New Hockey Academy at Caledonia Park School gives students a shot at increased physical activity and skill development
Caledonia Park School is dropping the puck on a new opportunity for young hockey players this fall. Caledonia Park School (CPS) will operate the Leduc Hockey Academy (LHA) starting in September. Students who attend CPS will be eligible to participate in LHA, offered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
“It’s something we’ve thought about for a while,” says Donavin Simmons, Principal, Caledonia Park School. “There are other communities that offer opportunities like this, and we thought - why not Leduc? We’ve got students and parents who are passionate for the sport and for active living and we think there will be strong interest in this.”
A number of students are already enrolled and have participated in the Identification Skate, which gives coaches a chance to see the skill level of students so they can be placed in the appropriate skill level group.
The program will be offered at the Leduc Recreation Center, at the same time as other options are happening at CPS, so students in LHA will not miss academic instruction. The focus of the program will be skill development, which differentiates the program from community hockey programs focused on game play.
CPS is partnering with Serdachny Power Skating and Hockey, an Edmonton based company, to provide expert skill instruction. With National Hockey League experience at their fingertips through the partnership, the Leduc Hockey Academy is set to deliver some high quality skill development.
“Kids who play hockey in the community don’t get that strong focus on skill development in a team environment, and the idea of skill development is a big motivator,” says Simmons. “In addition, we think students will appreciate a chance for physical movement during the day.”
A CPS student, Niall, is very motivated by the opportunity for skill development. “I am looking forward to being at more practices, learning how to push myself more, and develop my skills,” he says. “I am trying to be a better hockey player.”
In addition to skill development, Simmons anticipates other positive impacts on students. He notes research indicates students who participate in school sports are three times more likely to perform in the top 25 percent of core academic subjects. Also, students on school sports teams have fewer absences. Also, he said one study showed students on sports teams had a 10 percent higher graduation rate.
“We are hoping LHA will provide additional motivation for students to want to be at school,” says Simmons. “We want to create a variety of opportunities that give kids a reason to love being here, and LHA is another important layer to that.”
Jimmy, a CPS student, was excited to hear about LHA. “It’ll be good to get some extra work on my skills,” he says, “and it’s hockey so I will love it. It’s a good idea to have something like this at school. It’ll be a good place to get my energy out. I need to move and this will be a good place to put my energy.”
Sienna is a student who wants to improve her skills, and is already anticipating how LHA will impact her motivation. “It’s important we get to do some fun things at school,” she says. “I like playing hockey. One of my favorite parts is skating. I want to get better at being a hockey player. I want to be faster and be a better stick handler.” Sienna says the ID skate event already gave her a good first impression of LHA. “I really liked it. It was fun what they did with it.”
Harper is another future LHA player. “I like hockey,” she says. “I have been playing hockey [in the community] for five years. I like being on a team with my friends.” Harper also hopes she will get better and faster at skating in the Academy.
LHA is offered to students in Grades 5 to 7. A possible expansion to Grades 8 through 12 is being explored.
In the meantime, Simmons says Caledonia Park is eager to launch LHA. He says, “It’s been a lot of work to get the Academy off the bench. We can’t wait to see our LHA Vikings hit the ice - and the books - this fall!”
