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The Alberni School District Hockey Canada Skills Academy is growing!
The Academy has been in place in the Alberni Valley for three years and at one time was solely represented by students (athletes) from Alberni District Secondary School. In September of 2008 grade 8 students from EJ Dunn and AW Neil middle schools were given the opportunity to be involved in the program. In September of 2009 grade 6 and 7 students from the same two middle schools were admitted into the program. With the opportunity of children from grade 6 to 12 being involved in this most prestigious program it was decided to rename the Academy from Alberni District Secondary School Hockey Canada Skills Academy to Alberni School District Hockey Canada Skills Academy.
The Alberni Valley Multiplex is the home of the Skills Academy. The Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association has given the Academy the opportunity to share the Minor Hockey office where instructors can now meet for meeting and prepare on ice practices and other hockey related items.
The grade 6 and 7 students from EJ Dunn and AW Neil began their skills academy experience in September of the current school year and have met in the afternoons on every other day. Thirty-six students (boys and girls) registered for the program and because of numbers were on two ice sheets (Coulson and Weyerhauser surfaces). Head instructor of the full Academy Rick Schievink and assistant instructor Doug Lindores were the instructors for each group on alternate days. Also serving as assistant instructors are teacher Neelam Parmar, and EJ Dunn Principal Mr. Klaver. Ram Sidhu a former Bulldog player, NCAA player and pro player in Europe was also a instructor helper, as were goaltending instructors Mark Taylor and Rick Geddes. Jan Norman was the two groups Power Skating Instructor. Each day the hockey students would work on their skating, passing, shooting, and team tactic skills. The students had opportunity to show their skill improvement through Hockey Canada skills testing which they completed twice.
The group of grade 6 and 7 students program for the 2009 school year was scheduled for only three months and came to an end on December 4th. The group was treated to a Pizza and juice lunch provided by Chad Mcleod of the Alberni Safeway store. The group then played in an organized 3 on 3 tournament. The top two teams played in the gold medal game and the two other teams in the Bronze game. It was a fun day for the kids and many parents who came to watch their child play.
The group of athletes in this program benefited in terms of their skill which showed on the ice and is showing in their various minor hockey games. Parents were all thrilled that their child had the opportunity to be involved and all are extremely grateful towards the academy and the experience their child received and most importantly the improvement of their child's hockey play.
Doug Lindores
Assistant Instructor
ADSS Instructor
Hockey Canada Skills Academy
Our MissionThe Alberni District Hockey Canada Skills Academy seeks to provide an environment where student-athletes can pursue personal hockey skill development while in the pursuit of academic excellence. We are dedicated to providing a safe environment in which students can improve their level of skill, build positive relationships, and have fun. The goals of the program are: - To build a commitment to excellence, discipline, dedication, time management, and strength of character.
- To challenge each student to achieve their personal goals by developing their hockey skills sets and improve their fitness level.
- To provide elite level coaching and instruction.
Our VisionWe strive: - To create an enriching high school hockey experience for all students grades 8 to 12 regardless of experience and skill. The Hockey Academy is available to both female and male players.
- To improve our students knowledge of high performance hockey by teaching technical and tactical skills in a progressive and dynamic manner.
- To build athletes, good citizens and winners in life with passion and integrity.
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