Prep School Hockey

A hockey alternative with educational benefits

By Jamie McDonald

If your child is involved in competitive minor hockey and is a good student, a prep school hockey is something you should consider. Given the fact that hockey players are forced to make decisions about their hockey futures at age 14 to 16, it is imperative that they keep their academic and hockey options open.

What are the benefits of a prep school hockey program? Independent (private) schools with elite hockey programs have arenas on campus, so students have the opportunity to practice and play during prime time. Top-notch coaching and athletic trainers are provided. Perhaps the most important aspect of prep school hockey is that these programs allow young people to continue developing their hockey skills while preparing academically to meet their post-secondary goals.

Independent schools with prep school hockey programs provide the best of both worlds to students. With small classes, exceptional academic instruction and support, and structured class and study times, students are able to excel at their studies - and their hockey. Prep school hockey programs do not force young people to choose between hockey or school, thus so many future avenues are open to them.

For instance, students at Rothesay Netherwood School practice daily during prime-time hours. There are usually several games per week, as well. Students meet with their academic advisors on a daily basis to get help balancing their lives and their priorities. Teachers are available after-hours, too, to assist students with missed work and to provide extra help.

"The hockey program here at RNS has allowed me to grow and develop as a hockey player, as a student, and as a person," comments a member of the boys' squad. The senior girls' hockey captain concurs: "As a boarding student and hockey player for the past six years, I have learned team work, time-management, and leadership skills. I really believe that anywhere else, I would not have been given the same support and opportunities to progress and improve."

With strong marks and strong hockey skills, many prep school hockey players have a wide variety of post-secondary avenues available to them. It is not unusual, for instance, to see Canadian prep school hockey graduates playing hockey at university. Prep school hockey graduates also have the opportunity to win both academic and athletic scholarships.

Most parents are willing to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on their child's hockey. It's not just the equipment and the fees and the ice time, but also the travel costs. Would these same parents consider spending that money on a program that would provide the same level of hockey with the added benefits of a top-quality education?