Elite hockey skill and character development for grades 8-12
The Selkirk Hockey Academy provides the opportunity for students to pursue their personal hockey goals in an environment focused on developing the complete student athlete. Students acquire the strength of character and high-end skill that breeds success in the highly competitive world of hockey - all within the school day for an incomparably low fee. Grade 10-12 students also receive class credits towards graduation.
Individualized On-Ice Skill Development: Carson Loftsgard is the only certified Hockey Canada certified skills coach in the Kootenay's and customizes our curriculum to fit the needs of the athletes. Individual skill work includes:
- Explosive agility, top-end speed, elite edge work
- Deceptive small area attacking and defending strategies for F and D
- Technical instruction and focused repetitions on puck control, puck protection, shot release/power/accuracy
- Individual goalie instruction includes: movement patterns, angles, save patterns
We have complemented our skill development programming with high-end training aids including stickhandling and edging equipment from Edgeboss Hockey allowing athletes to perform maximum reps with instant feedback.
Off-Ice Power and Conditioning Training: Our athletes in grades 10-12 learn skills and develop habits that allow them to train in season, augmenting their on-ice skill development through weekly gym sessions. During parts of the season where schedules demand a lighter approach on the body, we focus on developing the mindset of a competitor. One resource in this work is Allistair McCaw’s book, Champion Minded but we also work on building our knowledge on topics like sports nutrition. Our mental performance curriculum has also included material and support from Up My Hockey's Jason Podollan and his mindset development program, Peak Potential.
Impactful Character Education: Living with Purpose. We take pride in the work we do on developing athletes with character who are aware of and prepared to handle the unique challenges that they may face as a competitive hockey player. On the ice, players are challenged daily to push themselves outside of their comfort zones and to expect 100% effort of themselves and their teammates. Discussion topics may include goal setting, try-out strategies, self-motivation, growth mindset, living away from home at billets, athletes navigating party and vaping scene. In past years our group has also taken initiative in numerous community minded activities including raising thousands of dollars to support youth sports in Kimberley and helping with disaster relief efforts, for example, filling and distributing sandbags during flooding.
If you have any further questions, please contact Carson Loftsgard by email.