5:40 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday, November 18
12A/14A Girls Teams, 4:30 p.m. - 7:50 p.m.
12AA/14AA Boys Teams, 5:40 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday, December 9
12A/14A Girls Teams, 4:30 p.m. - 7:50 p.m.
12AA/14AA Boys Teams, 5:40 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 8
12A/14A Girls Teams, 5:50 - 9:10 p.m.
12AA/14AA Boys Teams, 4:40 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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The Vegas Golden Knights are a National Hockey League franchise owned and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC. The Vegas Golden Knights were established by founding partners William Foley and his family and the Maloof family. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights visit
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