INNISFAIL – Two pro hockey players are giving back to the sport and helping younger generations develop their skills.
Innisfail's Dominic Dilone and Justice Desjarlais, both 14, took part in the VerSet Skills Camp in Taber Aug. 4 -10.
“The coaches are really good,” said Dilone. “They make the camp a lot of fun,” added Desjarlais.
Both Desjarlais, a goalie and Dilone, a forward, have been playing hockey for several years. They’ve played with Innisfail Minor Hockey, participated in tournaments and for the past six years, have been a part of the VerSet Skills Camp.
“They’re really good at teaching young kids,” said Desjarlais. “We look up to them.”
The camp is owned and run by two pro hockey players with NHL, AHL and international experience. Kris Versteeg is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks and is currently with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Devin Setoguchi was born in Taber and played in the NHL for several teams until 2017, including the San Jose Sharks and the Calgary Flames. He continues his hockey career overseas today with a league in Europe.
Rich Wiest, a former Western Hockey League (WHL) and AHL player and assistant coach, also helps run the week-long skills camp.
Hockey players between the ages of four and 18 take part in both on-ice and off-ice sessions, learning and developing a variety of skills, including power skating and stick handling.
“I got better stick handling (skills),” said Dilone. “I’ve improved my footwork and hand-eye coordination.”
This year, the two Innisfail hockey players participated in the camp as Rovers, assistants to the camp instructors. They helped instructors on and off the ice, shared their skills with participants and what they’ve learned from the VerSet Skills Camp over the years, as well as helped demonstrate drills.
In addition, they received their own skills and conditioning training in the evenings as part of the program.
“We helped (coaches and instructors) during the day, but we had extra ice time at the end of the day with (WHL) Vancouver Giants coach (Michael Dyck),” said Desjarlais.
Dilone’s mother, Kathy said the camp gives young players a unique hockey experience.
“Kris and Devin just love the game so much and feel it’s given them so much. The camp is their way to share their love of the game and give back to the kids,” said Dilone's mother. “They select teammates and other people they know to come out to the camp. They teach players skills, give it their all and just have a fun time with the kids.”
