After playing nearly 700 professional games I have learned that developing the mental side of the game is equally as important as developing the players physical skill set.

Dean Van Vliet is Director of Business Development. He has been actively involved in Hockey since his youth, playing AA Hockey with the Mississauga Braves. Dean has his Coaching Development 1 Certification and has had the privilege of Coaching with the Oakville Hornets, Oakville Rangers, Meadowvale Hawks and the Mississauga Terriers as well as on ice assistance at The Oakville Hockey Academy.

A Mississauga native, Jake has played at a high level of hockey, being an Elite Defensemen since he was 7 years old, playing Junior A for the Milton Icehawks, Streetsville Derby's and has played for both the University of Toronto Varsity and Tri Campus teams. A University of Toronto graduate in Neuroscience, Animal Behaviour and Biological Psychology.

Jake has taught in Mississauga and Oakville over the last 10 years and has developed thousands of players within that time, generating an extensive reputation. Jake has also taught, trained and worked with players from the NHL, AHL, CHL and several Team Canada members from both the Men's and Women's teams.
Jake combines an incredible amount of knowledge, experience, energy and passion into his work. He has proven himself as being a motivating role model and a mentor for hockey players from 3 years old to professional levels. His good rapport with the players is shown in how he teaches the necessary tools, skills and disciplines needed to achieve success. He displays strong confidence in how he implements his developmental plans according to individual needs of the players he trains with, all of the leagues, clinics and lessons he instructs. He offers special insight and techniques in game situation type drills, using constructive and positive feedback, offering each player attention and encouragement. Overall Jake strives to implement the skills and tactics in each player to achieve their goals and guide them to the next level.
Jake was Director of Hockey Operations and Head Instructor for over 5 years at Ice2Ice. He now assumes the role Director of Player Development and Head Instructor at the Oakville Hockey Academy. He is excited to continue to be a part of this training facility, its community and to continue helping players fulfill their goals and dreams in the game of hockey.