RCI approved for Hockey Skills Academy
- Details
- Published on Thursday, August 28, 2014
By Sheila Runions
Banner Staff
Fifteen years ago an Open Ice Summit determined the future of Canadian hockey relied in part on relationships with schools. As such, Hockey Canada Skills Academy was born and last season, 108 such groups ran in schools across Canada. This year, Rivers will be home to one of these academies; Bruce Helgeson will be the instructor.
Co-ordinating a suitable time for a interview has been difficult so little can be shared at this point, save for school information released on June 25 and website details from Hockey Canada. Bruce does admit he is “very excited to be heading to Rivers and being part of this new academy.I’ve heard a lot of positives from all the academy instructors I’ve spoken with.”
Principal Mike Klassen authored a letter last June that said more information and registration forms would be on the school website in late August; to date (Aug. 26), that information has not been posted.
It is expected that Rivers will start its program (for students in Grades 7-10) in September. Players could benefit from more than 400 hours of extra training time per year (no more than 15 hours per week or three hours per day) which would enhance techniques, skills and help to equalize development among both male and female youth. Training includes on- and off-ice work, it’s free and it counts as a course-for-credit! Although based in Rivers, the academy will be offered to all students in Rolling River School Division; those outside RRSD interested in attending will be charged a fee and spots are limited.
The purpose of a hockey academy is not to develop future professional or international-calibre athletes but rather to “enhance a student-player’s confidence, individual playing skills, self-esteem and opportunities in both academics and athletics while making efficient use of arena facilities during school hours. Although minimum standards of performance are expected athletically and academically (as agreed upon by local partners), each student-athlete progresses at their own individual pace and ambitions.”
