Player Development Program
The Player Development Program is an on-ice training only option, built for players who attend traditional schools—public, private, or charter and want to supplement their education with elite-level hockey training. PDP is not tied to academics. It is a dedicated training program built to provide serious players with consistent, high-level supplemental development during the school year.Includes:
- 1.25 hours of daily on-ice instruction (Monday–Thursday)
- Weekly gym training sessions
- Weekly stretch & mobility class
- Weekly video breakdown and performance analysis
- Weekly field work
- Mentorship and individual player feedback
Program Details
Season: September through May
Days: Monday through Thursday
Options: 2, 3, or 4 days per week
Session Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
Enrollment Options:
- Monthly packages available
- Full-season (annual) tuition available
- Limited drop-in availability (higher rate, based on space)
Coaching Staff
Craig Johnson
Co-Founder of Optimum Hockey Academy, Jr. Ducks Director of Coaches, Head Coach - Jr. Ducks 13AAA team. Former NHL player, Olympian, and NHL Assistant Coach & Player Development Coach.
Alex Kim
Co-Founder of Optimum Hockey Academy, Former professional player (ECHL, AHL, Europe & Asia). Jr. Ducks Director of Player Personnel. Head Coach of the Jr. Ducks 15AAA and 16AAA teams.
Noah Clarke
Head Coach of the Jr. Ducks 2015 team. Former NHL player and NCAA All-American.
CJ Stretch
Former professional player (ECHL, AHL, Europe) focused on skill development. Former WHL Standout.
Cory Kane
Former professional player (AHL, KHL) and Assistant Coach for the Jr. Ducks 15AAA team.
Itan Chavira
Professional roller hockey player. Head Coach of the Jr. Ducks 12U A and 14U A teams.
ON ICE TRAINING
September thru May
Great Park Ice - Rink 4
Monday thru Thursday
1:25 pm - 2:40 pm (2009-2012)
2:50 pm - 4:05 pm (2013-2016)
OFF ICE TRAINING
Players will receive weekly training off ice:
- Monday - Strength & Conditioning
- Tuesday - Stretch & Movement
- Wednesday - Video Analysis
- Thursday - Field Work
PRACTICES
We utilize the FULL ICE.
Focal Points
- Skill development under pressure
- Skating, puck control, passing, and shooting
- Small-area games and decision-making
- Hockey IQ and game concepts
- Position-specific habits and details
- Compete level, pace, and confidence
OPTIONS & PRICING
Options:
- Monthly packages available (2, 3 or 4 day)
- Full-season (annual) tuition available
- Limited drop-in availability (higher rate, based on space)
Please email Alex Kim at ak@optimumhockeyacademy.com
Is PDP Right for Your Player?
PDP is best suited for motivated players who are serious about improving, willing to be coached, and looking for a consistent training environment outside of their team schedule.
Space is limited to maintain the quality of training, group structure, and player feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we pick 3 days of training per week instead of 4?
Yes, players can choose from 2, 3 or 4 days per week for training
If we miss a session, can we make up the session?
Yes, players can make up sessions during a another After School session
How is the Player Development program different from Full Day Academy or After School Program?
Player Development program is on-ice training only and does not include any academics.
2026-2027
Who: Players who want elite hockey development but stay in their current school system.
Structure:
On-ice training 2–4 days/week during the day (mornings or afternoons).
Off-ice sessions 2–3 days/week.
Balances school attendance with high-level skill development.
Shorter daily commitment compared to Full Day Academy (typically half-day).
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