Tyler Sandhu and Shaun Dosanjh are teammates again, this time to offer a hometown perspective to youngsters on what it takes to become major junior hockey players.
The 20-year-olds are best friends who grew up together on powerhouse Seafair Minor rep teams. Sandhu has played for the last four seasons in the Western Hockey League while Dosanjh has played in the past three. Both are back home preparing for their final year of junior with the Tri-City Americans and Prince George Cougars respectively.
They have added a new wrinkle to their off-season schedule by launching the ProLine Hockey Academy — a week long hockey school at the Richmond Ice Centre July 18-22. The camp will be divided up into two sessions — Hockey 3-4 (players born 2007-08) and Atom (2005-06).
The academy brings Sandhu and Dosanjh back to the same rink where they spent so many hours together as youngsters, becoming the players they are today.
“We have been through it all here, playing at Seafair, and I was also with Richmond Minor until Hockey four,” said Sandhu. “We have met a lot of great people and great staff along the way. Both are unbelievable associations.
“This is something we just decided to do together. We thought it would be cool to share our knowledge and experiences with the kids who are playing where we started, too.”
What makes this camp so unique is having instructors who are still active as players, are familiar with the structure of both local minor hockey associations and the paths these kids are on.
Sandhu and Dosanjh are two of just five Richmond hockey products who played in the WHL last season.
“I remember when I was younger, going to games and looking at those players like they were gods,” smiled Dosanjh. “We may not realize that right now, but kids look up to us and being out there helping them means a lot them. Hopefully, (helping) their future as players as well.”
Both have experience instructing at hockey schools thanks to their WHL teams typically hosting youth camps. The plan for ProLine’s inaugural year is keeping the number of participants at a reasonable level.
“We just thought two (age) groups for now and keeping it small,” explained Sandhu. “We will be focusing on skating and the other half on skills instruction then putting it together in game situations. Fundamentals is so important at those age levels and we know that now.
“Just sharing our knowledge is going to be great for them. I think we have both seen it all — guys who have gone on to play in the NHL and coaches with NHL minds too. It’s great being able to teach kids on what it takes to get there.”
Both can also offer different perspectives of the game.
Sandhu has always been a high-skilled forward throughout his career and is coming off his most productive season with 48 points and 19 goals.
Dosanjh has earned a reputation as a solid stay-at-home defenceman who can provide the physical aspect of the game as well.
Sandhu made previous stops in Everett and Red Deer before spending the past two seasons in Kennewick, WA with the Americans.
Dosanjh had played his entire WHL career with the Vancouver Giants until being traded to Prince George last season.
“I was always living at home and playing in my hometown city, which is cool,” added Dosanjh. “But I think getting traded was another needed experience for me. It got me to move away from home, which I had never done before. Tyler used to always say how much more fun it was and now I finally understand.”
The cost of the ProLine Academy is $225 for players and $75 for goalies. It includes a ProLine t-shirt and jersey. For more information email [email protected].
