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ABOUT
Welcome to Mike Knight Hockey Development. The program and system of teaching was developed by Mike after five years playing professionally (AHL, ECHL, Europe) and four years playing in the OHL. Since Mike's playing days, he has been busy teaching and coaching players of all levels (Minor, Jr, Pro) and is a former NHL Skills Development Coach. Originally from Toronto, Mike gained a lot of teaching experience working with some of Toronto's top Hockey Schools and had the opportunity to be mentored by former NHL Skating & Skills Coach Graeme Townshend. In 2016, Mike launched The Hockey Department in Ottawa, an elite level hockey school that worked with the areas top level players. For seven successful years, Mike was operating as the Owner/Lead instructor and built numerous progressive programs and camps for elite level players from the AAA Peewee level up the the Pro level every year. In the fall 2022, Mike scaled his work load down and transitioned to Mike Knight Hockey Development which focuses on private group training. Mike's Professional playing career, combined with over 18 years of teaching experience, has allowed him to develop a program that only gets results!
TRUE DEVELOPMENT
QUALITY
All training sessions are maximized by having a practice plan that is structured to all the players development needs.
ELITE TRAINING
Each player receives Elite level instruction that is up to date, skillfully demonstrated and highly researched.
PROFESSIONAL
Players and Parents will receive a professional training experience, both on and off the ice.
PERSONAL
Passion goes into providing every player the individual attention they need to reach their highest potential.
"I recruited Mike to work for me during my time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was more than impressed with his knowledge, expertise and work ethic. Mike has the ability to communicate effectively with both youth players and pro's alike which allows him to navigate smoothly from minor hockey sessions to higher tempo professional sessions which is critical in order to be an effective Skills and Skating Coach."
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Graeme Townshend
Former NHL player and former NHL Skating and Skills Coach (Toronto Maple Leafs/San Jose Sharks)
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"I have had the luxury of working with Mike over the past year. Personally, I had the honour of working 27+ years with elite hockey players for 17 years in professional hockey (NHL & KHL) plus an additional 10 OHL seasons. I have yet to cross paths with someone as dedicated, enthusiastic and as professional as Mike Knight and his staff. Mike is in the hockey coaching profession for all the right reasons. Guided by passion, he is extremely detail oriented and provides high-calibre development for his athletes on a daily basis. I highly recommend "The Hockey Department" and their elite skillsets for anyone looking to elevate their game."
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Barry Brennan
NHL, KHL, AHL, OHL & World Championship Strength Coach
"Players at all ages and levels are mostly visual learners. The importance of video analysis and feedback are key in aiding a players individual development program and progression. I highly recommend taking advantage of video analysis with Mike (Private 1 on 1 Training). Mike has played at a high level and has a true understanding of what it takes to take you to the next level"
Jamie Pringle
Calgary Flames, NHL, Current Video and Assistant Coach
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