Derek Popke
Derek Popke is the founder and president of Vancouver Hockey School ltd. As a skating consultant, Popke has worked on-ice with the NHL Toronto Maple Leafs, ECHL Victoria Salmon Kings (Vancouver Canucks affiliate), BCHL Surrey Eagles and Penticton Vees, CSSHL St. Georges Saints, MML Greater Vancouver Canadians, and numerous Minor Hockey Associations.
Popke spent 10 seasons with Seafair Minor Hockey (2007-2018) as Director of Player Development. In 2018, Popke joined the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Association as a Hockey Advisor.
Derek Popke coaching Vancouver Hockey School's NHL Pro Camp at the University of British Columbia
In 2021, in cooperation with the Vancouver Canucks, Popke implemented and coached one of the most successful NHL Pro Camps in the lower mainland. His Pro Camp with Vancouver Hockey School attracted players from numerous NHL teams including the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals.
In 2024, in partnership with Lululemon Athletica, Popke's NHL Pro Charity Camp raised over $30,000 for local charities including Diabetes Canada and The Canadian Men's Health Foundation. With the help of local NHL players and coaches such as Troy Stecher, Sam Reinhart, Danton Heinen, and Kevin Bieksa this community event was featured in hockey media outlets around North America including Rogers Sportsnet.
“I’ve known Derek Popke for years and he’s done a good job with all levels of players from young guys all the way to professionals”. “And he relates well to minor hockey players and mature players”. "Working with Derek Popke (who's forte is skating) definitely gives you a leg up as an elite player".
Dave Nonis, Senior Advisor, Calgary Flames.
In 2009, a record 19 players who skate with Popke were selected in the Western Hockey League's Bantam Draft. In addition, over 50 of Popke's skating clients have been selected in the NHL Entry Draft in the past 7 years.
In 2012, Derek was named co-host of Minor Hockey Talk on AM-650 Dan Russell's SportsTalk, Canada's longest running sports radio talk show. Minor Hockey Talk can now be heard around the province of British Columbia. Over 40,000 weekly listeners join Popke for his outspoken and educated opinion on the complex world of player development.
Most recently, Derek was a key note speaker on hockey skating at The Coaches Site Coaching Conference featuring top coaches from around the world.
You can follow Derek Popke on instagram and twitter @derek_popke
