The goal of the Hockey Academy program is to provide each student-athlete an opportunity to pursue excellence, and to improve and develop the physical, mental and tactical demands of the game of hockey. Throughout the training, students will improve their time management, independence, and organizational skills. Students will participate in a variety of on and off ice training sessions. On-ice sessions include fine-tuning hockey fundamentals such as skating, puck-handling, checking, passing, and tactics. Off-ice sessions include team-building, cross-training, weight training, uni-hockey, floor hockey, mental training, character development and various field trips.
All of our programs have access to superior athletic instruction and a wide-range of cross-training and fitness opportunities.
Sport Academy schools charge a program fee that varies by school and by sport in order to offset the costs of things like equipment, field/rink rental, staffing of sport-specific coaches and trainers, as well as administration costs.
History
Edmonton Catholic Schools has been offering sport specific programming for students as a program of choice since 1997. The Sport Academy schools offer superior athletic instruction for those students whose educational experience would be enhanced with sport specific training. Academy students benefit from participation in these sports in terms of learning to be responsible, organized, and committed to an education that is both academic and athletic.
Shadow Days
Are you ready to take your hockey skills to the next level? A Shadow Day at one of our ECSD Hockey Academies is the perfect way to experience firsthand what makes our program exceptional.
What Are Shadow Days?
Shadow Days offer prospective students the chance to observe and participate in aspects of our Hockey Academies. From on-ice training to classroom visits, you’ll gain valuable insight into how we blend academics and athletics.
What to Expect
During your Shadow Day, you can expect to:
- Engage in on-ice training with our expert coaches.
- Explore our dynamic academic environment and see how we support student success.
- Meet our dedicated coaching staff, teachers, and current students to learn about the program from all perspectives.
How to Sign Up
Signing up for a Shadow Day is easy! Simply visit the Hockey Academy webpage of the school you’re interested in and follow the instructions to request your visit. Each school may have its own process, so be sure to check their page for specific details.
Welcome to St. Benedict Hockey Academy
Follow us on Instagram: @stbenbulldogs_ecsd or on Twitter: @bulldoghockeyac
St. Benedict Hockey Academy video
St. Benedict Hockey Academy Mission Statement
STB Hockey Academy strives to provide students with a Catholic education in a supportive and caring environment predicated on Catholic principles such as justice, truth, and righteousness. Students are given opportunities to live their faith, to develop compassion and empathy for others, to strive for excellence in academics, athletics and to develop a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Staff
Matt Davidson - Hockey Director
Matt Davidson joins St. Benedict as the Director of the Hockey Academy after a fifteen-year professional hockey playing career.
- His playing career includes numerous years in the American League and Europe as well as parts of three seasons in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Upon retiring after seven years of playing in some of Europe’s top leagues, Matt completed his Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Alberta and is currently one of the grade six teachers at St. Benedict.
- Matt has been a minor hockey coach with Whitemud West as well as teaching power-skating and hockey skills.
- Head Alberta Scout - Portland Winterhawks WHL.
- Junior Oilers Hockey Development Committee
Ian Gordan - Goalie Specialist
St. Benedict is excited to welcome back Ian Gordon as our goalie specialist.
- Ian brings a wealth of professional playing and coaching experience to the academy. He provides high quality, experienced goalie training.
- As a goalie, Ian played extensively in the American and International Hockey Leagues as well as backstopping championship teams in Germany’s top league.
- He is currently the goalie coach for various junior teams including the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.
- Ian has also been involved with Hockey Canada’s development program and will be continue to be an invaluable member of the STB Hockey Academy’s instructional staff.
Tyler Parks- Head Instructor
The STB Hockey Academy is proud to have Coach Tyler as part of the academy staff.
- Played Minor Hockey in Alberta
- Played Junior hockey with the St. Albert Steel AJHL
- Played 3 seasons with Concordia College ACAC
- Currently is a Head Instructor with the STM Hockey Academy
- Skill development coach for many WHL, NCAA and NHL Players
Paul Manning
- Paul Manning brings a decorated playing and coaching experience to the STB Hockey Academy.
- After a successful NCAA career at Colorado College, Paul began a professional playing career that included time in NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets and ten years in the top German League.
- As a defenceman, Paul brings an extremely high level of understanding of both the positional and mental aspects of the position. A dedicated hockey instructor, Paul also spends time at both MTC and STFX Hockey Academy’s.
Brian Shakel
Brian Shakel is a fixture in the Edmonton and area skill development scene.
- A passionate instructor, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge of the mechanics of skating and skill development to the STB Hockey Academy.
- He is the owner of "Making Stridz" as well as a head instructor at NAX Hockey Academy as well as many other associations.
- Making Stridz Athlete Development was founded by Brian Shackel.
- Brian is a graduate from the University of Manitoba with a Masters Degree in Sports Biomechanics and a Bachelors Degree in Exercise and Sports Science.
Hockey Academy Information
The STB Hockey Academy is an elementary athletic institution in west Edmonton; a challenging and rewarding program designed to encourage students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 toward their individual potential.
The academy is structured to ensure student-athletes are taught the basics involved with individual skills such as skating, stickhandling, passing and shooting. Each day on the ice consists of small stations to work on these skills, as well as plenty of time for fun!
The STB Hockey Academy is also focused on developing the total athlete. Similar to the Hockey Canada model of Long-Term Athlete Development, students at STB Hockey Academy will be exposed to a variety of activities off the ice as well. The student athlete benefits from participating in a multitude of sport and physical literacy programs throughout the elementary school ages.
STB is a caring, nurturing and safe environment focusing on both on-ice and off-ice development of our students.
The Hockey Academy instructional staff at STB is experienced and have NHL and Hockey Canada playing and coaching experience. The strong instructional staff offers our students highest quality of coaching in the city. While our instructors bring extensive coaching and playing experience from all over the world at every level, it is the relationships we build with our student-athletes that sets us apart from other academies.
Our Process
- The St. Benedict Hockey Academy takes great pride in our diverse and in-depth coaching methods and techniques.
- Our knowledgeable instructors teach the game at every level, from the basic skills required for progression to the aspects that make our game one of the most challenging and rewarding sports on earth.
- As each student-athlete varies in his or her method of learning, so too do our methods of teaching vary in accordance with individual character traits and differing personalities.
- The ice is our classroom, and the educational background driving our instructors ensures an inclusive environment that constantly challenges each individual toward to reach new heights in their own personal potential.
Instructional Phases
- The hockey academy utilizes a number of phases throughout the year to focus on different aspects of our students’ skill and hockey development.
- Our instructors pinpoint individual and collective areas for improvement and strive to continually provide a variety of techniques to keep on-ice sessions productive and engaging.
- Whether it’s through station work, full-ice instruction or game specific drills, the experience of the instructional staff ensures maximum player participation and movement on the ice while simultaneously maximizes development of individual skills.
- Practices are challenging and fun and always push student-athletes to work as hard as they can to make small improvements every day.
Why Choose St. Benedict Hockey Academy
- Small group and individualized instruction for all students
- Total Athlete Development: In congruence with Hockey Canada’s model of Long Term Athlete Development, the STB Hockey Academy is committed to developing all aspects of the student athlete. Good athletes make good hockey players.
- Professional, Experienced, Goalie Instruction: Ian Gordon continues to develop our goalies at STB Hockey Academy. As a goaltending coach for the Seattle Thunderbirds, Hockey Canada, and other high performance organizations, Ian refines the STB goalies to reach their highest potential.
- Fitness, Agility and Creative Game Play: Creative games and friendly competition, coupled with properly designed drills and professional instruction, continue to develop our Academy Members to their fullest potential.
Registration Information
Our Hockey Academy Open house is on February 25 at 6:30pm. New applications are being updated
To register as a new Hockey Academy Student, you will need to complete the following and submit the documents directly to St. Benedict as part of your application
- New Student Hockey Academy Application
- Hockey Academy Code of Conduct
- Hockey Academy Contract
- a copy of the students' most recent report card
If your child is new to ECSD, you will need to complete the online registration process: Edmonton Catholic Schools Online Registration Page
Returning students will need to complete and return the following to Mr. Davidson:
*Please note that once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed and prospective applicants will be contacted. Submission of the documents does not necessarily guarantee entry into the Academy.
Eligibility
- Student must be in grade 4, 5 or 6.
- Students should have a record of consistent attendance and punctuality in getting to school on time.
- All students are welcome regardless of previous experience in hockey or hockey skill level.
- Students should be participating on minor hockey teams in their local area.
- Students should have strong work habits, a high standard of proper conduct, and be independent.
There is no set academic achievement level for admission to the program. However, students are expected to consistently complete their work to the best of their ability.
Academy Fees And Budget
The STB Hockey Academy is a fee for service program offered through the Edmonton Catholic School Board. Fees for the Hockey Academy are $250 per month, or $2500 for the year (made in one lump sum payment in September). Payments are made online through PowerSchool or by cash. No cheques are accepted.
This fee covers uniforms (hoodies, shorts, shirts, backpacks, hockey socks, and jerseys), coaches fees, transportation to venues, and venue rentals or fees. Please see the Hockey Academy Budget for a breakdown of all costs
Shadow Day
To schedule your Shadow Day experience, simply email our Academy Director at matthew.davidson@ecsd.net.
Be sure to include the following details:
- Your full name
- Grade level
- Any specific areas of the program you're interested in exploring
Our Academy Director will respond with availability and additional information to ensure you have a meaningful visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our Hockey Academy!