Below are just a few of the responces we have received from parent whos kids have attended our program.
"It seems like yesterday, but it was three years ago, to the day, we were sighing with relief. After attending your summer hockey camp in Winnipeg, our oldest daughter Logan, made the decision to apply to your year long Pursuit of Excellence program in Kelowna. She was accepted and so we packed her up and sent her off to live with complete strangers in a new city for her entire grade nine school year. At the time we remember getting a lot of flack from family and friends questioning our decision. To top it off, Logan showed up to Pursuit with a broken knuckle and a cast. She spent the first six weeks being shuffled to and from physiotherapy appointments and only being able to do the on ice skating and leg portion of dry land training. We seriously considered bringing her home, except for one thing, Logan was happy and loving every minute of her experience. So we stopped worrying, and decided to go for it. Little did we know that your program would open so many doors for our girls.
Logan had such a great year with you. She improved so much in every aspect of her game, that she made the U16 Shattuck St.Mary's team (an almost impossible feat as SSM is one of the best academic/hockey programs for girls in North America). You might like to know that academically the transition from Pursuit to a college prep school has been smooth. Logan's average at SSM is a solid mid 90's. As well she's been top 3 in scoring for two years in a row now. To date, she has already received several letters from Division I Universities. To put her level of hockey into perspective, her SSM U16 team beat Warner a few weeks ago. (Warner is Alberta's top female Midget AAA U18 team). Considering Logan only began skating when she was eleven (up until then she had been a soccer player), her drastic improvement can only be attributed to all of you and the intense year of training with the Pursuit of Excellence program.
As you know, we have three other daughters that play hockey. As parents, you like to keep all things equal and we wanted to give everyone the same opportunities. Of course a child must really love hockey to want to commit themselves to this but when our girls saw their sister play and skate and they saw how much fun she was having, they were determined to come to Kelowna as well. So, off went our second oldest, Madi for a year at Pursuit. Madi came to you with potential that we just weren't sure how to tap in to. As we suspected you would, you turned Madi into a feisty, great skating hockey player. We were so impressed with her fitness level and also how much she had matured by the end of the year. She came home from Pursuit, a confident, happy and delightful teen. Madi, like Logan improved so much that she made the U16 team at SSM as well. She is finishing off her grade nine year there and has already received a Div 1 letter as well. Both girls had suddenly improved so much in one year, not just in hockey but in life skills as well that this can not be a coincidence. So now we are convinced that your Pursuit program truly works.
So now, here we are three years later and our youngest and final two girls are in your program. After only three months with you, Kelly, a 94 has just been accepted to attend SSM next year. The coaches are looking forward to having her contribute to winning (hopefully) a national championship. Like her two older sisters before her, she will be fit, ready and able to thanks to you and the Pursuit program. Eden our 95, has caught the coaches eye at SSM as well, and hopefully they will hold a spot for her when she reaches grade nine. The hardest part about sending your child away to Kelowna for a year of Pursuit is not living together as a family, however, it was only hard on the parents, not the kids. They were never homesick, in fact they both wanted to stay another year in the pursuit program. Logan and Madi both lived with the same wonderful billet family when they were away from home as well and that in itself was a really valuable experience. This year, with both of our youngest girls in pursuit at the same time, it made sense for one of us to move to Kelowna for the year. Being a resident of Kelowna also enabled both girls to tryout and make the local female AAA rep hockey teams. Playing on a team while doing the Pursuit program has just been one more great experience for both of them this year. Living apart though, makes weekends and holidays very precious and we do not take any family time together for granted. All around you see families struggling to enjoy their teens and teens struggling with life. At Pursuit, you have set such high expectations for the kids and you treat them all with so much respect, that each one of these kids seems to bypass that difficult teen stage. It may be that they suddenly learn to appreciate their family more, but part of it definitely has to be an increase in their self esteem.
What began with Logan's acceptance into your program has literally changed all of our children's lives (for the better). Not to simplify parenting too much, but to raise happy, confident, independent people is usually a common goal for most of us, and not easily achieved. Something wonderful has happened to our kids and to other kids while attending the Pursuit program and we just wanted you to know that. On the hockey side of things, your program came highly recommended by Andy Murray, the head coach for the St. Louis Blues, and he was right. Over and over we hear what great skaters the girls are, and they have all of you to thank for this as well. In closing, we believe, the best thing about the Pursuit program is by far all of you. You are a very special group of people and you have made a nurturing environment for the kids at the rink. Your commitment to them is unbelievable and as never faltered over the years. You have brought out the very best in the kids. Our girls love the instructors and coming back for a visit or going to the Edge of Excellence summer camps, feels like "coming home" to them. Our girls have thrived in your care. They have become more confident, and skilled hockey players and they have become better people. Thank you all for making this happen."
Paul and Kim Murray
"He has gained over 50lbs in muscle mass in eighteen months. One of his friends back home called him a tree and could not believe the difference. the changes in agility, shot speed and explosiveness have been remarkable. His puck handling skills have improved immensely. The on-ice improvement has been so dramatic he has been asked to practice with the local Provincial Junior A club this year during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring breaks as a 14 yr old. We have already had calls from various hockey programs for next year."
Peter Hodgson Ontario
"You folks taught Derek, attitude, motivation, how to strive for the best and more how to grow mentally and spiritually as he grows into a young man. His head and heart is into hockey and not the street as many of his friends who played with him have gone that direction not knowing what they want in life. Derek seems to have a clear direction as to what he wants to do. He wants to strive for a scholarship with a NCAA team and then if God is willing go Pro either in Canada or Europe. And this is a credit to you guys for teaching him the values of life.
I could go on and on to tell you just what kind of job you guys are doing but accomplishments and a picture is all that has to be said about how great your program has been for Derek and others if they put their heads and heart in the right places. The sky is the limit. Just have a dream and turn it into goals one step at a time. I'm I a proud parent, I think you can guess how I feel, Derek never quit and I know I can credit the Pursuit staff for that, you challenged him and he accepted your challenge day in and day out and he never let negative thoughts get in his way. He wants to give you guys a lot of credit for getting him this far, now it is up to him to take it from here.
As he said to his new coach and owner yesterday as he shook their hands there are three people who have made this happen and it would not have happened with out them standing behind and along side of me. Those people are and I quote " My dad for always telling me the truth and supporting me in good and bad times, my home school teacher Mrs Langlois for helping getting my marks up for me to attend the Pursuit of Excellence and of course the Pursuit of Excellence for making me not just a better hockey player but a better person in life."
Dan Fisher Ottawa Derek signed with a Jr A team
"We want to express our appreciation for the opportunity our son has had to be in the Pursuit of Excellence this year. At first we wondered if this would be "too much hockey" for him but, if anything, his love of the game has increased as a result. He was always among the top players of his age group but his skills have improved dramatically. His slap shot had increased by 17 miles per hour by Christmas and his skating is much more powerful, efficient and fluid. The video analysis tape you provided clearly identifies the areas of skating improvement. He now does those things without thinking about them. His understanding of the game has deepened and he has learned how to identify the weaknesses displayed by his opponents and take advantage of them through the skills you have taught. Off ice his maturation has been considerable."
Ken & Betty-Ann Sabey
"Although the decision to send him away for a year was the most difficult we have ever made, we know it was absolutely the right decision. The skill development and physical training have been phenomenal. The improvement in Mark's skating and strength from the beginning of the year to the end is terrific. And, maybe most importantly, he has really enjoyed the experience. The confidence he has built will carry him through whatever he does with his life. Beyond the great hockey training, the increase in speed and skills, he has developed friendships and relationships that he will carry with him forever. He was blessed to have Brent and Michelle MacArthur as his host family. We could not have asked for a kinder or more generous family for Mark. I know they will always have a special place in our lives."
Sarah & Mark Williamson Colorado, USA
"Ric was asked to play in the under 18 in Feb and go to Lithuania. He has declined as he is finally taking his studies serious. The coaches rang and begged us to still allow him to join the team but Ric made the decision and said no.
I will write an email to Dave when I get a chance as we would like to tell him that people, teachers and Coaches never stop telling us what a mature person and talented Ice hockey player he has become, he left a boy and came back a gentlemen. His reputation is reaching all parts of Australia and he has become very respected at school and in ice hockey."
Anita and John Del Basso Australia
"It's hard to believe Logan's time with you has come to an end. We are so grateful that she has had this year with you, as she has enjoyed every minute of it. At first we wondered if Logan would actually go through with leaving home to live in Kelowna. It seemed unthinkable that she could move in with complete strangers. Not only was the billet experience wonderful for Logan, but they are going to take our second oldest daughter next year and hopefully our third and fourth children in years to come. We have decided that a year with you in Kelowna is going to be a valuable part of our children's upbringing.
Logan phoned us on the second last day of the program. She wanted to read us her "goodbye letters" that she wrote to you and all the coaches in the Pursuit program. After listening to her letters, Paul and I were speechless. We both felt quite emotional. We knew Logan was happy in Kelowna, but we had no idea how much respect and admiration she had for all of you. We have always felt Logan had a special ability to observe, evaluate and explain things instinctively for the way they really are. Based on this, and her letters to all of you, we would like to thank everyone for showing Logan and all the children so much respect and kindness each and every day you were with them this year. Your teaching methods and approach seem to bring out the very best in them.
We have never seen Logan so happy and so at peace with herself. You have raised the bar in terms of her personal goals and expectations, not to mention her confidence. We are so happy for Logan. The kids in her group have become like family to her and she cares for each and every one of them. In the space of 10 months, they have become a true team and have pushed each other to become their very best. She will miss them immensely. The Pursuit program has helped Logan to learn her personal strengths and weaknesses, in hockey and personally, (something that takes most of us until we are adults to achieve). Logan has learned that her very best effort is all that anyone can ask for and it is enough. Somehow this year, and all of its experiences, have taught Logan how to enjoy life and be happy with her accomplishments. You have truly changed Logan's life and her future, for the better."
Kim Murray
"What I like best about the program is that while my boy is becoming a better hockey player, he is also becoming a better and more disciplined person. The skills he is learning in hockey will carry over to the rest of his life. He is learning discipline, goal setting, teamwork, and the importance of hard work and sacrifice. We count it a privilege to be part of this program and would recommend it to anyone who wants to be better at hockey and life."
Steve Garcia Kelowna, BC
"Well, first off, let me say your program was extremely valuable to my son, Will, in many aspects to include great Life Skills lessons and, of course, superb hockey skills. I could not give proper credit in words here in this message to all the help that was provided to Will and me throughout the year. Whether Will needed assistance in High School concerns or help with hockey, your staff was always First Rate and did 'above-and-beyond' the call of duty in doing the right job. The billet family was great and provided great support again to both Will and me, also.
Without a doubt, my son, Will, would not be where he is today without having completed the Pursuit of Excellence Ice Hockey program. Upon graduation and completion of the Vancouver and Las Vegas Global Showcases and the Vancouver Challenge Cup tournament, Will has received three different offers to continue his hockey pursuit next year. First offer for Will was to play for the Minot State University, North Dakota, Beaver Hockey club, an ACHA (American College Hockey Association) Division-1 hockey program. A great offer, but Will was also trying to make a Junior hockey program. So, Will tried out for Junior hockey clubs in Ontario around the Toronto to North Bay areas. After a three day mini camp, Will was given an offer to play for two different Junior-A hockey programs. Will accepted and signed to play next year for the South Muskoka Shield Junior-A Hockey program out of the GMHL (Greater Metro Hockey League). While playing hockey next year for the Shield, Will has registered to complete courses on-line for Minot State University. Hopefully, after a year or two of Junior-A hockey along with his completed university courses, Will can pursue an NCAA hockey program and complete his degree.
All in all, my son Will's opportunities only became possible due to your excellent program, great instructors and staff, and superb billet family, and of course, the hard-work attitude you ingrained in Will to strive for excellence in all he does as a person and as a hockey player.
Thank you very much and best of luck to all next year!"
Chris
"We are still left a little astounded at the positive and rewarding experience our son attests to on a daily basis. His life away from home is so full of growth and development, physically, mentally and emotionally."
Debra and Jamie Schwartz Lloydminister, Alberta
"It's not often that you get more than you expected. We did! Our two sons, aged 13 and 15 years, first came to the Pursuit of Excellence program in its inaugural year 2003-2004.
Under the tutelage of Dave Roy and the fine young men on his coaching staff, their development went well beyond our expectations. But, this program doesn't come without a commitment. You will get out of it what you put into it... and much more. We watched as our sons were developing into better, more dedicated, and more disciplined young men. Skills they will carry throughout their lives, the ability to work hard for something they are passionate about. By Christmas our eldest son had increased his peak skating speed by 4 miles per hour and his shot by 10 miles per hour. Our younger son also showed significant improvement as well.
It was a magical year, one in which they often exclaimed, "This is the best year of my life!" What was not to love? Four hours of hockey per day, five days per week, it was a joy to watch these teenagers develop bonds not only with each other but also with Dave Roy and his coaching staff as they shared this very special space in time. In the spring our eldest son was listed with the Everett Silvertips and had the honour of being invited as one of 46 players to the Best Ever Under 17 B. C. Provincial Hockey Camp. None of this would have happened without this program.
Dave Roy and his dedicated staff teach values based on mutual respect and consideration for others. Dave's values come from his strong faith in God. While he does not 'push' his religious beliefs on others, he does live what he believes and these young people see it and cannot help but be touched by it. What started out as a huge respect for the man because of his highly regarded expertise in the hockey world developed into a huge respect for Dave Roy, the person. One of my sons said to me one day, "1 have never met a man as good and as kind as Dave Roy". Because of the example that he and his staff set, these kids grow both personally and spiritually, to a degree that was quite unexpected. For us, this was the best part - because at the end of the day -hockey is just a game - and the people our children become is really what counts."
