For the first time ever, Hit The Ice holds open tryouts and players from across Canada their way to Winnipeg to try and earn a spot. With only a few sessions to catch the coaches' attention, the players know that the pressure is on.

The invited players, and the successful walk-on applicants, arrive at camp. Off-ice sessions and a few practices are on the agenda as the coaches begin their evaluation of the 30 players.

While injury forces a star forward to make a difficult decision, the coaches focus on penalty-killing and power play drills. The players then test their brainpower in a difficult puzzle-solving adventure game.

There is only one practice left before the players give their all in the on-ice testing but an old injury could put one prospect's camp in jeopardy. A group of players get their feet wet when they experience dragon boat racing for the first time.

The first scrimmage arrives and the players are eager to show what they've got. One of the players decides that his only option is to go home, and a Hit The Ice alumnus returns to share his wisdom and talk about his NHL experience.

Following the first scrimmage, some players are feeling more pressure than others. With the final cuts looming, no one wants to disappoint. But, some simply haven't done enough to show their worth. For these unlucky few, this will be their last day at camp.

The 2017 roster is set. Coach John hosts his first real practice and the players get a sense of his style. After a few days' effort, the group finally gets some time to relax at the beach and enjoy a somewhat home-cooked meal.

On their day off, the players get away from the rink and participate in a team-building event, battling it out in a medieval-style tournament. The day is marred by an unfortunate incident as tensions boil over between some of the players.

There is only one practice left before the players give their all in the on-ice testing but an old injury could put one prospect's camp in jeopardy. A group of players get their feet wet when they experience dragon boat racing for the first time.

Coach John is forced to deal with an unruly player's behavior. Alfie comes back to help out the goalies in their preparation and a surprise visit to camp sets the group ablaze.

The boys get the chance to develop their personal skills with J.P. Vigier in a series of unique drills and exercises. After a long day's work, the boys look forward to a good stretch. However, their yoga session proves to be slightly unorthodox, as a few four-legged friends join the fray.

NHL'er Mark Stone returns to help out, and brings goalie Calvin Pickard with him. The professional players share the in's and outs of pro-life. Team Stone takes on Team Pickard in a friendly game of paintball.

Team Hit The Ice is ready to face Team Made in Manitoba in an official showcase game. It's the first chance for the players to prove themselves and demonstrate what they have learned in training.

Feeling good about their win, the team returns from a well-deserved weekend off with youthful energy. Indigenous NHL'er Brandon Montour and Joe Cramarossa drop in for a visit.

Coach John is forced to deal with an unruly player's behavior. Alfie comes back to help out the goalies in their preparation and a surprise visit to camp sets the group ablaze.

Coach John meets a few players to chat about their future plans and hockey hopes. Following a hard morning practice, the players participate in a scavenger hunt around Winnipeg to discover some of the city's landmarks.

The last bit of scheming and planning unfolds as the coaches prepare for the final game. Confidence is at an all-time high and the team is ready for a second faceoff with their opponents. On the eve of the game, the team gathers one last time to recognize the hard work of a few players.

After more than three weeks of practice and training, Team Hit The Ice plays the second and final showcase game before a crowd of family, friends and fans. The boys play for each other and make good on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

John travels to the 2012 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Saskatoon and begins his scouting process. He hopes to find the best Aboriginal talent for a hockey camp in Gatineau. With more than two hundred players to choose from, picking the top fifteen will prove to be a challenge.

All the different players arrive in the Gatineau area. Not sure what to expect, the players are immediately thrust into the Hit The Ice experience and specifically the rigours of an elite hockey development program. For the coaching staff it's important that everyone understands from the get go what is expected.

Coach John meets a few players to chat about their future plans and hockey hopes. Following a hard morning practice, the players participate in a scavenger hunt around Winnipeg to discover some of the city's landmarks.

Monday morning rolls around, the time has come to get things going. The first day will see the players get a taste of their first on-ice practice. A surprise is in store for those thinking it would be a leisurely skate and many of the players will see that being a top prospect is much more than just being good on the ice. The coaching staff gets to see the actual talent of the team and more importantly their work ethic.

For the second off-ice workout the players travel to a different locale where they are initiated to training like a pro. First hand, they witness how true professionals' train. Their morning experience lures them into a false sense of security that brings the head coach to call a few players out and announce that not everyone will be playing in the final game.

The players have been practicing for three straight days and to get the morale and intensity up, NHL rookie and Florida Defenseman Erik Gudbranson joins the boys for a skate. The pace of the camp brings on a few casualties as injuries begin to creep up on the team. John decides to end the practice with a scrimmage that gets the players excited to finally see some game action.

The players rejoice as they are given a day off. Although the experience has been mind blowing, some time away from the rink can only help. For the injured, the time off allows them to heal. The team takes part in a fun team building activity where no prisoners will be taken.

An announcement that the team will take part in a fully refereed intra-squad game the following day changes the team dynamic and teammates will now become opponents. An injury has left a hole in the team's roster that is quickly filled by another prospect.

Monday morning rolls around, the time has come to get things going. The first day will see the players get a taste of their first on-ice practice. A surprise is in store for those thinking it would be a leisurely skate and many of the players will see that being a top prospect is much more than just being good on the ice. The coaching staff gets to see the actual talent of the team and more importantly their work ethic.

The second week of training begins with a bang as John questions some of the player's reactions following the intra-squad game. The roster board sends a clear message to a few of the camps top players. One of the coach's old players presents some hockey memorabilia to the team and offers his thoughts on the game.

Young NHL hockey superstar, Evander Kane shows the forwards what it takes to play a power game and with only a few days left before the scrimmage the intensity is ramped up. The players are introduced to what scouts will be looking for by one of the NHL's most reputable hockey men, Randy Lee from the Ottawa Senators.

A surprise visit from Arron Asham, one of the few Aboriginal players currently playing in the NHL shares his thoughts with the team and provides true inspiration. All of the coaching staff feels that they've done everything to get the team in prime competing shape. Many players have begun to prepare for the last game in their own way.

The moment all of these players have been waiting for, the showcase game. For the past two weeks every single player has done what he can to get ready. An unexpected event rocks the team's roster and John is forced to make a tough decision that could have a major impact on the game. The boys head over to the Meredith Centre for a quick morning skate and to get accustomed to the rink. Unfortunately, John must also break the news to the players that will be sitting out.

The team returns for second period action with the score all tied up. Although the first period was filled with hard hits and some dirty play the players know that they must focus, as the next goal could be the difference maker. With scouts looking on, who will shine and who will falter?

The second week of training begins with a bang as John questions some of the player's reactions following the intra-squad game. The roster board sends a clear message to a few of the camps top players. One of the coach's old players presents some hockey memorabilia to the team and offers his thoughts on the game.

Once again this year, ex NHLer and Hit The Ice Head Coach John Chabot travels to the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Kahnawake to find the best hockey players our Nations have to offer. This year, rather than scouting fifteen players, John and his coaching staff are looking at inviting a total of 26 players.

The players have arrived in Gatineau and now try to settle in to their new environment. John and the rest of the staff meet the players and establish what is expected of everyone. Stakes are set pretty high from the get-go as players are quickly informed that not everyone invited will be taking part in the main camp.

With the first practice and the physical evaluation under their belt, the players are gearing up for a full day on the ice. The coaching staff gets to see the actual talent of the team and as well as who stands out; either as an elite or as a sore thumb. The cuts are approaching and some players are handling the pressure better than others.

Today the team will take part in a fully refereed intra-squad game. It is the ultimate moment that will decide who stays for the main camp and who goes home. A few players are already on the bubble, who will rise above and prove their worth?

The morning is and angst-filled one as the dreaded ?cut-day? has arrived. Players are told who is officially part of the 2013 Hit The Ice roster and who is sadly sent home. After heartfelt goodbyes the remaining players embark, quite literally, on a 2-day team bonding journey.

Once again this year, ex NHLer and Hit The Ice Head Coach John Chabot travels to the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Kahnawake to find the best hockey players our Nations have to offer. This year, rather than scouting fifteen players, John and his coaching staff are looking at inviting a total of 26 players.

Its back to business and the official roster hits the ice for the first time as a team. The day is harder on some as injuries creep up on a few players and others are called out for lacking effort. And a one-on-one battle drill turns sour and threatens one player's ability to continue.

Stephanie gives the boys some much-needed cooking and nutrition lessons. Ottawa Senators scout Rob Murphy gives the team some pertinent info on what it takes to get noticed by scouts, which, to John's dismay, doesn't quite translate into the afternoon's lackluster on-ice performance.

Goaltending coach Sudarshan "Sudsie" Maharaj is back to help the boys in net get ready for their upcoming game. Two other pros from the NHL pop by to help turn the tides. Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Marc Methot from the Ottawa Senators spend the day and let the players in on what it takes to be a pro player.

It's game day! The first out of two important showcase games is finally here. The players were warned that not everyone would be playing and a few boys are forced to watch the game from the sidelines. Scouts are present and so are the nerves. No one wants to lose and every player wants to prove to the coaching staff that they made the right choice in keeping them in the line-up.

One of the players has some news for the coaching staff and a few others are still processing the outcome of the first game. Complacency is slowly creeping in again but John calls on a few NHL pros to spark things up. On-ice rivals but off-ice friends Derek Brassard of the New York Rangers and Grant Clitsome of the Winnipeg Jets join the Hit The Ice team for the day.

Its back to business and the official roster hits the ice for the first time as a team. The day is harder on some as injuries creep up on a few players and others are called out for lacking effort. And a one-on-one battle drill turns sour and threatens one player's ability to continue.

He?s baaa-aack! Maxime Talbot of the Philadelphia Flyers pays the boys a surprise visit and this time he has brought along his Stanley Cup winning buddy Pascal Dupuis of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The two NHL stars offer tips and pointers on the ice but also take part in a crazy afternoon away from the rink.

There are only a few Aboriginal players in the NHL today. And even fewer that have won a Stanley Cup. Jordan Nolan of the L.A. Kings is one of them. He joins the Hit The Ice team to help them get ready both physically and mentally for their last big game.

Time for the second showcase game! For those who received interest from scouts after the last game, it's a opportunity to seal the deal. For the others who were not approached, it's a second shot at making a first impression. This is the moment dreams are made of. Time to shine.

A group of new prospects touch down in Chateauguay, Quebec for the third edition of the Hit The Ice camp. Right from the start the players are put through the paces by their different coaches.

With two on Ice sessions lined-up, the players get an indication of the level of competition required to be part of the team. The coaching staff gets a first hand look at the team's skill level.