Take Your Game to the Next Level with the Hockey Academy!
If you're a hockey player or goalie looking to bring your game to the next level, this program is for you! The Hockey Academy develops players in an engaging and fun atmosphere, focusing on individual growth and overall athletic development.
Regardless of a player's current skill level, the Hockey Academy is committed to the development of each student-athlete's playing abilities, confidence, and overall athletic development. From recreational players to Triple AAA athletes, every student is challenged in a way that matches their abilities.
What We Offer:
Middle School Program:
Middle school students will attend Eastview Middle School and will receive approximately 80+ hours of hockey training throughout the school year, held every other day. This program includes:
- On-Ice Development: Focused sessions on edge work, stride mechanics, puck protection, shooting accuracy, passing under pressure, and situational awareness.
- Age-Appropriate Skill Building: Emphasis on mastering foundational skills while introducing advanced techniques such as small-area games, offensive zone strategies, and defensive tactics.
- Multi-Sport, Strength & Conditioning, and Speed Training: A blend of off-ice and multi-sport opportunities to enhance athleticism and prevent injuries.
High School Program:
High school students will attend Hunting Hills or Lindsay Thurber High School and will receive 80+ hours of training during one semester (first or second semester) in block one daily.
- Advanced On-Ice Training: Skating explosiveness, stickhandling in motion, elite-level passing, scoring techniques, and game-read decision-making.
- Strength and Speed Development: Comprehensive strength and conditioning sessions tailored to maximize performance on the ice.
Parents are responsible for transportation to training venues in the morning, and Red Deer Public Schools will transport students to their home school for the start of block two.
Goalie-Specific Training:
The Hockey Academy proudly offers specialized goalie coaching for our student goalies. Professional goalie coaches will provide:
- Technique refinement for skating, positioning, and crease movement.
- Situational drills focus on rebound control, puck tracking, and save strategies.
Our long-term development plan ensures athletes progress through an extensive skills curriculum both on and off the ice, preparing them to excel in all aspects of the game.
*To enroll in this program, academy students must have basic knowledge and development of skating, puck handling, passing and shooting skills. This is not a learn-to-skate program.
Schools
- Middle school program will operate at Eastview Middle School
- High school program will operate at both Hunting Hills High and Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High Schools
Costs
- Middle School - $1050 per year
- High School - $1050 per semester
*Academy Fees are divided into a $300 deposit, due at registration, to confirm your child's spot. Plus, $750 can be paid in by pre-authorized payments throughout the school year.
Hockey Academy Teachers
Brett began his teaching career with Red Deer Public Schools in 2021. He is passionate about developing the cognitive, physical, and social skills of the students he teaches. He has enjoyed interacting with youth and brings valuable experience in working with diverse groups of children. Brett’s career objective is to give his students the same positive experiences he was provided throughout his life. He will be the Grade 6 teacher for Red Deer Public’s Hockey Academy.
Brett played four years in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Victoria Royals and the Red Deer Rebels. He also played one year at Acadia University (USports) before being forced to retire due to health concerns. He brings a wealth of experience to the Hockey Academy through playing, coaching and leadership.
As for teaching, Brett believes that learning should be fun for all students as it helps keep them engaged and motivated. He also believes that bringing positivity into the classroom and arena creates a learning environment that allows the students to be comfortable. Students can feel safe, supported, empowered, and respected in this learning environment. They are able to be more engaged in the learning and learn more effectively. This positivity also allows Brett as an educator to build strong relationships with students which also enhances their learning.
Education
- Bachelor of Education, University of Alberta/Red Deer College
- Bachelor of Kinesiology, Acadia University
Teaching Experience
- Middle School Teacher - Red Deer Public Schools
- Substitute Teacher - Red Deer Public Schools
Playing Experience
- Victoria Royals - WHL
- Red Deer Rebels - WHL
- Acadia University - USport
Coaching Experience
- Acadia Men’s Assistant Hockey Coach
- Acadia Peewee AAA Assistant Hockey Coach
Born and raised in Red Deer, Dustin is back to his roots and is excited to help his community continue to grow. A graduate of Red Deer Public Schools, Dustin attended Mountview Elementary, Central Middle School and Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. He is now a Certified Teacher and will be instructing Hockey Academy students in Grades 7 & 8 as well as high school.
Dustin believes that sport provides many skills, opportunities, and life lessons which easily translate to the everyday, and that growing the skills of the player, also grows them as lifelong, positive leaders on and off the ice. Connection with his students and athletes is also an important aspect of teaching for Dustin.
As a player, Dustin played Junior, Senior, and College Hockey and competed in all high school sports. He was fortunate to play on many successful teams who have won at a local, regional, provincial, and national level. All of these experiences have helped shape Dustin into the coach and educator he is today, and he looks forward to continuing his journey with Red Deer Public Schools.
Education
- Bachelor of Education, Brandon University
- Bachelor of Arts, Concordia University College of Alberta
Teaching Experience
- Teacher - Vancouver School Board
- Physical Education Teacher & Athletic Director - 1972 Memorial High School
Playing Experience
- Vernon Vipers - BCJHL
- Powell River Kings - BCJHL
- Augustana Vikings - ACAC
- Concordia Thunder - ACAC
- Bentley Generals - Chinook Senior AAA Hockey League
Coaching Experience
- Development Coach - Competitive Thread Athlete Testing and Development, Vimy Ridge Academy, and Prince of Wales Secondary
- Head Instructor with Okanagan Hockey Group
- Coach - Cross Country Running, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee