Hockey program targets Grade 5, 6 students

Times Reporter

 

A new hockey program is coming to Strathmore, this one put on by Golden Hills School Division and Westmount Elementary School. 

The program will be open to any Grade 5 or 6 students who either have curious interest in the sport, or who may just want to get in some extra time on the ice. 

“It’s not an elite academy, they don’t have to have top end kids. We want to look for kids who are looking for something else in their school day and hockey might be something that fits them,” said Westmount Principal Wayne Funk. 

“It’s going to be a skill-based program, we’re going to work on skating skills, individual hockey skills, teamwork skills. We are looking for kids who really want to get more ice time and who want to learn from somebody different from their regular hockey coach, just to have some better, different, opportunities.”

Andrew Buchanan has an extensive sports background, playing AAA hockey up to the junior level and competitive lacrosse up to the junior A level. Buchanan was even drafted for semi-professional lacrosse. 

“Then my passion for sports led me to the University of Alberta where I received my bachelor of physical education and bachelor of education,” said Buchanan.  

“After graduating from there my passion for sports led me to coaching at many different sports academyies and now I’m in Strathmore today and ready to use my knowledge and expertise to help develop a hockey program.”

The goal is to get 75 hours of ice time between early September and mid-March. The cost per student is $400, which includes ice time, transportation and Buchanan’s coaching. 

The program will take place during the regular school hours, which may have some people worried it is taking away from other areas. 

“The amount of time that we’re taking out of the school day for this program is the amount of time that Alberta Education call optional time. So they give us, at Grade 5 and 6, they give us 15 per cent of the school year can be used towards optional pursuits,” said Funk. 

Usually what happens is the 15 per cent is dispersed between the other classes, and still will be for the students who aren’t taking the hockey program. 

High school students will also have a chance to get in on the action. There will be a mentorship program where some Grade 11 and 12 students will be able to attend the ice sessions and help the younger students out, while gaining credits for themselves.  

Final details are being worked out, and the program will be available to any Grade 5 or 6 Westmount student this coming September.