Minor Midgets August Training Camp and OPP Confidence Course, News, Minor Midget, Midget, 2013-2014 (North Central Predators AAA)

This Team is part of the 2013-2014 season, which is not set as the current season.
News Article
News Article Image
Aug 24, 2013 | CarrollT | 1752 views
Minor Midgets August Training Camp and OPP Confidence Course
North Central Predators Minor Midgets The North Central Predator Minor Midget team wrapped up a week-long August Training Camp in Orillia this week in preparation for opening their season September 5-8 in Toronto at the Titan’s Tournament.  One of the highlights of their camp was a visit to the OPP Confidence Course at the Orillia Detachment.  It was especially memorable with former NHL referee Dan Marouelli hosting the team during their visit and putting the players through their paces.  The Academy Confidence Course is essentially an obstacle circuit used to test new police recruits. 



In this case, it was meant to challenge the young Predator hockey players both physically and mentally, and to help them build team chemistry.  The obstacles encouraged players to help and support one another, and put their trust in teammates.  The team made its way through a series of obstacles; course components included wall climbs, a balance beam, a rope climb, tire climb, non-fixed balance beams, low crawl, monkey bar, wobble walkway, tunnel, low and high chin-up, ladder climb, power jump and ramp wall.  Marouelli was the perfect leader, throwing out quotes and motivational anecdotes along the route, while insisting on discipline, effort and good behaviour.  When players broke the code the whole team was asked to do 50 sit-ups or push-ups.  The final obstacle on the course was called the “Trust Fall.”  Players stood atop a five foot platform, and then allowed themselves to fall backwards into the linked arms of their teammates below.  The players agreed that it was the ultimate test of trust.  The two Predator coaches also took part in the course and the leap of faith at the end.  The common consensus of the players seemed to be that Coach Andrew Hawke was a much easier catch than Coach Andrew Morris.  The coaching staff hopes that the August training camp and activities such as the OPP Confidence Course will help build a solid team attitude amongst the players, and have them ready for a solid start to the season in September.

Thanks to the OPP for providing the boys with this opportunity.

Article submitted by James Ross