Program Philosophy

The aim of the Crowther Memorial Hockey Academy is to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead an active, healthy lifestyle - on and off the ice. This program shares Alberta’s vision for education, in that it “focuses on children and their ability to achieve their individual potential, creating a positive future for themselves, as well as enhancing their quality of life.” Understanding this, the program is designed more around the  development of individual athletes and less around the development of a hockey team. 

General Information

More detailed information can be found in our program handbook.

Crowther Memorial’s Hockey Academy is open to all grade 7, 8, and 9 students, with preference given to students who are currently enrolled in minor hockey, or will be in the next season. The hockey academy is designed to help current hockey players further grow and develop their skills. It would be difficult for someone just learning to skate to participate in this program effectively and is not recommended. A basic level of ability is assumed for registration in this academy. 

Students interested in the hockey academy must submit an application/registration form, which can be found at the office and in the FORMS section of this website. The total cost of the program is $400. This fee can be paid in full or throughout the year in segments. Payments can be made in person or online via our schoolpay system - found on www.cmjhs.com. Registered students will receive a CMJHS Hockey Canada Skills Academy jersey and a selection of academy apparel. 

On-ice sessions begin at the start of September (typically the second week of school) and run through the beginning of March. All sessions take place during the school day, typically in the morning. There is a break during the month of December where students participate in the school's Physical Education Social Dance unit. Off-ice sessions begin immediately after on-ice sessions end (end of February). There will a few points in the year where on-ice sessions will need to be cancelled due to school events and arena events. For example, the third week of September is grade 7 camp week. Mr. Huntley is often gone at camp that whole week so there will not be ice times during this time. Grade 9 students will miss off-ice sessions during Eastern/Western Canada field trips. The arena sometimes have events like the Alberta Cup and other tournaments that sometimes bump our program times. 

There is no body checking or “hitting” in the hockey academy. We understand that many of our Bantam age players participate in active body checking within their minor hockey teams but body checking is NOT permitted in the hockey academy. Any intentional body checking violates the academy’s Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary consequences. 

For on-ice sessions, students are required to wear all the equipment mandated by Hockey Alberta and Strathmore Minor Hockey. Any student not wearing the proper protective gear will not be allowed to participate in on-ice sessions. For off-ice sessions and regular gym classes, students are expected to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Not being prepared for on and off ice sessions leads to a lack of participation which, inevitably, diminishes achievement.