Testimonials
Private Goaltending Instruction
"The Zone - a truly professional organization with a personal touch. So glad Colin is a part of it. Here’s why:
- Always fits us in for lessons at SHORT notice. Always tailors lessons to address issues we are concerned about
- Always challenges Colin to move forward. Uses various, very effective teaching tools and methodsRealistically deals with Colin’s strengths and weaknesses – no sugarcoating but affirms the positives with constant encouragement
- Frequently provided opportunities to be in net for other clients who were utilitizing Zone facility giving Colin more experience and exposure
- Freely offers moral support whenever the lows get really low, along with great support staff who helped both Colin and parents with tips and techniques to deal with the pressures and the highs and the lows of season. An email that Derek sent to Colin not long after the Zone had opened is a highlight. Colin’s season was a rough one and we were all discouraged. The insight Derek provided comparing our struggles to his challenges in starting the Zone business was invaluable. The email remains in our “Goalie Memory Box” as an inspirational tool when times are tough.
- Offered assistance in networking and making contacts at the next level for Colin’s further development of hockey career
- As Colin has gotten older, Derek has provided several employment opportunities
This fall, at 17, Colin has been signed with the Cambridge Winterhawks Junior B Hockey Club. He started the season as the backup goaltender, but in the last 2 weeks the veteran goaltender has been traded and the organization has put their confidence in Colin’s abilities and made him the starter. (2 months into the season) He has won his first 3 starts since then and is gaining experience and confidence. His goal is to obtain a spot in the OHL, something that will only come with HARD WORK – just what the Zone promotes." -- Jane Furlong
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I just wanted you to hear that our goalie dads said your session last week was by far the best goaltending instruction they've ever had. They were all very impressed and have mentioned your take away homework for them to me as coach. Thanks and while we always hear when things go wrong, you should know that this was terrific. Thanks guys!" -- Brian Burnley
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Zone Training is a very positive learning environment for goaltenders of all ages. Our son has been a Zone Training goalie right from age 7. He has progressed from house league to M.D., to AA, to AAA. The Zone Training facility and its staff have provided a unique training experience allowing our son to improve and have fun! Thank you Derek and all of the excellent instructors over the years. Your genuine interest has made a huge impact on our sons development and love for goaltending!" -- Ann Patton
Children's Development Model
I just wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work that you and your staff have been doing with my boys Kien, 7, and Eidan, 4, since they started with The Zone Children’s Training. Kien started the Learn to Skate program in the Fall of 2008 having never been on skates before and has progressed nicely through both the Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs. He is currently at The Zone twice a week for Skills and Scrimmages and Original 6 "4 on 4" Hockey. Having just turned 7 in late November, the Skills and Scrimmages program has been the perfect fit for developing his stickhandling and shooting skills and furthering his understanding of the rules of organized hockey. Eidan began the Learn to Skate Beginner program last winter at age 3. The instructors have done a great job of keeping him engaged despite his young age and he is currently attending weekly classes of the Learn to Skate Advanced program on Sunday. I can’t imagine a better start-to finish program for young children than what you have designed at The Zone. Best wishes to you and your staff and we look forward to your ongoing program developments in the future! -- Mike Macartney
Skating Treadmill
"We were so pleased with our girls' progress over the summer. We completed weekly treadmill training. This improved the girls length of stride, posture, and stamina. We had two semi-private on ice lessons with Mary Alice and this certainly helped with cross-overs. We look forward to returning in the near future." -- Kelly & Jason French
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Derek:
Wanted to send you a quick note to let you know about the benefits we are seeing as a result of the summer treadmill program we used with The Zone Training.
We are off to a very quick start with the boys. Although we have only played in a couple of exhibition games, it is very clear to us that the boys have improved their skating ability over the summer. The boys are definitely stronger and quicker, which has made them more capable of being competitive in game situations. We are also seeing the benefits in our practices and the speed at which our drills are being completed.
In game situations we have been able to see a difference in their ability to compete with the other teams. The additional speed and power has allowed them to be get to the puck first and improve their chances at winning the puck battles in all areas of the ice. These are the same teams that at the end of last year, we were still not competing in this area on a consistent basis.
We believe the benefits we have seen are a direct correlation to the work done by your team during the summer. Great work and thanks for all the support."
Kitchener AAA Atom Rangers
Mike Walker and Bob Lafrance
Gregory Campbell of the Boston Bruins Testimonial
The Zone Training facility provides an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to further their hockey career. While incorporating a state-of-the-art gym and agility surface with a smaller 3-on-3 style ice sheet, everything an athlete needs is under one roof. Since I moved to the Kitchener-Waterloo region, I've found it hard to find a training centre that will accommodate all my needs, while offering the convenience and privacy that I need to focus. The Zone allows me to get the most out of my workouts. I feel that today more than ever the training of professional athletes has become even more important and it is not always easy to find a place like The Zone. Derek has assembled a facility with a great gym coupled with an amazing turf surface for all of my agility and plyometric needs. The emphasis in good workout programs today is on speed and power and he provides the right equipment in his gym. The ice surface also allows for me to work on a lot of skill specific drills because of the small area, which is even more relevant in hockey today, especially at the NHL level. As well as myself, other NHL players such as Steve Eminger, Derek Roy, and David Clarkson have found The Zone to be the perfect off-season training centre. Thanks Derek for giving us that opportunity!
Gregory Campbell, Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins