Not everyone is able to turn childhood passions into careers. Josh Bailey did just that. The 21-year-old Bowmanville, Ontario native was drafted into the NHL by the New York Islanders in 2007. Skating since he was two and a half and playing in a league by age four, Bailey says he was "born with a stick in [his] hand."
Even from such a young age, he knew he wanted to play hockey for the rest of his life. From peewee teams to the Ontario minor hockey league, he focused endlessly until he reached his goal. Now his schedule is filled with six days a week of practice, game analysis, and physical exercise.
"Being good isn't enough anymore," he says. "There is a lineup of guys who want your spot. You have to work harder to stay."
Before making it big, Bailey was just a kid playing the sport he loved. At Roger Neilson's Hockey Camp in Aurora, Ontario, his parents and grandparents would cheer from the stands as Bailey, his cousin and brother teamed up and usually won the championship trophy at the end. While seven summers at hockey camp helped him develop the technical skills he needs today, for Bailey, camp was about the fun of the game.
"I was learning a lot, but I was a lot more focused on having fun," he says. "We just went to have a good time, and it makes you love the game even more."
SERIES: Camp Alumni
- Michael Budman: Roots founder
- Camp Alumni: Ashleigh McIvor
- Steve Paikin: journalist, author
- John Tory: activist, broadcaster, leader
- Lisa Loeb: singer-songwriter
- Camp Alumni: Sue Eckersley
- Veronika Bauer: champion freestyle skier
- Jane Kelly: Justice
- Kirk Sloane: compassionate lawyer
- Stuart McLean: storyteller, author, hit radio personality
- Seth Godin: internet marketing guru
- Shelagh Rogers: radio host
- Sharon Hampson: children's entertainer
- Frank Sesno: CNN journalist
- Chin Injeti: musician
- Marc Beique: doctor
- Erin Shields: playwright
- Amy Sky: singer-songwriter
- Marc Kielburger: social activist
- Camp Alumni: Dwayne De Rosario
- Cedar Swan: star-gazing adventurer
- Jane Taber: writer
- Hamish van der Ven: university teacher
- Jerry Linenger: space explorer
- James Raffan: historian
- Carolyn Bennett: Member of Parliament
- Craig Kielburger: children's rights activist
- Gavin Horner: investigator
- David Marshak: artist
- Adam van Koeverden: the kayak champion
- Tanya Springer: teacher and journalist
In the spotlight:
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Fun, excitement, and feeling like you belong
How Adventure Valley promotes a close-knit camp community [Read more]
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Building memories that last a lifetime
How one charitable organization helps send kids to summer camp[Read more]
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Hockey anyone?
Canlan Sports camps offer first-rate hockey instruction in a fun and inclusive environment [Read more]
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An environment where kids can flourish
Canadian Adventure Camp provides an ideal immersive overnight camp experience. [Read more]
