Vanier students are no longer the only ones who can enjoy the benefits of the G.P. Vanier Hockey Academy.
Now male and female students in Grades 10 to 12 from the other two high schools (Isfeld and Highland) are able to join. And, of course, new and returning students from Grades 9 and up at Vanier are also still welcome.
Registration is now open for the popular academy, with the Fall 2017 semester marking its sixth year. Designed for players of all abilities, students are able to work on their game during school hours while also receiving graduation credits.
“Inviting students from the other high schools is just another part of the evolution of this program,” says Dave Miller, teacher and instructor of the Vanier Academy. “We’ve had home-school kids and even international students join. It’s always a good thing to be able to offer students more academic choices.”
Similar to Vanier’s Explore program, the Hockey Academy allows students to attend for the first semester that runs from September to January, and then they return to their regular school for the remaining semester.
Miller notes that while the course focuses on physical and skill development, just as importantly, being in the academy is about having fun, being a good teammate and learning to make good decisions.
As a licensed Hockey Canada Skills Academy, Hockey Canada standardizes the delivery of the on-ice hockey content. Accessible to all levels of competitive and recreational players, male and female students are able to focus on individual skill development.
“Extra ice time benefits any hockey player, regardless of skill level. And because our program centres on individual goals and achievements, we can work with kids at all stages of development,” says Miller.
Twice weekly 75-minute ice sessions focus on various skills, including stick handling, shooting, tactical awareness and power skating. Off the ice, the focus is on cardiovascular fitness, hockey-specific strength and stretch work as well as cross-training with other sports. Students receive credits for PE and an elective.
“Team building, creating community and fun fitness fundamentals are the cornerstones of the program. We have a good time while students learn about the game and themselves,” said Miller.
The academy registers students on a first-come, first-serve basis and spots are filling up already. Application forms are available at the Vanier Main Office, online through the “Programs & Services” tab on the G.P. Vanier website or at the academy website http://gpvanie2.wix.com/vanierhockey.
Contact Miller at david.miller@sd71.bc.ca for further information or with questions about the program.