Providence, R.I.--Not even a lesson often learned on the ice--to expect the unexpected--could prepare Providence College graduate Jeff Serowik '90 for what has become of his hockey camp business.
Twenty years ago, Serowik, a former Friars' defenseman, started Pro Ambitions, a series of summer hockey camps for players ages 6 to 18.
"I basically was bored in the summer and wanted to put my finance degree to work and start a small business," he said. "So I started with one camp my first summer and built it up each year."
"I never thought it would turn into a full-time job and a successful career for me," he said. "Along the way, it really brought out my passion for teaching kids the game that I love. I still don't consider it a job. It's so fun, and we are able to mold and change kids' lives through our teachings."
Currently, the Massachusetts-based company sponsors more than 300 camps across the continent with more than 4,000 young players participating on an annual basis.
"We have developed countless Division I players and a few NHL guys along the way," Serowik noted. "We also have developed many great kids who are now married and are sending their own kids to Pro Ambitions. It's amazing how small the hockey circle is and how many great people I have met through this journey."
In four seasons at PC, Serowik appeared in 136 games, scored 15 goals, and contributed 50 assists. He played nine seasons at the professional level, including stints with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and with the Providence Bruins of the AHL.
Serowik had his best pro season with the Providence Bruins in 1994-95, when he scored a career-high 62 points and earned the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL's best defenseman.
Since his retirement in 1999, he has remained active in the sport he loves, thanks to the ongoing growth of Pro Ambitions.
New venture with Hockey East
As it has grown, Pro Ambitions has developed ties with the Boston Bruins and the Hockey East Association, of which PC is a member. In collaboration with Hockey East, the camp company has started a new "Hockey Skills Challenge" program effective at the start of this season.
The program involves both male and female players ages 14 and under participating in regional skills events throughout the season. The best competitors will earn the right to compete during the men's Hockey East Championship Tournament at the TD Garden in Boston in March.
"Now with the Boston University--Boston College game at Fenway Park (on January 8) and us being able to do a demonstration of our event during that game, along with full the cooperation of Hockey East, it has all come together," Serowik said.
Serowik, who originally hails from Manchester, N.H., now resides in Dover, Mass., a half-hour away from his alma mater, with his wife, Christine Serowik '91, and three children. In addition to the camp, Jeff and Christine run a clothing outlet known as Chrislee Boutique and a charity known as "Sports Saves Souls."
Inducted into N.H. Hall of Fame
In October, Serowik was enshrined in the New Hampshire Hockey Hall of Fame, along with former PC assistant coach Dick Umile, who is now the head coach of the University of New Hampshire men's program.
"It was a big thrill and a day my family and I won't forget," Serowik said. "It was nice to be recognized in the state I grew up in and to have many old teammates, coaches, and friends in attendance who I hadn't seen in a long time."
For more information about Pro Ambitions, go to www.proambitions.com.
--Al Daniel '11
PA WARRIOR
BRUINS
