Developing Skills, Habits, & Character in a Pandemic - Interview with Nick Deschenes

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Developing Hockey Skills & Character is not only possible, it’s giving kids who train with friend of Prep Camp Nick Deschenes a competitive advantage they will take with them for life. Nick is the owner of All Out Fitness, a functional fitness facility in West Kelowna. He is a Prep Camp guest coach, and currently the Head Coach of the Summerland Steam in the KIJHL. I caught up with Nick today to learn about the current state of his programs, how he’s doing, and his outlook mid-pandemic. Like every conversation I have with Nick, I was impressed with his introspective nature, his determination, and his dedicated ‘servant leadership’ approach. I’ve transcribed my questions to Nick, but to learn more, you’ll have to watch our recorded conversation!
Nick Deschenes Interview - Questions & Insights
(1:00) You are head coach of a Junior B team and owner of a gym that can’t take clients in the middle of a pandemic. How are you are making the best of a tough situation?
(3:58) Tell us more about the message you are sending to your athletes. You’ve mentioned you are trying to replicate a college experience.
(7:40) There are leagues like the Western League and Tier 2 Junior that rely heavily on gate money. The pandemic is causing a great challenge. Your user-pay model is allowing you to operate quite normally, in a smaller geographic region. This seems like an opportunity for your club and league to showcase this opportunity to still get a lot out of the experience despite the fact we are living through a pandemic. How do you feel about this comment?
(10:04) The game has allowed both of us to see the world. You’ve mentioned your Ivy League experience was a step outside of your comfort zone. What can you share with parents and players watching to get to know Nick a little more? You are a breath of fresh air in the game of hockey.
(13:50) A boy from Morinville, AB is allowed to bring a disposable camera on your first Ivy League tour, you can forgive yourself for that one! Tell us about your training center, All Out Fitness, and the role fitness has played in your life as a player and now retired from pro.
(18:00) Where can people find you who are interested in playing Junior B for you, or looking for training opportunities in West Kelowna?
Always great insights thank you Nick Deschenes. Readers can learn more about Prep Camp 2021 at www.prepcamp.com.