WELCOME TO HEADWAY HOCKEY
YOUR PATH TO PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY STARTS HERE
Headway Hockey, under the leadership of experienced Slovak professional coach Juraj Boldiš, will join the prestigious ICE HAWKS hockey academy starting with the 2026/2027 season to launch an exclusive U18 academy.
The desire to build an ideal environment for young hockey players who aspire to reach elite performance levels ignited our passion for this project. However, we believe what makes this program special is that we invest in each player’s confidence while also mentoring them in values for life beyond the ice.
With over 20 years of coaching experience, Juraj Boldiš has worked with renowned Slovak and international clubs such as HK Dukla Trenčín, HK Nitra, Piešťany, Hockey Punks Vilnius, and has coached players who succeeded in the NHL and top European leagues, including Marián Hossa, Marcel Hossa, Zdeno Chára, Marián Gáborík, Branko Radivojevič, Andrej Sekera, Peter Ölvecký, Milan Bartovič, Dominik Graňák, and Tomáš Kopecký.
This endeavor is co-founded with his son Karol Boldiš, whose education and professional development spanned 12 years in the Canadian hockey environment. As such, he brings valuable international perspective to the program which is further complemented by his degree in Sports Psychology and Coaching. Karol’s passion and specialty include coaching U18 and U20 levels.
The team is further strengthened by Rudolf Draškovič, a former professional athlete and specialist with 15 years of experience in sports management and marketing. His multifactorial approach integrates on and off-ice preparation, athletic development, and strength training. Taken together, these elements maximize on-ice performance while mitigating injury risks.
Integrating their strengths, Juraj Boldiš and his son, Karol Boldiš have united to develop a program which integrates excellence from a traditional, European hockey background with a refreshing and progressive- Western approach to player development. Adding to this the expertise and knowledge of Rudo Draškovič, these men form a comprehensive team that would set any aspiring, elite-level hockey player up for success.
What does the collaboration between ICE HAWKS and Headway Hockey offer?
- Exclusive U18 Academy – elite training for future professionals
- Individual player development – technical, tactical, physical, and mental preparation
- Professional leadership – coaches with top tear experience
- Off-ice development – athletics, strength, and conditioning under expert supervision
- Preparation for an international career – combining athletic and personal growth
- Safe and motivating environment – support for players and parents in long-term planning
“The greatest value of a coach is not a single won game, but a player who is prepared to succeed both in hockey and in life.”
(Juraj Boldiš)
Headway Hockey in cooperation with ICE HAWKS is a place for players who want to grow, learn, and prepare for professional hockey in an environment that supports both ambition and personal development.
Project Co-Founders:
Juraj Boldiš – Slovak professional hockey coach with more then 20 years of experieence
Karol Boldiš – 12 years of coaching experience in Canada
Rudolf Draškovič – 15 years of experience in sports management, specialist in athletic and strength development
ICE HAWKS – Next Level Hockey