BANFF HOCKEY ACADEMY Female High Performance Program Live, Study & Play Not many players get the chance to live, study and play in such an awe-inspiring place like Banff. The BHA program has been well tested by experience. For 22 years, players have enjoyed an abundance of ice time, outstanding coaches and play in the competitive west. The Girls Program heads into its 7th season of operation. The program is designed for dedicated, high performance student-athletes. Those hard working athletes selected to be a part of this prestigious program enjoy tremendous opportunities to train and play with players from around the world. The most powerful testament to the BHA program is the number of BHA alumni playing college hockey. Utilizing our rich history of developing talent, the Banff Hockey Academy Female Program is a High Performance Program designed for players 14 years of age to 18 years of age. PAGE 1
ACADEMICS All high school students of the BHA attend the Banff Community High School and follow the Alberta Learning Curriculum for grades 7 through 12. This uniquely designed scholastic program allows athletes the opportunity to train during regular school hours while maintaining their academic responsibilities and standards. All students are required to attend mandatory study halls Monday through Thursday evenings. These study halls are tutored by certified teachers. Most study halls have a student to teacher ratio of 8:1. Although hockey is a focus, it is important to note that academics are always put first. If the Banff Hockey Academy students are not maintaining sufficient grades, their training will be put on hold just as it would be in a university settings. Upon successful completion of Grade 12, student athletes are awarded an Alberta High School Diploma, which is highly regarded among post secondary institutions. It is also very similar to a university setting and challenges students to learn the basic requirements for academic success. PAGE 2
HOCKEY PROGRAM 360 HOURS OF ON-ICE TIME, INCLUDES 45-55 GAMES, 120 HOURS OF OFF-ICE TRAINING The BHA Female team will train both on and off the ice daily. Practices are held from Monday-Friday for 90 minutes. Off ice training takes place either before skating sessions or after them. The Female team will play a total 45-55 games in league, tournament and exhibition play. The team will compete against teams in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL). This league includes schools from Shawnigan Lake, BC, Vancouver, BC, Kelowna, BC, Penticton, BC, Calgary, AB, Warner, AB, Couer D Alene, ID, Wilcox, SK, Edmonton, AB and Winnipeg, MB. Off Ice training at the BHA is held at a variety of facilities. The High School gym as well as the newly renovated Sally Borden host training held by our experienced and knowledgeable trainers. BHA students are also mentored through peak mental performance strategies such as visualization, goal setting, and positive thinking strategies are lead by Peak Mental Performance coach Richard Monette. These sessions are held every 10-14 days in a classroom setting and also through individual meetings. The Banff Hockey Academy is a proud member of the Canadian Sports School Hockey League. BHA s history includes players from 4 continents and 11 different countries. Many international players return home to play for their respective National teams. Many BHA alumni have advanced onto both Canadian and American Colleges. Also, many of our international students have earned spots on their National Team programs. PAGE 3
INSPIRING STAFF - KEY TO BHA SUCCESS Since its inception 22 years ago, the BHA s goal has been to put together a team of outstanding coaches. There s no secret that good players become better by being properly coached. Mikko Makela leads our Female Program and brings with him a wealth of hockey knowledge and a track record of placing close to one hundred female student-athletes into college. Mikko played 7 seasons in the NHL and played in two Olympics for team Finland, winning a Bronze medal in 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway. Mikko is also a two time winner of the JWHL (Junior Women s Hockey League) and a former Team Alberta U18 and U16 coach for the girls. Garry Unger is known worldwide as one of hockey s great players. After spending 17 years in the NHL, Garry is now dedicated to the development of young hockey players. Garry provides BHA players with exclusive access to endless anecdotes on how to be a sound performer game in and game out. His knowledge and passion for hockey is infectious. Garry is the BHA s Athletic Director and mentors all of the student-athletes of the BHA. Co-Founder and President, Billy Doherty is a hands-on leader who inspires the BHA coaching team and players to be their absolute best and make everyday a masterpiece. Coach Doherty played college hockey for the Concordia Stingers, junior hockey for the Quebec Remparts and attended the New York Rangers training camp following his college career. Richard Monette, is the BHA s Peak Mental Performance coach. His main goal is to help student athletes obtain mental toughness. The students learn how to sustain their optimal level of performance under pressure. Richard has worked with NHL players, Canadian National team athletes and business leaders. PAGE 4
Living in Banff National Park Breathtaking views are a part of our daily vistas. All of the Female Team members are billeted with a Banff family, most likely with a local student who very often is participating with the BHA program or they are paired with another BHA member. Meals are held at the BHA residence located immediately next to the high school with most homes within walking distance of the school and training facility. BHA students enjoy the opportunity to trek many of the great trails in the National Park. School trips and the BHA training regiment use many of the natural resources available to us. The population of the Town of Banff is at 8000 residents. IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR THE BHA FEMALE TEAM Goal of playing college hockey and beyond. Committed to academic excellence. Committed to athletic excellence. Strong Team Player Coachable Persistent Confident Able to work through difficult times. Community minded. Collaborative spirit with teammates, teachers and coaches. Adaptable to solve challenges. Known by teammates as the hardest working player. Known by teachers as the hardest working student. PAGE 5
Facilities The BHA operates out of the Fenlands Recreations Centre and has three dedicated dressing rooms, a weight room, a laundry room, physiotherapy room and BHA offices. Players athletic laundry is done daily and skate sharpening is provided. Off-ice workouts are held either before or immediately after on-ice practices. PAGE 6
Sample Daily Schedule 07:30 Breakfast 08:30 Morning classes at school 11:30 Lunch at residence 12:30 Afternoon classes at school 15:30 Walk to rink for practice 16:15 On-Ice practice 17:45 Off-Ice workout 18:45 Supper at residence 19:30 Study Hall at school 21:00 Free time 21:30 Curfew 22:00 Lights Out Game Schedule Overview League Play 26 games in CSSHL Tournaments & Exhibition Games 20-30 planned games Stoney Creek Tournament-Hamilton, ON World Sports School Challenge-Winnipeg, MB Challenge Cup in Vancouver, BC Other events pending The Banff Hockey Academy is a proud Founding Member of the CSSHL PAGE 7
APPLYING TO THE BANFF HOCKEY ACADEMY The Banff Hockey Academy welcomes you to apply for admission to the Female program. You can download the Application Package at www.banffhockey.ab.ca and click on Brochures and Applications. Call us at 1-888-423-6369 Email us at registrar@banffhockey.ab.ca Visit us at www.banffhockey.ab.ca Write us at 338 Banff Avenue, P.O. Box 2242, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1B9 Our Mission: Every Student Leaves Inspired PAGE 8