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ABOUT
Welcome to Mike Knight Hockey Development. This program and teaching system were developed by Mike, drawing from his five years of professional playing experience (AHL, ECHL, Europe) and four years in the OHL. Since his playing days, Mike has been actively involved in teaching and coaching players at the minor, junior, and professional levels. He has also served as a former NHL Skills Development Coach. Originally from Toronto, Mike gained valuable teaching experience while working with some of the city's top Hockey Schools and being mentored by former NHL Skating & Skills Coach, Graeme Townshend, who himself was mentored by Paul Vincent. In 2016, Mike launched The Hockey Department in Ottawa, an elite-level hockey school catering to the area's top players. As the Owner/Lead Instructor, he successfully operated the school, developing progressive programs and camps for elite players ranging from AAA Peewee to the professional level. In the fall of 2022, Mike transitioned to Mike Knight Hockey Development, which focuses primarily on year-round private group training and full off-season development programs. Combining his professional playing career and over 18 years of teaching experience, Mike has developed a program that consistently delivers 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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