victoria hockey academy
“At Victoria Hockey Academy, we are dedicated to providing elite-level athletes and their families with access to top-tier hockey and training professionals on the island who are committed to delivering the highest standard of training and development. Focusing on empowering athletes and families with choice, our academy offers a borderless, modern approach that provides a clear and structured pathway for those aspiring to reach the next level in their hockey journey.”
- Leah Saban, HUB GM
how it works
Victoria Hockey Academy (VHA) offers a comprehensive educational and athletic program designed to cater to the needs of students in grades 7 through 12. With academics modelled after the successful Canadian Sports School through SIDES (South Island Distant Education). VHA provides a unique educational experience tailored specifically to student-athletes, ensuring they can effectively balance academic pursuits with athletic endeavours while fulfilling all graduation requirements in British Columbia.
VHA integrates academic instruction with athletic development to equip student-athletes with the skills and knowledge necessary for success both on and off the ice.
At Victoria Hockey Academy, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and personally, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in all aspects of life.
The Academy Program is structured around four fundamental pillars:
academics
Students engage with the British Columbia public school curriculum for Grades 7-12, delivered through the South Island Distance Education School (SIDES). Within a private school environment, student-athletes will have access to a diverse range of sport-specific credit options and core courses, ensuring they meet academic standards while pursuing their athletic aspirations.
strength training
Our teams participate in strength training sessions four days a week at our state-of-the-art Transform Performance Centre. Each student receives personalized strength training programs tailored to their individual needs, covering essential areas such as strength, power, speed, mobility, stability, and skill training. This approach aims to enhance athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injury.
on-ice development
Our teams practice on the ice four days a week under the guidance of our elite coaching staff. Each team has their own Head and Assistant Coach, while still benefiting from the expertise of Transform's elite coaches during weekly skills practices.
SPECIALIZED SPORTS COURSES
In alignment with the Canadian Sports School model, our students will participate in specially designed, credit-bearing courses tailored for athletes. This innovative approach is particularly advantageous for those aspiring to compete at the NCAA and USports levels, making us the first hockey academy to implement this educational model.
academy aspects
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BC public school curriculum for grades 7-12 is provided through SIDES. Students run off of a 4 day in-person schedule, allowing for a full academic day from home with full access to teacher support. Students are in a private school setting with extensive academic and administrative support.
Through SIDES, students follow all of British Columbia's public school curriculum for grades 7-12. In a private school setting, they have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of sport-specific courses along with all core courses, while upholding high academic standards.
STAFF
Leah Saban - Academic Coordinator
Sean Hayes - Principal (SIDES) -
Our professional coaches work through a 10-month program, connecting skating and skill sessions to develop an overall elite player. Each week will consist of sessions from all 3 coaches who will always be there to improve each player with anything they need.
COACHES
Adam Geric, Transform Sports - Skating & Skills Coach
Jesse Saban, Transform Sports - Skating & Skills Coach
Mena Westhaver, PowerWest Athletics - Skating Coach
Leighton Williams - Goalie Coach -
With 4 weekly strength sessions, 1 weekly recovery session and a total of 200+ gym hours athletes can expect to see drastic changes in hockey specific strength and overall athleticism. All sessions will take place on-site at Transform Sports Performance Centre with Transform strength coaches Adam Geric, Chris Phillips, and Cody Sahlstrom.
With a full 10 months of Strength & Conditioning, athletes will progress through multiple phases and improve on the core attributes of Strength, Power, Speed, Mobility, Stability, and Skill.
Benefitting from a consistent group of all hockey players, sessions will progress into hockey specific training and periodization will be set to optimize players peak performance in their current season.
Athletes will learn the fundamentals of training and learn how to succeed through consistent training in a positive and energetic atmosphere.
COACHES
Adam Geric - Strength & Conditioning Coach
Chris Phillips - Strength Coach & Yoga Instructor
Cody Sahlstrom - Strength & Conditioning Coach -
Full academic, on-ice & training schedule September-June
120 hours of on-ice instruction
200+ hours of strength & conditioning instruction
Professional coaches always available to support athletes
On-line schooling to allow flexibility and self-paced learning
Full-time academic support in typical classroom setting
Sport specific electives
Hockey IQ Class
All-training completed during school hours
Evenings and weekends free for team activities and travel
THA gear including bags, jerseys, and training gear
Competitive and positive environment bringing the best out of each athlete
