Western Prospects Hockey Development are back in Weyburn for the fourth year of their hockey camps at the Colosseum.

Western Prospects Hockey Development (WPHD) hold about 17 different hockey camps during the summer in Saskatchewan, with Weyburn hosting several of those camps.

"In the last several years where we have been holding a camp, we have been completely sold out," said director Mike Rooney.

These camps attract players from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In the past, it has also brought in players from as far away as Texas and Alaska.

The camps in Weyburn began on July 22 with the Bantam camp, which is one of the more competitive camps that WPHD holds because they are preparing players for upcoming Bantam drafts. According to Rooney, out of the 160 players at the Bantam camp last year, 65 were drafted into the Western Hockey League.

From July 30 to Aug. 4, WPHD held their Atom hockey camp which saw 50 players from across western Canada come to Weyburn to improve their hockey skills. A full roster of 80 Peewee hockey players then took the ice from Aug. 6 to 12.

Helping with the camp include current and former Red Wing players Preston Shupe, Brendon Vertefeuille and Tanner Erickson. Although it is called a "prospects" camp, it can be misleading.

At this level there is more emphasis on people skills such as team building, working together as a team and friendship.

"It is a neat thing when you get to see them grow up together," said Rooney.

WPHD will also be holding their Novice Skills Camp from Monday, Sept. 17, to Friday, Sept. 21, which will also focus on basic hockey skills and social skills.

Along with ice time, the players also do dry land training. There are classroom sessions which include video analysis to help the players improve.

From Sunday, Aug. 19, to Thursday, Aug. 23, WPHD will be holding at High Tempo Hockey Skills Camp at the Colosseum.

This conditioning camp is for Peewee and Bantam players to improve their overall skating and skill development while improving their ice conditions. Current Red Wing Preston Shupe will be running the on-ice sessions.

At last year's National Hockey League entry draft, several players who have attended WPHD camps were drafted, including three in the first round. For more information about the camps, contact Mike Rooney.