Nate's Hockey Camp is dedicated to improving your skills, and is always looking for passionate instructors to join their team.
Congratulations to alumnus Mackie Samoskevich on capturing the 2025 Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers! Mackie’s journey is the perfect example of how hard work and skill development pay off, from mastering edge work and puck-handling at our summer camps to lighting the lamp on hockey’s biggest stage.
Your determination and infectious energy made you a standout here.
Testimonials and Reviews
Many players and parents have shared their positive experiences with Nate's Hockey Camp. Here are some highlights:
- "I attended Erik Nates Euro Hockey every summer, first as a camper and eventually as an instructor. The lessons Erik preaches are extremely useful and have helped me tremendously in my development."
- "I’ve been working with Erik a few years now and have nothing but positive things to say. He has significantly helped me improve my shot, and has helped me achieve career highs."
- "I started skating with Erik when I was about 6 years old. Always dreaded going to his camps, but so glad I did because I wouldn’t be where I am today without him."
- "He is always so dedicated to his camps and getting each player better when they hit the ice. The environment in his camps are exciting and challenging, which only makes each player get out of their comfort zone."
- "He builds the complete player and puts a strong emphasis on skating, stick handling & shooting. If any player is looking to improve their game, I highly recommend Erik Nates Euro Hockey."
Hockey East Camps
We are the official hockey development program of Hockey East. Founder Jeff Serowik is a Hockey East alumni as are many of our coaches.
Read also: Nates' Hockey Stats
The Hockey East Camps will focus on total skill development with a combination of all of our curriculum’s and is offered for 2009, 2010 ,2011, 2012, 2013 ,2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 birth years.
Players will train directly with Hockey East coaches and players. We will divide the hockey camp into two teams on the first day of camp for scrimmaging purposes.
Marcou most recently worked as an assistant coach at Brown last year, where he helped the Bears record their first winning season since 2012-13. The Huntington, N.Y. Marcou put together a standout collegiate career at UMass.
He earned AHCA Second-Team honors following his sophomore season in 2008-09, when he racked up 47 points on 15 goals and 32 assists, and tied for the Hockey East scoring title that season. A two-time All-Hockey East performer and New England Hockey Writers All-Star, Marcou broke his own school record for single-season assists (40) as a junior in 2009-10.
After his junior season, Marcou signed a free agent contract with the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. He played for two and a half seasons before medically retiring.
Read also: Features of Custom Hockey Gloves
Marcou returned to UMass, completing his degree as a 2015 graduate of the Isenberg School of Management.
CCM 68 Combine
The CCM 68 Presented by 200x85 LLC is the premier Bantam Major camp in America. Top players, top coaches, top accommodations and top competition combine for an over-the-top experience.
Here are some testimonials from participants and their families:
- "We would like to thank all of you at 200x85, STX, and everyone else who helped organize and execute this special event. I wanted to extend a big thank you to everyone involved in organizing and executing the CCM 68 Combine. Throughout the combine, it was evident a great amount of work went into the details and had been thoroughly planned. The level of organization displayed by the CCM 68 team did not go unnoticed. Please convey my gratitude to everyone involved, including the photographers, to the CCM representatives, the nutritionist, mental preparation coach and anyone else involved. Thank you once again for providing such a fantastic experience."
- "Our son learned so many things but most importantly he learned very important life lessons beyond the game of hockey. He was nervous, of course, given the competition and all the unknowns but he faced this with confidence and determination which is how we hope he faces all of life’s challenges."
- "The testing sessions helped me strive for new goals, and show me what I need to continue to work on. Also, the super exciting environment and the excellent staff kept me motivated to perform at a higher level all weekend."
- "Thank you and thank you for the opportunity for my son! It was an amazing experience for him!!! You all did an awesome job making it happen in light of the situation. Such a great program for youth hockey."
West Coast Hockey Prep Camp
Hi Nate and rest of staff of West Coast Hockey Prep Camp! On behalf of our son Colton, and myself and my husband Troy we would like to thank you so much for all you did to help us out when Colton hurt his back! You guys are amazing, with helping get him to the hospital and accommodating us so we could fly out last night! You and your staff truly are amazing people! Colton is still hurting but looking forward to coming back to camp next year and staying in the dorms!! Thanks again we truly do appreciate everything you did! Please thank Dickie again too for us! Thanks so much!-Colton , Kari and Troy Skead, Enderby BC
Hi Nate, just wanted to send a big thank you to you and your staff. My daughter Jenna was there last week for the female camp. She has done many of these types of camps in the past and thoroughly enjoyed your camp and felt the competition was first rate as was the coaching. Please send a special thank you to Mark as Jenna raved about what a great coach he was and that she learned a lot from him. Thanks.- Munir Velji, Vancouver BC
Read also: The story of Craig Needham
After midget ended we chased hockey tryouts all over Vancouver Island and then wound up in Fort St John. When our son David’s first rookie season of Jr B was finished we decided to spend our entire training budget at West Coast Hockey Prep Camp. David spent two weeks of quality hockey training both on and off the ice. His performance at the camp found him a place on the Victoria Cougars and a VIJHL championship. From a hockey dad of 20 years thank you Coach Geoff Grimwood and the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp for getting me some hardware. We will be back in 2013.- Dave Marshall Sr., Comox, BC
Great Camp! The ice sessions are top notch, the dry land is so much better than other camps and the residency program makes this camp a must for anyone that can’t take a week off in the middle of the summer. We will be back for sure!- Bellefleur family, Campbell River, BC
The female camp was amazing. It has been the best camp we have been to and will be attending every year.- Rielle Family, Vancouver, BC
My daughter is 13 and has been playing hockey since she was 5 and we have done many, many hockey camps over the years and this camp was by far the best, she was challenged to do her personal best and to compete at a higher level. Also the days are filled with activity and we definitely got our moneys worth!! Emily was excited to get up and go each day of the camp!!!- Rathbone Family, Port Alberni, BC
Kristian had a great camp with you this summer. He stayed in your dorms and was amazed at how great the food was! Next year he will be returning along with his younger brother who is a second year peewee rep goalie.- Jonathan Stead, Merritt, BC
Great Camp: very professional, with many updates leading up to the Camp ensuring all bases were covered for first time players arriving which made us feel very comfortable coming in. Bailey loved meeting all the Canadian Kids and establishing future relationship with them, he had a wonderful time..- Rob Walsh, Dallas, TX, USA
Ezra had a great experience. Quality coaching. High energy drills.- Dave Paddock, Port Alberni, BC
Absolutely the Best!- Tony Bocale, White Rock, BC
First words out of Lauren’s mouth when she was picked up from the ferry were, “can I please go again next year?” Lauren nearly made the Bantam A team as a first year (but has been kept on as an affiliated player), which is an increased level of success for her, and this was due, in part, to the skills learned and fitness gained at the camp.”- Bowen Sly, North Vancouver, BC
The 2 weeks that Hunter was there he really enjoyed the experience, he was treated well, the food was good, and he was pushed on and off the ice. Thanks he is looking forward to his 3rd year of camp.- Findlater Family, Powell River, BC
My son had a great overall experience at the camp, and he improved his hockey skills considerably. His conditioning was the best its ever been by the end of the week. He loved meeting new friends, and participating in new on-ice drills. He really liked the staff, and the coaching. Although he liked the breaks between practices, and spent ++ time practicing his shot on the plexiglass during this time, I felt that the 3-hr break on the Friday was too long for 11-12 year olds. Overall, a terrific experience for my son. Thank you!- Pee Wee family, Port Alberni, BC
I have no doubt that the 5 years of Junior Prep Camp has had a big impact on not only Kurt’s ability to play the game at this level but also his confidence and character that enabled him to rise to the challenge that he was faced with. Best of luck to you and your organization.- Kelly Fraser, Okatokes, AB
I am a parent of a Pee Wee player that participated in the Pee Wee Prep Camp this year. I would like to let you know I thought the camp was well run and my son enjoyed getting to know and play with players outside of Port Alberni. The Hungarian Players were a hit. In particular, one coach, Kevin Hasselberg was awesome. His ability to connect with kids is amazing. He can modify and adapt on the fly to challenge kids in any drill at any level. My son particularly liked him as a coach. We look forward to next year. Thanks again!- John McDonald, Port Alberni, BC
Hi Nathan, We had a great time in Vancouver and Port Alberni and have returned to Hungary safe and sound. Your camp was professional and well-organized. Congratulations! I wish you all the best.- Best regards, Zoltan Kovari, Budapest, Hungary
Thank you for running such an amazing camp, Harrison had a blast!- Chantry Jelinek, North Battleford, SK
Just wanted to say again how well run your camps are and look forward to bringing Kristian back next year with his younger brother Mack as well.- Sincerely Jonathan Stead, Kamloops, BC
I am glad Paul is participating and look forward to options for next year.It is good to keep kids busy and he is meeting so many people from all over the place, which is amazing!- Celeste Haldane, Port Alberni, BC
Hi Nathan Grayson had great week and will be back next year for sure thank you.- Gerald Schmidt, Winnipeg, MB
Hi Nate. A quick note to say thank-you so much for Ben’s experience in Canada. Sounds like he did some hard training & had a fantastic time - definitely came back with a smile on his face!! He says he & Harrison were spoken to by a scout from the Kelowna Rockets. Once again, thanks for all your hard work & giving Ben (& the other boys) such a great opportunity. Kind regards.- Leigh Sonntag, Queenstown, New Zealand
Nate, I wanted to thank you again for allowing Grant to attend your camp. He had a good time and said it was the best work he had put in, in quite awhile.- Mike Fisher, Seattle, Washington, USA
Hi Doug, Just a quick note to say thank you so very much for phoning me and letting me know about the prep camp in Port Alberni. Chase loved it, had a great time and learned lots. He said it was by far the best camp he had been too. So thanks again as I never would have known about the camp if it hadn’t been for you!- Anne and Chase Anchikoski, Lake Country, BC
Dear Mr. Leslie. Thanks to you and your staff at the prep camp. Kai had a great week and really enjoyed his training. From the on ice sessions, to the fitness training, to how great all the support staff were, it was a first class week. The relationships he built with his fellow players, and the great coaches and staff who were there during the week, were incredibly positive. It is gratifying to know that all the camp goals that your organization sets out, in your information package for the Junior level of the elite boys camp, were delivered and exceeded. This was Kai’s second year and it is money well spent, and on top of that, a great deal. He will definitely be back next year.- Andrea and Murray McDonald
Emily LOVED the junior prep camp!!! We have done many many camps over the years Emily has played hockey and this was by FAR the best hockey camp and highest caliber of training we have ever been too!!! Thank you so much.-Karen Rathbone, Port Alberni, BC
I have talked to Grayson briefly and he thought it was an amazing week so thanks for everything.-Gerald Schmidt, Winnipeg, MB
Kristian came back from week 2 full of confidence for his upcoming tryouts. He said that your camp was the best camp he has been to.-Jonathan Stead, Kamloops, BC.
We wanted to tell you how happy we are, and more importantly, how happy our daughter is with her first “away from home” hockey camp experience. To put it simply she loved the camp. When we spoke to her throughout the week she talked about the dryland training, on ice training and scrimmages, coaches, the great food and of course the fun that her and her friends, both old and new, were having during their down time. She admitted it was a lot of work and that she was pushed to improve but she also indicated that it was a lot of fun. Her comment to me when I was picking her up was “I wish I could stay longer”… need I say more? Please thank all of the coaches and volunteers that helped make this such a memorable experience for her. Keep up the good work. We’ll most definitely be back next year.-Lara and Mike Alexander, Surrey, BC
Duncan had the best time at your camp last week and had only great things to say. The hockey was awesome and coaches were great. Felt like it was a great experience all round. We will definitely send him there again next year. Thanks for everything and I hope the rest of your summer camps are successful.-Cheers, Donna Newman, Westshore Hockey Academy, Victoria, BC
Leo was twelve when he attended the Port Alberni Prep Camp for the first time last summer and absolutely loved the camp culture and training regime. He had a great time. Prior to registering him for this summer, his mother and I had been discussing how we should dispense our family’s resources when she posed a question to me. She did not believe my answer so she asked him directly at dinner one night. “Would you rather go to Disneyland in California or to the Prep Camp?” Leo took one long, baleful and “Are you for real?” look at her before saying Prep Camp. No question about it, he loves it there!-Jaime Martinez, Vancouver
Elite Female Camp: After all my camp experiences I have put this one at the top of my list for the coming summer and Maegan and Ali will both be attending and sleeping in the dorm!!-Randy Beres, North Vancouver
My daughter’s commitment and dedication to the game encourages us to continue to support her dream of playing major midget hockey. Nathan Leslie made it easy to send her away. Constant communication, pick up and drop off at the ferry - safe environment, good food and great training! Those few minutes have made an amazing difference on those two on ones! Thanks Ryan! Courtney is excited for next summer and bringing up her game to the next level. We are excited to send her! Thank you Nate for providing a program that works!~ Sandra Weatherbie
I just wanted to say that the camp has been just GREAT for both our boys Bryan & Nathan. They really enjoyed all parts of your camp, from the workouts, to ice time & food time. The staff have all been just great. Thanks for all your hard work.-Brenda Read
Once again the boys had a great experience at your camp. I found the goalie instruction to be very well done and the boys definitely picked up some new skills. They enjoyed the great food and we really appreciate both trainers and how they cared for Devin when he got injured. He is like a walking disaster this year breaking his wrist in Lacrosse and it keeps going. Thank you for the extra meals as well. We will be there again next year. Andrew has a Western P...
NAHL Minnkota Pre-Draft Camp
I have always been skeptical when it comes to these NAHL Pre-Draft camps or any type of Junior Hockey Camp at Tier 2 and Tier 1 levels. The reason being is that I always find these to be more of a fundraiser and ‘money grab’ for the teams involved. Playing at Tier 1 or Tier 2 level is very difficult, given that it is a high level of play. Now, most players/parents don’t realize how many players are in a given NAHL or USHL organization. They have not only returning players every season, but they have draft picks, tenders, and now players in their affiliate league, the NA3HL.
There will be four teams at this NAHL Minnkota Pre-Draft Camp; the Minnesota Magicians, Bismarck Bobcats, Minot Minotauros, and the Minnesota Wilderness. The cost of the camp is $450, which is actually a pretty good price for what you are getting out of the camp. You will get 5 games, a camp jersey, player/parent seminars, and exit meetings with coaches and staff. Typically an NAHL camp will cost close to $250.
I don’t want to come off as in saying this is a joke and you absolutely shouldn’t go. You are putting yourself in front of 4 different NAHL teams and getting a ton of exposure and great information on the league and Junior Hockey. You will be able to put yourself in the position of being drafted, so that is a good reason to go. Another good reason to go would be for self-evaluation to find out where you are as a hockey player compared to other kids in your age group.
I am just going over the number of players that will be aging out for each team. That number is the bare minimum of open roster spots for each team. The other things to think about are the number of players that will be either moving up to the USHL or down to a Tier 3 league (EHL, USPHL, NA3HL, etc..).