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.
Our Mission
The mission of the St. Edmund Hockey Academy is to provide a holistic faith based environment where our student athletes can excel in academics and athletics to achieve above average standards. The Academy will provide the highest quality of instruction with the lowest student to instructor ratio. Our program will instill core values to develop our students as productive people, balanced athletes and focused hockey players.
Format
The St. Edmund Hockey Academy is available for student athletes (male and female) in grades three to nine. The program for students in grade three consists of two morning sessions per month. Morning sessions take place on designated Thursdays. A four-day program, generally consisting of two on-ice sessions, one off-ice training session and one school-based session, is offered for students in grades four to nine.
- Academy programming is not offered on Thursdays (St. Edmund early dismissal day) for students in grades three to nine.
- Students may be placed in morning or afternoon programs.
- Students in afternoon programs are bussed to the facility, but require pick-up from the facility on on-ice days.
- Students are bussed back to the school for dismissal on off-ice days.
- Student equipment is locked up in the school when students are attending classes.
Features
- Male and female students are accepted
- Unparalleled core of teachers and professional coaching staff
- Low instructor to player ratio
- Deliberate practice - small group drills designed specifically to improve players on-ice skill level and performance
- Goalie specific training
- Goal scoring coach
- Personal fitness trainer
- High performance skating coach
Academy Staff
Umberto Fiorillo
Hockey Academy Director
- High Performance On-Ice Instructor
- Senior Coach - St. Edmund Hockey Academy [12 Years]
- Bachelor of Education – University of Alberta
- High Performance 1 Advanced Coaching Certification
- Current Assistant Coach - NAIT OOKs Men's Hockey Team - ACAC Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Coach – St. Albert Raiders Midget AAA
- Assistant Coach – 2011 Under 16 Team Alberta
- Western Canada Challenge Cup - Moose Jaw, SK [Gold Medal]
- Video Coach – 2011 Under 16 Team Alberta
- 2011 - Canada Winter Games – Halifax, NS
- Head Coach – St. Albert Raiders Bantam AAA [2008-2011]
- Head Coach – Knights of Columbus Bantam AAA [2007-2008]
- Head Coach – Team Northeast [Hockey Alberta] Alberta Cup 2010
- Head Coach – Edmonton North Oilers [Hockey Alberta] Alberta Cup 2009
- Head Coach – Team North West [Hockey Alberta] Alberta Cup 2008
Miranda Verhey
Lead Teacher/Academic Advisor
- High Performance On-Ice Instructor
- St. Edmund Hockey Academy
- Bachelor of Education - University of Alberta
- Assistant Coach – Nait Ooks - Women's Hockey Team
- Coach – Female Bantam AAA – St. Albert Raiders Hockey Club [2010 – 2012]
- NCCP Development Level 1 Coaching Certificate
- 2 Seasons – [Player] Grant MacEwan Griffins Women's Hockey Team
- Head Coach - Northern Alberta Selects Midget AAA Female Hockey Team
Adam Sergerie
Lead Teacher/Academic Advisor
- High Performance On-Ice Instructor
- Bachelor of Education - Lakehead University
- 5 Seasons of CIS Hockey: Lakehead University Men's Varsity Hockey Team
- 2 seasons of Professional Hockey Oberliga East in Germany
- High Performance 1 Trained BC Hockey
- Head Coach KC Pats Major Midget AAA (2015-2016)
- Assistant Coach - KC Centennials Minor Midget AAA (2015-2016)
Daniel Waschuk
High Performance On-Ice Instructor
- St. Edmund Hockey Academy On-Ice Instructor [3rd year]
- Assistant Coach - University of Alberta Golden Bears [CIS]
- Playing Experience: WHL Alumni - Regina Pats & Saskatoon Blades [2000-2006]
- Psychology Degree – Grant MacEwan College
- Owner/operator – COMPETITIVE THREAD
Britney Millar
High Performance Skating Coach
- St. Edmund Hockey Academy [2nd Year]
- Owner/Operator: Millar Power Skating
- Mercyhurst University Women's Hockey Team, NCAA
- Graduate of Quantum Speed Apprenticeship Program - 2008
Adam Manah
High Performance On-Ice Instructor
- St. Edmund Hockey Academy On-Ice Instructor [3rd year]
- Associate Coach - Sherwood park Crusaders [AJHL]
- Playing Experience: AJHL
- AJHL CHAMPIONS: 2005-2006 FORT MCMURRAY OIL BARONS
- HEAD COACH – MIDGET AAA GRANDE PRAIRIE STORM 2012-2015
- Owner/operator – ADAM MANAH ELITE HOCKEY CAMPS
Other Staff
- Sean Ringrose
- Ryan Piche
- Stephen Zipp
- Brennan Menard
- Joel Lenius
- Corey Chorneyko
- Blair Becker
- ATC Goaltending
Admission Requirements
The Hockey Academy requires dedication and commitment.
In order to be a part of the Hockey Academy there are certain requirements we have for both players/students and parents. Although we strive to attract the top players, all players must meet our requirements.
Our number one requirement is that all players have a positive attitude in addition to being a skilled player.
We hold our players and parents to a certain code of conduct. All participants must be coachable, teachable and trainable if they are to succeed in our program.
KEY QUESTIONS:
Is your child coachable, teachable and trainable?
Is your child willing to excel to the limits of his/her academic and athletic abilities and be pushed further?
Are you as a parent someone that cooperates with coaches, other parents, players and referees?
If you said yes to all three questions, we encourage you to take the next step and contact us for more details about the academy.
To ensure a certain level of success for each of our student-athletes, the level of skill may be a determining factor for admission into the Hockey Academy.
Final decisions will be made at the discretion of the Hockey Academy Staff and the school principal.
Monthly Schedule
Training Program
The focus of the training program at the St. Edmund Hockey Academy is to assist each student athlete in developing his or her skills and performance on the ice. To this end, we offer instruction in:
- High Performance Skating
- Passing
- Shooting
- Puck Handling/Deception
- Vision
- Offensive Tactics
- Defensive Tactics
- Position Specific Designed Drills
- The Art of Goal Scoring
- Goaltending Skills
- Focus on Technique and Quality Repetition
Fees And Budget
Sport Academies are programs of choice that involve significant program fees. As such, it is important that parents are aware of how funds are being allocated. Each Fall, a preliminary budget for the current school year, along with actual expenditures for the previous year, are posted on the school academy website pages. Sport Academy Fees are spent on student programming and include costs such as basic apparel packages, professional coaches and instructors, transportation, venue and tournament fees. For your information, Academy Fees do not include the cost for instruction by certified teachers or instructor apparel. Those costs, as well as additional costs for advertising, are covered by the school.
Academy Fees do not include basic school fees. Basic school fees are charged separately and are in addition to Sports Academy Fees.
If we do not spend all of the funds collected through Sports Academy fees, then the remaining dollars are credited toward the following year fees or reimbursed.
Upon acceptance into one of our Sport Academies, a non-refundable deposit for the months of May and June is required.
At registration in August, parents may choose to pay fees in full or to pay fees on a monthly basis. For your convenience, fees may be paid online through PowerSchool. We also accept cash, Visa, or Mastercard. Please contact in our school office (780) 453-1596 for more information about fee payments.
Hockey Academy Gr. 3 Proposed Budget 2023-24
Hockey Academy Gr. 4-9 Proposed Budget 2023-24
Hockey Academy Gr. 3 Proposed Budget 2022-23
Shadow Day
To schedule your Shadow Day experience, simply email our Academy Director at umberto.fiorillo@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!