SAINTS SELKIRK COLLEGE ICE HOCKEY RECRUITING GUIDE 2015-2016 selkirk.ca/saints
Why Selkirk College? SAINT S PILLARS OF SUCCESS 1. ACADEMIC SUPPORT & ACHIEVEMENT A successful and fulfilling post-secondary education experience for all student-athletes is the key goal of Selkirk College s coaches and academic support staff. The Saints welcome athletes with varied educational backgrounds and offer a wide range of academic options, from diploma and university-transfer programs in arts, sciences, trades and business to specialized, careerfocused programs like forestry, recreation & wildlife, golf course management and pharmacy. Most student-athletes who come to Selkirk College have spent two or more years away from school when they join our program. Our staff recognizes that many graduating junior hockey players can experience a substantial challenge re-adjusting to the challenges of fulltime academics. With small class sizes, a dedicated academic advisor, a team study program and a weekly schedule that limits conflicts between academic and athletic commitments, Saints studentathletes have all the tools in place to create a seamless transition to a full-time college environment. Our coaching staff receives regular academics updates from instructors and works closely with the college s academic resource staff to ensure that all student-athletes are on track in their studies. 2. CHAMPIONSHIP HABITS ON & OFF THE ICE The Saints hockey program is committed to help student-athletes build a competitive advantage in the classroom, in their hockey development, and in their future careers. This edge is developed through a culture of hard work, character, discipline and team-focused decision-making. On the ice, Selkirk has set a new standard for performance in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League since the college prioritized the development and success of its hockey program in 2012. In the three seasons since, the Saints captured the championship and now are the first team in BCIHL history to three-peat as champs. 3. DEDICATION TO COLLEGE & COMMUNITY Saints student-athletes are ambassadors of Selkirk College and play a vital role in the school s community presence and volunteer outreach. Our players assist with Castlegar minor hockey teams, make regular visits to area schools, support local charitable campaigns and are visible at numerous community events throughout the year. In turn, the community supports Saints hockey to a level that no other college hockey team experiences in Western Canada. On home game nights, our rink is full of passionate fans that create a tremendous atmosphere and experience. It s no coincidence that Selkirk will enter the 2015/16 season with the best home winning percentage dating back to October 2012. Selkirk College Saints Mens Hockey
Selkirk Saints Coaching Staff HEAD COACH: BRENT HEAVEN Brent has taken the reigns from former bench leader Alex Evin who moved on to pursue a coaching opportunity in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley BullDogs. Heaven joined the Saints coaching staff in August 2014 as an assistant and helped lead the Saints to their unprecedented third straight championship. He successfully coached in the KIJHL for six years with Castlegar and Creston. During his time with the Rebels, he had the opportunity to coach in the 2006/07 All-Star & Prospects Games, and was named Coach of the Year in 2009/10. In 2012/13, Heaven was behind the bench as an Assistant Coach for the BCHL s Trail Smoke Eaters. ASSISTANT COACHES: STEVE WALKER Steve Walker resides in Trail, BC. His coaching career started with the Pro Formance Goalie School in the Lower Mainland area, and progressed to the Assistant Coach with the Selkirk Saints during the 2009/10 season. Steve s playing career is highlighted by a Coy Cup Championship with the Rossland Warriors of the CIHL. He also spent time playing with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL, and the Selkirk Saints. KYLE WHEELER Kyle Wheeler was born and raised in Quesnel B.C, where he played hockey for many years, finishing his playing career at The University of Northern British Columbia while completing a BSc in Biology. During his time in the Cariboo of British Columbia, Kyle started his coaching career with Quesnel Minor Hockey system in 2008. He then moved to Castlegar in 2009 to complete a Bachelor of Education via UBC, and began his teaching career at JL Crowe High School in Trail, BC. Kyle has since worked with local youth hockey players as the Head Instructor of the JL Crowe Hockey Academy program. JUSTIN KANIGAN Justin Kanigan joins the Saints coaching staff with a wealth of hockey knowledge and experience. During his playing career he had stops in the KIJHL, BCJHL, WHL, CIS, and the Central Hockey League. Following junior hockey Justin used his WHL scholarship to attend the University of Lethbridge. There he played five seasons with the U of L Pronghorns earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology. During his time in Alberta Justin also served as strength coach, training hockey players of all ages during the off months. He has experience training high level junior athletes to NHL and pro level hockey players. Justin finished his hockey career in 2010 where he played in the Central Hockey League for the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Presently, Justin is studying Chinese Medicine at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson B.C. Recruiting Guide 2015-2016
Selkirk College Founded in 1966, Selkirk College has earned a reputation as one of B.C. s best regarded and most progressive post-secondary institutions. With over 500 staff, 2400 students and campuses located in the cities of Castlegar, Nelson and Trail, Selkirk is the largest college to serve the West Kootenay region of the province. Selkirk offers a number of diploma and university transfer programs, including business, arts and sciences, which are transferable to most four-year universities. Known for its accomplished students and inspiring educators, Selkirk makes it a priority to exceed expectations by providing a high level of education with a personal focus. The college features highlyeducated faculty who provide one-on-one instruction, friendly and accessible student support services, affordable tuition and a relaxed and friendly community environment. Selkirk s small class sizes and the hands-on approach of its instructors are a great fit for student-athletes who are adjusting to the challenges of college studies, particularly those who haven t experienced a full-time course schedule since graduating from high school. Selkirk staff members are available to help recruited student-athletes navigate the admissions process and provide assistance with course selection and class scheduling. Additional academic support and tutoring is made available to those who need it, and team staff regularly monitors course progress and performance to ensure that individual goals are met. Saints student athletes have free access to campus facilities that include a full gymnasium and fitness centre, including a weight room, racquetball and squash courts, and a climbing wall. Selkirk College Saints Mens Hockey
Castlegar, BC Castlegar is a city of approx. 8,000 residents located in southeastern B.C. at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. Often called the Crossroads of the Kootenays, Castlegar marks the half-way point between Vancouver and Calgary and is home to the region s primary airport and the largest of Selkirk College s eight regional campuses. Castlegar is a community that takes pride in its friendly atmosphere, seasonal climate, scenic backdrop and accessibility to a wide range of outdoor activities. In the summer, residents and visitors enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, rock and mountain climbing, mountain biking, golfing, boating, and fishing are all within easy access from the city. During the winter months, local resorts like Red Mountain and Whitewater provide exceptional ski and snowboard terrain. The Saints practice and play home games at the 1,050-seat Castlegar Community Recreation Complex, located just five minutes from the Selkirk campus. The team has a permanent dressing room at the Complex throughout the hockey season, and student-athletes also have access to a number of additional amenities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna, fitness centre and weight room. Out-of-town student athletes have the choice of living on campus in Selkirk s Kekuli House residence or opting to live off-campus, either alone or by partnering up with other members of the team. Coaches and college staff can assist those who need help locating a place to live or connect athletes who are interested in sharing an off-campus rental unit. Recruiting Guide 2015-2016
Budgeting College & Living Costs TUITION: HOUSING: HOCKEY COSTS: The cost of tuition and student fees at Selkirk is considerably lower than at most B.C.-based universities and colleges. While exact amounts vary depending on a student-athlete s chosen program and the number of credits enrolled in each semester, $3000 is a safe guideline to work with for a full school year. This amount is eligible to be covered in part by an athletic scholarship award. Rooms at Selkirk s Kekuli House Residence are available for $575 per month. Off-campus housing is also an option, as student-athletes may live on their own or share an apartment/ suite with teammates. Rental costs vary, but off-campus housing is typically available for $400-450 per month. There is a $300 participation fee charged to Selkirk College Student Athletes, this covers apparel that players keep at the end of the year. Meals and accommodations are covered during team travel, and team equipment (helmets, gloves, pant shells) are provided. Sticks and skates are not covered by the team, but discount pricing is available for these purchases through our local sport shop, Mallards Source for Sports. Expense Per Semester (x2) Per Month (x8) Per Year (Total) Covered by Scholarship Tuition/Fees $1,500 -- $3,000 Up to 100% Books $550 -- $1100 No Housing -- $575 $4600 No Food -- $200 $1,600 No Hockey Costs - - -- $300 N/A Total $10,600 *This table estimates annual student-athlete costs prior to any scholarship funding Selkirk College Saints Mens Hockey
Academic & Hockey Information SEMESTER/SEASON START & END DATES: Team commitments typically begin in the final week of August with training camp, fitness testing and team orientation. New studentathletes are also required to attend a five-day college success workshop that coincides with training camp. During the fall semester, the team s league schedule concludes after the first weekend in December and college exams end two weeks later. Winter holidays run from the conclusion of exams through to the first week in January, though team commitments vary based on the Saints exhibition game schedule. The BCIHL season ends with the league playoffs in March and spring exams take place in mid-april. PRACTICE & GAME SCHEDULE: The Saints have four practices per week (Monday to Thursday) and play a 24-game regular season schedule that begins in the first week of October. Preseason and outof-conference exhibition games are also scheduled, leading to a total of approximately 35-40 games played per season. Practice and game schedules are built to manage with the challenges of full-time post-secondary studies. Student athletes are responsible for making arrangements to miss school for games or road trips. OFF-ICE COMMITMENTS: The Saints schedule includes mandatory team gym sessions and dry-land workouts, team video review meetings and study halls on weekday evenings. Student-athletes are expected to develop and maintain a schedule that accommodates attendance at all team activities while also providing substantial time for academic preparation and volunteer commitments. Recruiting Guide 2015-2016
Additional Resources: Selkirk College Website www.selkirk.ca Saints Team Website: www.gosaints.ca BCIHL Website: www.bcihl.ca SAINTS Main Contact: Brent Heaven, Head Coach 250.365.1929 or heavenb_19@hotmail.com #SAINTSNATION The B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League SAINTS SELKIRK COLLEGE Castlegar, BC The Saints compete in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League, a five-team university and college hockey conference founded in 2006. Now entering its tenth season, the BCIHL s membership includes Selkirk College as well as three other teams in British Columbia (Simon Fraser University, University, Trinity Western University & the University of Victoria) and one team from Washington State (Eastern Washington University). Teams from the BCIHL also play NCAA, ACAC and ACHA Schools in exhibition play. BCIHL rosters are primarily composed of junior hockey graduates with experience ranging from Major Junior (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) to Junior A (BCHL, AJHL, SJHL, etc.) and Junior B (KIJHL, VIJHL, PJHL) in Canada and the United States. In past seasons, BCIHL graduates have moved on to play at higher levels of university (CIS, NCAA) hockey and embarked on careers in professional leagues (ECHL, CHL, SPHL). The competitive level of play in the BCIHL continues to grow each year. During the 2014/15 season, the BCIHL s studentathletes had combined to play over 1000 games in the Western Hockey League and Ontario Hockey League and over 5000 games in the British Columbia Hockey League and other Western Canadian Junior A leagues. UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA Victoria, BC TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY Langley, BC EASTERN WASHINGTON Spokane, WA SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Burnaby, BC selkirk.ca/saints