MCI introduces hockey academy program

Hockey has long been a central part of life for many Manitoba teenagers, but it’s about to become part of the high school curriculum at Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna. MCI has just announced its plan to launch a co-ed hockey academy for the 2009-2010 school year. As part of the Skills Academy program run through Hockey Canada, MCI will become only the second school in the province to offer a co-ed hockey academy at the high school level.

The program will run from September to January each year with students partaking in daily hockey training as part of an MCI high school credit. The program focuses on developing skill, knowledge, and character with training taking place on the ice, in the gym and in the classroom.

Athletic Director, Chris Regehr, suggests that the choice to offer such a program was an easy one to make given the profile of the sport and the strength of Hockey Canada’s programming.

“Hockey speaks to southern Manitobans. When you talk about sports around here, hockey is first on the mind. Another reason we chose to offer this program is that there is a structured set up for this. With Hockey Canada running a program like this, it’s easy to get on board,” he said.

The goal of the program, as Regehr describes it, is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their athletics gifts, regardless of previous skill level. The program caters to players from teams of all calibers, as it emphasizes individual skill development. The program also offers players the unique opportunity to have extensive instruction daily from Hockey Canada certified coaches.

Another advantage of this program that Regehr identifies is its integration into MCI’s timetable.

“For students who are in love with hockey its perfect.
It’s an elective that fits in their academic day, so it doesn’t disrupt other activities they may be involved in whether it’s sports or fine arts,” he added.

Registration for MCI’s hockey academy is already open. There are only a select number of openings available for September, so Regehr encourages students to apply soon to reserve their spot. More information about the program can be obtained by calling the school at 327-5891.

Click here to download registration forms

Contact us : admissions@mciblues.net.

To learn more about the program visit Hockey Canada's website: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/63102/la_id/1.htm