PHPA-Meridian Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program continues to develop players
Sean McCann, for PHPA.com | April 17th, 2019
In 2016, at the behest of its Executive Committee, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) initiated a community outreach program connecting PHPA Members with teams of minor hockey players in their playing city to provide mentorship and skill development on and off the ice. Now known as the PHPA-Meridian Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program, it has become a much sought after initiative that is expanding to more professional hockey markets each season.
The inaugural Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program event took place in St. John’s, Newfoundland with players from the St. John’s IceCaps of the American Hockey League (AHL) at the time, including Gabriel Dumont, Brett Lernout, and Mac Bennett who ran a practice for two local minor hockey teams then sat for a 45 minute question and answer period with all participants and their parents. The event concluded with each minor hockey player receiving the opportunity to sit across the table from the three PHPA Player Mentors for an official contract signing.
The program quickly gained traction and has since expanded to more Canadian markets including Toronto, Belleville, and Winnipeg. Many of the PHPA Player Mentors who have taken part in the Grow with the Pros events have gone on to play in the NHL, including Daniel Carr (Montreal, Vegas), Trevor Moore (Toronto), Brett Lernout (Montreal), and Ben Sexton (Ottawa). Other Player Mentors such as Mike Blunden, Tyler Randell, and Gabriel Dumont had previously played in the NHL and were eager to share their experiences and hockey journey.
On February 26, 2019, the PHPA returned to Belleville, Ontario to execute its Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program for the second time in two years. Led by Belleville Senators PHPA Player Representative Joseph LaBate, along with teammates Boston Leier and Stuart Percy, the trio worked with the Belleville Bearcats Atom AA Girls team at the CAA Arena and ran them through the paces.
“I did not know beforehand the skill level these girls were going to have,” said Labate. “When I stepped on the ice, I knew right away that they were skilled. I was surprised in a good way how much talent they had at such a young age.”
The Player Mentors ran drills that taught the Bearcats useful skating and passing techniques; some of the same drills that are run at Senators practices. The girls were eager to learn from the players and showed a positive attitude throughout the event which did not go unnoticed.
“Whenever I’ve had a tough game or tough week, I just have to remember to have fun the next game.” says Percy. “I was reminded of that today. At the end of the day, you know everything will eventually turn around.”
Following the practice, the group gathered in a breakout room where the minor hockey players were given a platform to speak with the Player Mentors and ask any questions which ranged from their career path, game day routines, proper dieting, training, the importance of getting an education, and advice on how to advance to the next level of the sport. Each player then received their contract which was signed by all three Player Mentors.
Playing in his first season with Belleville, Labate was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and has played 13 NHL games with the Canucks plus over 200 AHL games split between Belleville and Utica after four seasons in the NCAA with the University of Wisconsin. Leier also enjoyed four seasons in the NCAA with Acadia University before signing with the Senators in 2018. Both stressed the importance of getting an education while pursuing a hockey career.
“Time management is so important, especially when you are trying to play hockey and get an education at the same time,” says LaBate. “It was important to me to obtain my University degree and the fact that I could accomplish that while playing hockey was a bonus. I always stress to young players that getting good grades and paying attention in school and being a good citizen will allow you to go far in life.”
Labate also enjoys serving as the team’s PHPA Player Representative and embraces the responsibility that comes with representing his teammates.
“I was an Alternate Player Representative for three years during my time in Utica and attended the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives in Orlando twice, so I had some previous knowledge about the PHPA. When (Mike) McKenna was recalled to Ottawa earlier this season, I took over as the team’s PHPA Player Rep. I think we play a substantial role in knowing our rights and helping protect our teammates. I find the union business very interesting.”
With all three Player Mentors playing their first seasons in Belleville, they understand the importance of establishing a presence in the community early on.
“This being my first year in Belleville, I am still relatively new to the area. I wanted to help out as much as possible and learn about our fans. I think it’s very good for players like us to get involved in the community,” said Percy, a first-round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2011 who also worked closely with the defensemen during the program. “Programs like Grow with the Pros are a great way to help grow the sport in the community while interacting with fans and supporters.”
Leier agreed with his teammates. “I think it is vital that players develop that relationship with its community. I had never run a practice before, so I was a little out of my comfort zone. I became comfortable very quick. These girls earned this opportunity, one I couldn’t imagine having at that age. Many of them came up to me after saying how much fun they had, which was very rewarding.”
With the program positioned to continue and expand into more markets next season including some in the US, the PHPA looks forward to influencing and educating the next wave of professional hockey players both on and off the ice while providing a platform for PHPA Members to take on a leadership role at the grassroots level.
