NPSC Elementary Students Drop the Puck in Hockey Canada Skills Academy School Elective Program

Posted on 03/05/2024

As St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Catholic Secondary School’s (SJSH) Hockey Canada Skills Academy (HCSA) program concluded a successful second year, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) is proud to announce the launch of a HCSA pilot elective experience to families and Grade 7 and 8 students who expressed interest from across the school board. 


Nearly 60 students from various NPSC elementary schools, will be lacing up their skates over the next several weeks, as the program started with St. Theresa Catholic Elementary dropping the puck first. In partnership with Hockey Canada, this new and exciting elective, spanning February through April, is paving the way for elementary students of all genders to learn more about the sport of hockey in an inclusive, non-competitive environment that supports teamwork and skill building. The HCSA elective is supported by a skilled coaching staff, committed to the development of each student-athlete by providing a personalized and directed strategy for improving their hockey skills as well as personal fitness and over well being.


"The high school hockey academy has been successful so far and we decided to expand the program to our grade 7 and 8 elementary school students," SJSH Teacher of the HCSA Program, Tyler Miller shares. “This elective provides students an opportunity to experience the game of hockey during school with their friends. They are all passionate about the sport of hockey and it’s nice to see the students build relationships with their peers who share the same interest.” 


The elective emphasizes that any student who is interested, regardless of hockey experience, can take part in the program to support skill development in a fun and inclusive learning environment. The HCSA elective supports the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board’s multi-year strategic plan by supporting students to acquire the necessary attitudes to lead a positive, healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically. 


"Every session has a new drill added for you to improve your skills and hockey I.Q.," claims Reed Sauve, Grade 8 student at St. Theresa. "It gives us with a chance to learn how to improve our game!"