OVERVIEW
At OHA Edmonton our primary focus is to promote the long-term development of each of our athletes in the classroom, on the ice, and in the community. Putting young, motivated people in a structured environment, surrounded by a world class staff and support system, allows us to deliver a consistent message and value system that we feel is imperative to the long term development of our students.
We believe that elite athletes need to be challenged, yet supported, in all aspects of their lives. We hold our student athletes accountable on their efforts, attention to details, and above all their attitudes. We have learned through experience that those three key ingredients are keys to future success.
OHA is built on experience, knowledge, passion for our game, and above all, OHA is built on each individual’s mark left behind as they move on to achieve their goals. The commitment to excellence in all areas is what makes OHA Edmonton a tremendous opportunity for any young and aspiring hockey player.
Edmonton, also known as the City of Champions, is the capital of the province of Alberta, located on the North Saskatchewan River in the central region of the province. This area offers some of the most fertile farmland on the prairies. It is the second largest city in Alberta.
The Royal Glenora Club is home to a newly renovated arena, an indoor glass enclosed pool that features a retractable roof, along with multiple tennis, squash and badminton courts.
The Kinsmen Twin Arenas offers two NHL sized rinks and access to a state-of-the art strength & conditioning facility – ideal for student-athlete team training and development.
EDUCATION
Since 2016, Vimy Ridge Academy (VRA) has been the educational home of OHA Edmonton. VRA opened in 1999 and currently has an enrollment of 850 students from Grades 7-12. VRA offers flexible timetabling to accommodate individual student needs.
Vimy Ridge Academy is the first school of its kind in Canada to provide a rigorous academic program for students’ grades 7 through 12 with an emphasis on Sports Programming, Outdoor Pursuits and a Professional Dance Program. Combined with our strong focus on student achievement, we emphasize leadership, citizenship, self-discipline, physical fitness and healthy active lifestyles. Our goal is to graduate students who will be sought after by post-secondary institutions and the world of work and who will be exemplary citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
HOCKEY PROGRAM
Teaching is a big part of our daily activities, from techniques to hockey IQ which gives our athletes not only a physical advantage but also allows them to understand the game and how to be successful within it. Our coaches are experts by experience having played the game at the Junior, University, National and European levels. Their knowledge of what it takes and their understanding of the player’s perspective make OHA a unique and standout program.
On Ice Development
OHA Edmonton currently offers a U18 Prep team, two U17 Prep teams, a U15 Prep team and a U15 team that compete in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. Our athletes take part in daily purposeful training both on ice and off ice. Practices are designed with individual skill development in mind through tactical and technical teaching. Our philosophy is to provide our athletes with the tools needed to execute and perform at the highest level possible.
Teaching is a big part of our daily activities, from techniques to hockey IQ which gives our athletes not only a physical advantage but also allows them to understand the game and how to be successful within it. Our coaches are experts by experience having played the game at the NHL, Junior, University, National and Olympic levels. Their knowledge of what it takes and their understanding of the player’s perspective make OHA a unique and standout program
Physical Preparation
We strongly believe that physical preparation is key to long-term hockey development. Our professional Strength and Conditioning Coach, combined with our Athletic Therapists, provide expertise for maximum off-ice development. Testing is done multiple times throughout the year, analyzing each individual baseline and development curve, as well as identifying each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. With that information a purposeful training program is built around maximizing each athlete’s growth and helping them achieve their optimum athletic potential.
Our Strength and Conditioning Coach works closely with our medical staff ensuring that everything from flexibility, mobility and injury prevention embodies our athlete’s programs.
EXPOSURE AND PLACEMENT
The Okanagan Hockey Academy leads the way in exposure and placement of players to Junior A, WHL and NCAA programs. Our coaching staff has extensive professional hockey backgrounds that show diversity in the routes they took to become successful, and they possess a network of contacts that is second to no one. OHA coaches are consistently contacted by Junior and College programs because these programs place a high value on their knowledge, honesty, and integrity.
It is often a very difficult decision on which route an athlete might choose. At OHA Edmonton, we are impartial to which route is chosen, and we educate both the parents and athletes to sure that they are as informed as possible. The ultimate decision rests with them, and if well informed they will make the right decision for their particular situation.
