June 13th, 2013

VIMY HOCKEY SPRING LEAGUE FINALS SET

The teams that will faceoff in the Vimy Hockey Junior High Spring League finals at Kinsmen Arenas on Monday, June 17th have been decided in both conferences. All Vimy Hockey Junior High players who are not playing in the games will be in attendance to cheer their classmates on.

In the Wales Conference, it will be the Sharks (Coached by Mr.Fleming) taking on the Jets (Coached by Mr.Dochuk). Can the Sharks balanced attack (8 players with 15 or more points) outduel the Jets stingy defence (League low 58 goals against and top GAA Goalie Max Gould) and Cole Wyatt's 47pts?

Over in the Campbell Conference, the final will be a battle between the Sabres (Mr.Auchenberg) and the Flyers (Mr.Marsh). Can the Flyers and their league leading Goaltender Nathan Sheppard hold off the offensive attack of the Sabres Campbell Conference leading scorer Nolan Volcan?

Parents, friends and family, feel free to join us at Kinsmen Arenas to congratulate our award winners, watch some great hockey and see the champion crowned in both conferences of the Vimy Hockey Junior High Spring League.

May 31st, 2013

HAVE YOUR PEEWEE PLAYER LEARN BODY CHECKING WITH DONNAN AND VIMY HOCKEY

Are you concerned with Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta's recent decision to ban body checking at the PeeWee level?

All of the hockey instructors at Donnan and Vimy Hockey have the Body Checking Certification from Hockey Alberta and how to receive and give a body check has always been a part of the hockey curriculum student-athletes at Donnan and Vimy Hockey receive.

Next year to ensure that our PeeWee aged players are ready for the switch to Bantam contact hockey, a further focus will be put on teaching the correct techniques in regards to body checking and the appropriate times and reasons to use the body check.

If you'd like to see what Donnan or Vimy Hockey has to offer your student-athlete, Sign Up For a FREE Shadow Day

May 3rd, 2013

VIMY HOCKEY STUDENT-ATHLETES DRAFTED INTO WHL

Donnan and Vimy Hockey are proud to congratulate 7 current Vimy Hockey student-athletes on being drafted into the WHL in the Bantam Draft on Thursday, May 2nd.

Sam Steel, David Quenneville, Nolan Volcan, Hunter Lorenson, Cale Chalifoux, Carter Hart and Keenan Roszko all had their names called by WHL teams at the draft, which was held in Calgary.

Sam Steel, centre for the Sherwood Park Flyers takes the record for the highest ever Bantam Draft selection for a Vimy Hockey student-athlete, selected by the Regina Pats, who won the draft lottery to move from 6th place to 2nd overall. Steel had an impressive 104 points this season in 31 games.

David Quenneville was the next to be selected, as the SSAC Defenceman was taken 10th overall by the Medicine Hat Tigers to be the second of two top ten picks in the Bantam Draft for Vimy Hockey. Quenneville was 2nd in Defenceman scoring in the AMBHL with 32 goals and 72 points in 32 games.

In the second round, MLAC winger Nolan Volcan was selected 27th overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds. Volcan was 8th in AMBHL scoring with 40 goals and 76 points in 32 games played.

In the fifth round, Hunter Lorenson, the first of two Vimy Hockey goalies was selected by the Swift Current Broncos. Hunter was also a member of the Maple Leaf Athletic Club Bantam AAA squad, where he posted a .915 save percentage and a 13-4-1 record.

KC Defenceman Cale Chalifoux stayed in province when he was selected in the 6th round, 124th overall by the Red Deer Rebels after posting 10 points and 62 PIMS this season.

In the 8th round, Sherwood Park Flyers goalie Carter Hart was selected by the Everett Silvertips after playing 1285 minutes this season, good for 2nd best in Alberta. Also selected in the 8th round was Steel and Hart's teammate in Sherwood Park , big forward Keenan Roszko, who was nearly a point per game player with 23 points in 26 games played and was drafted 173rd by the Kamloops Blazers.

Congratulations to these exceptional athletes as they begin what will hopefully be long and successful Western Hockey League careers.

April 23rd, 2013

DONNAN OPEN HOUSE MAY 1ST

The Sport Programs at Donnan Elementary are hosting an Open House on Wednesday, May 1st from 6 - 8pm. This will provide those that may have missed our Open House earlier in the year a chance to see what the "Donnan Advantage" can provide for student-athletes.

Representatives from Donnan BJJ, Donnan Hockey and Donnan Sport Rec will be on hand to answer questions and give an inside look at the programming a student-athlete who attends Donnan will receive as part of their experience at the school.

Prospective student-athletes and their families are invited to come and see our skating treadmill, fitness centre, shooting cage, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Dojo and meet some of our quality teachers and instructors.

We hope to see many new faces at the Open House!

April 17th, 2013

DONNAN AND VIMY HOCKEY THANK HERBERS AUTOBODY

The staff and students of Vimy and Donnan would like to thank Herbers Autobody for adopting our schools for the Edmonton Oil Kings / CN Adopt a School program.

Throughout the WHL regular season and playoffs, students from Vimy Ridge Academy and Donnan School have used social media to win tickets to watch the Oil Kings' brand of exciting hockey with two guests.

Thank you to Herbers Autobody for their generosity and GO OIL KINGS in the playoffs!!

To get into the conversation and for your chance to win future contests from your favourite AAD program, follow us on twitterand like our facebook page.

April 11th, 2013

VIMY HOCKEY STUDENT-ATHLETES ARE WESTERN CANADIAN CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to (as pictured above) David Quenneville, Derek Patter, Nick Wanat, Merritt Oszytko and MacKenzie Laiss, members of the SSAC Southgate Lions who won the Western Canadian Bantam AAA Championships over Spring Break.

The Lions had an unbelievable regular season and playoff record, only suffering two losses during their year, one in the regular season and the other in the playoffs, on their way to capturing the Alberta title.

At the westerns, the only blemish on their record was a tie against the Winnipeg Hawks, as they finished up the round–robin with a 4-0-1. In the gold medal game, the Lions prevailed 5-3 against the North Shore Winter Club.

Defenceman David Quenneville was also tied for 1st in tournament scoring at Westerns with 13pts in their 5 games played.

Congratulations to these Vimy Hockey student-athletes on being part of the 1st team from Edmonton to ever win the Bantam AAA westerns.

April 9th, 2013

THIRD ANNUAL AAD GOLF TOURNAMENT

Academic and Athletic Development, parent company of the sports programs at Donnan School and Vimy Ridge Academy, would like to remind everyone that registration for the AAD Golf Tournament is open and spots for golfers, sponsors, donors and volunteers are still open. The tournament is AAD's primary fundraiser, and the funds will be used to further enhance the alternative education programs at Donnan School and Vimy Ridge Academy.

For the second year in a row, the tournament will be held at the Northern Bear Golf Club on May 25, 2013. The tournament will be a Texas Scramble, shotgun start tournament and registration fees will cover your green fees, GPS equipped power carts, tee gift, food and prizes.

There are many ways to support the Golf tournament, you can register as an individual golfer, register a team of four players, sponsor the tournament, donate an item to the silent auction or volunteer to help run the tournament. To fill out our registration form please CLICK HERE.

You can fill out the form on your computer, and print, fax or email it to Sean Beissel to register, sponsor or donate.For any questions on the tournament, please contact Sean Beissel at Sean.Beissel@epsb.ca.

April 3rd, 2013

WALTER YADLOWSKI SCHOLARSHIP

The Yadlowskis, long time members of the Hockey Program, have set up a scholarship in memory of their late father Walter Yadlowski, who passed away in early March of last year. They are looking for both donors and applicants for this scholarship, which is open to any athlete who is currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution or is registered to attend in the fall.

From the site:

The scholarship will be given away annually to an individual(s), male and/or female, who resides in the Edmonton area, and exemplifies hard work, determination, and excels in both academics and hockey.

For more information on the scholarship, including how to apply for the scholarship or donate to the fund please visit www.hockeyfund.ca.

March 11th, 2013

AAD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED

AAD is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2012-2013 school year. The application form and criteria can be found HERE.

Donnan and Vimy Ridge Academy Scholarship Program

- Consists of 2 Scholarships, one for the Hockey and Lacrosse and the other for the Sport Rec
- Open to grade 4 – 12 student-athletes
- Application procedure required
- 18 Scholarships awarded to hockey and lacrosse students
- $6000 is awarded to hockey and lacrosse students
- 4 Scholarships awarded to Sport Rec students
- $700 is awarded to Sport Rec students

Grade 12 Graduation Scholarship Program

- Open to all AAD student athletes in Hockey, Lacrosse and Sport Rec
- Two grade 12 student-athletes advancing to post secondary school
- One year window to register and attend
- $500.00 to each successful applicant
- Application procedure required
- Individually funded and tax receipt issued by Edmonton Public School Board

As time passes, is that it has become increasingly apparent that the individual student-athletes are responding favorably to our Scholarship Program. Many have advanced to post secondary schools in the Edmonton area and beyond and many have advanced to elite levels of play in hockey, lacrosse or there other sport of choice. The high school graduation success is greater than 99%. Perhaps the greatest testament to our student-athletes however is that fact that they all leave with an understanding of the importance of the guiding principles of character, strength, confidence and enthusiasm. With these skills our student-athletes have every opportunity to succeed in their chosen areas.

We believe that our scholarship program gives our student-athletes every opportunity to achieve to their potential. We also believe that this advantage provides for opportunities to return to our communities and contribute in a positive manner.

March 4th, 2013

VIMY HOCKEY STAFF HELP GOLDEN BEARS TO CANADA WEST TITLE

The University of Alberta Golden Bears celebrated their 100th season in style on Sunday by defeating the Saskatchewan Huskies and claiming their 50th(!) Canada West title.

The Golden Bears were not without their fair share of Vimy Hockey staff representation this year with Vimy Hockey Campus Director Ryan Marsh behind the bench as an Assistant Coach to Ian Herbers and Vimy Hockey Support Staff Greg Gardner wearing the C on the ice.

The Golden Bears and Huskies split the first two games of the series with the Golden Bears posting a 5-0 shutout on Friday and losing a 5-4 OT battle to their Saskatchewan rivals on Saturday.

But on Sunday, it was all Golden Bears again as they took the deciding game 5-2 in front of over 2000 fans at Clare Drake.

The rivalry between the two squads is not over for the year, as they will meet in Nationals in Saskatoon starting on March 14th. As Saskatchewan is the host team this year, both teams were guaranteed to make the Nationals regardless of the outcome, but a Canada West title will help to cement the Golden Bears #1 seeding going into the Tournament.

Congratulations to Mr.Marsh, Mr.Gardner and the rest of the Golden Bears and good luck at Nationals!

Keep your eyes on our twitter and facebook pages for Golden Bears updates before and during the National CIS tournament.

February 22nd, 2013

NEW HOCKEY STAFF MEMBERS

Academic and Athletic Development, Donnan Hockey and Vimy Hockey are proud to announce two welcome additions to our staff. Olympic Gold Medal winning Team Canada goaltender Shannon Szabados and long-time NHLer Nathan Dempsey.

Szabados, Team Canada goaltending fixture and Olympic Gold Medal winner, currently plays for the Nait Ooks Men's Hockey team in the ACAC where she leads the league in Shutouts (5) and GAA (1.58) and is currently preparing for the 2013 World Women's Hockey Championships in Ottawa in April. She will be working with Mr.Schwartz and instructing the Donnan and Vimy goalies using the OR Sports method.

Dempsey, another local product, had a professional career that spanned over 15 years and included stops in the European professional leagues, the AHL and the NHL. In the NHL, Nathan was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, LA Kings and the Boston Bruins. In 2001-2002, while playing for the St.John's Maple Leafs in the AHL, Nathan scored 61 points in 75 games from the blueline. He will be a support instructor with Vimy Junior High Hockey.

Both of these additions to our staff will further enhance the high-end professional instruction that our student-athletes receive at both campuses.

January 9th, 2013

BASELINE CONCUSSION TEST ADMINISTERED TO AAD STUDENT ATHLETES

Over the last months, AAD student-athletes were provided with the opportunity to participate in baseline concussion testing at no cost to their families. This was possible in part due to the generous donors and sponsors at the AAD Annual Golf Tournament.

Distributed by ImPACT and Administered by Nic Allen at River Valley Health, the test sets a baseline of cognitive function so that in the event of a concussion, the test can be re-administered and sound return to play decisions can be made and the best interests of the student-athlete's health are met. In addition, after testing the parents of the student-athlete will be provided access to the data for future use.

Due to the success of the baseline concussion testing, the program will be a staple in AAD programming in future years.

December 21st, 2012

DONNAN AND VIMY ALUM RECALLED BY TEAM CANADA

Mark McNeill, alumni of Donnan and Vimy Hockey and top centreman for the Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL has been recalled by Team Canada for the World Junior Hockey Championships in Ufa, Russia this holiday season.

McNeill, who currently has 13G and 26A for 39 points in 35 games played for the Raiders, is no stranger to wearing the maple leaf, as he was named to Team Canada for the 2011 World U18 Hockey Championships which was held in Germany in the spring of 2011.

Congratulations to Mark on the honour of being named to Team Canada and good luck in bringing Canada back to the top of the podium where we belong.

October 22nd, 2012

DONNAN AND VIMY HOCKEY SHADOW DAYS

Donnan and Vimy Hockey are entering our Shadow Day season.

Every year, starting November 5th, Donnan and Vimy Hockey provide student-athletes the chance to see if the academic and athletic opportunities at Donnan School and Vimy Ridge Academy are for them by "shadowing" a current Donnan or Vimy Hockey student-athlete on a normal day at school and on the ice.

If you'd like to sign up for your FREE Shadow Day, please fill out the form on our Shadow Day Page.

If you have any further questions about our programs, please email our Campus Directors Sean Beissel (Donnan) or Ryan Marsh (Vimy).

September 11th, 2012

VIMY HOCKEY HAS TWO NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Vimy Hockey is pleased to announce that for the 2012/2013 school year, our high school students will have two new support instructors on the ice, Defenceman Griffin Reinhart and Forward Mitch Moroz of the WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings.

Both players were drafted in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in June of this year. Griffin was selected by the New York Islanders 4th overall in the 1st round, while Mitch was selected in the second round, 32nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Both players will be on the ice every Tuesday and Thursday as their hockey schedules allow as part of a work experience partnership between the Oil Kings and Vimy Hockey.

This is another example of Vimy Hockey's commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment to its student-athletes.

June 28th, 2012

VIMY HOCKEY TEACHER LANDS OILER POSITION

Rick Carriere, Teacher and Instructor for Vimy Hockey has accepted a position with the Edmonton Oilers.

Mr.Carriere has an extensive hockey resume which includes stints as the Head Coach, GM, Scout, Director of Hockey Operations and Executive Assistant with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Head Coach of the Red Deer Rebels, Assistant Coach with the Calgary Flames AHL affiliate, the St.John Flames and many other coaching and executive positions at varying levels of hockey.

Rick will take the reins of Senior Director of Player Development from current AAD Board Member Billy Moores, who is retiring from the position, and who once coached Rick when he played for the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

Rick brought a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game to Vimy Hockey every time he stepped on the ice or in the classroom, a quality that will no doubt help guide the Oilers’ prospects to the next level. The staff of Vimy and Donnan would like to congratulate Rick on this achievement and continued success in his career.

June 27th, 2012

MORE DONNAN/VIMY HOCKEY ALUMS DRAFTED INTO NHL

Donnan and Vimy Hockey are proud to announce that alumni Colin Smith and Jaynen Rissling have been added to the ranks of our hockey alumni who have been drafted into the NHL.

Colin Smith had 85 pts (35 Goals and 50 Assists) in 72GP this season for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL and the slick centre was drafted in the 7th round, 192nd overall by the Colorado Avalanche.

Jaynen Rissling, hulking 6'4 222 pound Defenceman for the Calgary Hitmen, tallied 23 points (5 Goals and 18 assists) in 53GP this season and was drafted also in the 7th round, 197th overall by the Washington Capitals.

Congratulations to both of these players and their families on their selection in the NHL Draft.

May 14th, 2012

VIMY STAFF AND ALUMNI TAKE HOME WHL CHAMPIONSHIP

The staff and students of Vimy and Donnan Hockey are very happy to congratulate the Edmonton Oil Kings on winning the WHL Championship last night. After a long seven game series, the local WHL squad was crowned the champions and given the Ed Chynoweth Cup and a ticket to the Memorial Cup in Shawinigan, QC.

There were many Vimy Hockey staff on the Edmonton Oil Kings coaching and consulting team this year that helped bring them to this point. Behind the bench, Assistant Coach Steve Hamilton is a high school instructor at Vimy Hockey. Video Coach for the Oil Kings is Sabres coach/instructor Jory Stuparyk. Goaltending consultant to the Edmonton Oil Kings and to Playoff MVP Laurent Brossoit is Vimy Hockey Goalie Coach Dustin Schwartz. Helping the Edmonton Oil Kings to be the scholastic team of the year in the WHL was Vimy's Academic Advisor Roger Castle. Keeping the team fast and powerful on their skates was Vimy Powerskating instructor Vanessa Hettinger of Quantum Speed.

Playing for the team were Vimy Hockey alums Keegan Lowe and Klarc Wilson. Keegan was drafted in the second round of last year's NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes and had 7pts in 20 games and was +13 from the backend during the playoffs. Klarc had 5 pts in 14 games and was named the WHL Player of the week from April 16 – April 22nd.

Congratulations to these players and staff and to the whole Oil Kings organization on bringing the Chynoweth Cup to Edmonton for the first time in modern franchise history. Good luck on the road to the Memorial Cup.

Stay tuned to the Hockey Program's twitter and facebook feeds for updates on their progress.