The new Enerplex ice is in full use as kids swarm the building this week for the North Peace Alumni Hockey School.

Mike Hofstrand and Scott Ford are local boys turned head instructors of the camp, which is in its sixth year.

Players are learning all sorts of skills from shooting to balance to hitting, as well as partaking in off-ice training.

Ford said he encourages a healthy and fun atmosphere in the camp.

“You go over a ton of technical things and skating and stuff like that, which is very important for the kids’ progression, but we also really stress the fun level. The kids are out there learning, but we like to make it a good environment and have the kids having fun and enjoying themselves on the ice.”

He said this is a lesson for all aspects of life, not just hockey.

“I think that’s the biggest thing in growing up: you need to have a good time while you’re doing something. You can’t just be thrown in there and pressured to play. If you have fun doing something, you’re going to do it for a long time and you’re going to utilize that as maybe a stepping stone for your future. I know myself and Mike were able to use hockey to get college degrees, to play professionally and really to make a life of it.”

“It’s the same as in jobs too,” agreed Hofstrand. “If you do extra work you’ll succeed. These camps are crucial to give kids that extra little reminder. It’s just a good week for honing their skills and not worrying about the game so much, just the skills of the game.”

Hofstrand played in various levels including four seasons in the ECHL and Ford played in the ECHL and AHL.

Both instructors said they’ve loved seeing the cycle of hockey in Fort St. John. There are even players they used to teach in this camp who have now become instructors.

“When we call it the North Peace Alumni, we really mean alumni,” emphasized Hofstrand. “It’s for us to get back together and for the kids who grew up here to see how many players left this city, proceeded with their hockey careers and came back to give back to the town and help the new kids succeed.”

“It’s kind of a cool feeling,” said Ford, “especially seeing some of the players that we taught grow up and have a career and go to college. It’s not unlike myself looking at guys ahead of me and striving towards something that’s important. We’re pretty fortunate to be able to play this game. We had great influences growing up and we’re trying to do the same for the next generation.”

Hofstrand said he loves the new building, and it helps add to the camp and the experience.

“It’s a beautiful facility they’ve got here now, and just walking into this new facility, it’s pretty amazing what this town is involved in. It makes the hockey program much smoother, and you can do everything here. This brand new facility has really helped us out in big ways for all the kids and all the parents watching.”

The camp rages on all week, and one can’t help but wonder if the next Hofstrand or Ford or NHL superstar lurks among its ranks.