Why Leave Hockey Development, Inc. is Northern California’s only dedicated 12 month Hockey Academy offering clinics, camps, competition, and player consulting. WLHD is singularly focused on developing, advising, and placing players at the highest levels of hockey including AAA, Prep School, Junior Hockey, NCAA  Div 1 and 3 and beyond.   Owner/Founder Coach Eisler is an internationally recognized coach with a track record of success.  Derek Eisler maintains a network keeping him informed of available openings and opportunities suited to your athlete. Derek and his team are committed to providing custom tailored direction and guidance for your players needs.  

Our mission at Why Leave Hockey Development Academy is to provide direction and create opportunity for players, through clinics, camps, competition, and consulting.  Why Leave Hockey Academy takes great pride in opening up the doors of opportunity for aspiring, dedicated hockey families. We will provide honest guidance, education, and direction to players and their families through our products offered.  The goal is to create an atmosphere of full development for the individual player and the family. 

WLHD will assess each player’s individual needs and will always work to find the best opportunities and fit for each unique athlete. We are available to you 24/7 365- days per year to answer any questions that may need your attention.

What’s in a name? Why Leave?

Derek Eisler was born in Oakland, California and built his career in ice hockey from the bottom up. Derek has coached players of all ages at all levels all over the world, and brings a unique understanding and passion for the game.  To date, the Why Leave Hockey Development program serves over 200 Northern California athletes ages 6 and up per year. Derek’s passion for the game and love of coaching continues to impact the Northern California hockey community with positive results.

During his career, Derek has seen many of Northern California’s most talented prospects leave the area in pursuit of the elite coaching and experience required to get to the next level in their careers. In response, Derek formed Why Leave Hockey Development, Inc. with the goal of providing the area’s best athletes access to the premier coaching and training they had historically sought elsewhere. Derek’s promise… Why leave, when everything you need to achieve your goals is right here in Northern California.

Christmas Clinic / Pond Hockey 2024

Merry Christmas clinic and a happy pond hockey! WLHD Academy is celebrating Christmas with a 3 hour skills clinic followed by over an hour of pond hockey.  

WHO:  All Ages  (Only 32 spots)

WHEN:  December 23, 2024  9am-1:20pm

WHAT:  Skill Clinic and Pond Hockey

WHERE:  Oak Park Ice Arena - 3545 Alvarado Ave, Stockton Ca. 95204

COST: $180.00 (Registration coming Soon)