The goal of the Hockey Academy program is to provide each student-athlete an opportunity to pursue excellence, and to improve and develop the physical, mental and tactical demands of the game of hockey. Throughout the training, students will improve their time management, independence, and organizational skills. Students will participate in a variety of on and off ice training sessions. On-ice sessions include fine-tuning hockey fundamentals such as skating, puck-handling, checking, passing, and tactics. Off-ice sessions include team-building, cross-training, weight training, uni-hockey, floor hockey, mental training, character development and various field trips.
All of our programs have access to superior athletic instruction and a wide-range of cross-training and fitness opportunities.
Sport Academy schools charge a program fee that varies by school and by sport in order to offset the costs of things like equipment, field/rink rental, staffing of sport-specific coaches and trainers, as well as administration costs.
History
Edmonton Catholic Schools has been offering sport specific programming for students as a program of choice since 1997. The Sport Academy schools offer superior athletic instruction for those students whose educational experience would be enhanced with sport specific training. Academy students benefit from participation in these sports in terms of learning to be responsible, organized, and committed to an education that is both academic and athletic.
Shadow Days
Are you ready to take your hockey skills to the next level? A Shadow Day at one of our ECSD Hockey Academies is the perfect way to experience firsthand what makes our program exceptional.
What Are Shadow Days?
Shadow Days offer prospective students the chance to observe and participate in aspects of our Hockey Academies. From on-ice training to classroom visits, you’ll gain valuable insight into how we blend academics and athletics.
What to Expect
During your Shadow Day, you can expect to:
- Engage in on-ice training with our expert coaches.
- Explore our dynamic academic environment and see how we support student success.
- Meet our dedicated coaching staff, teachers, and current students to learn about the program from all perspectives.
How to Sign Up
Signing up for a Shadow Day is easy! Simply visit the Hockey Academy webpage of the school you’re interested in and follow the instructions to request your visit. Each school may have its own process, so be sure to check their page for specific details.
Shadow Day Registration
Interested in joining one of the Hockey Academies for the 2025/2026 School Year? Check out our Shadow Day to see what it's like. Open to both ECSD Students and Non-ECSD Students.
Shadow Day is Thursday March 6th 2025 from 11:30am to 2:30pm @ Callingwood Twin Arenas 17740 69 Avenue NW
Skates will be 45 min each and a specific time will be emailed out on March 3rd.
Shadow Day Registration
Why Choose FX Hockey Academy?
The FX Hockey Academy is the longest running hockey academy in Alberta.
Pioneers in the integrated world of school life and hockey life, FX Hockey Academy provides the optimal environment for your son/daughter to reach the next level in their hockey careers.
Staff
Multimedia
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How many hours per week does an academy student spend training?
Academy training that is sport specific such as “on-ice” or on the field is typically 3-4 times per week. Fridays are usually reserved for the teaching of Sport Performance outcomes or cross training to meet the outcomes related to the Physical Education program. 1-2 days a week the students are either in the Sport Center, Gym, Fitness Center or classroom. For a sample training schedule, for more specific details, please refer directly to each academy website or speak with the Director.
2) If the student is in the academy, does she/he still have time to take all the core curriculum prerequisites required to enter university?
Depending on the program that the student is interested in and how many prerequisite courses are required, a schedule is organized so that all courses can be accommodated within a three year plan. If a student will require all three Sciences and as well as Math 30-1 and Math 31, it is important that they start “fast-tracking” early by taking 20 level courses in their grade ten year and one diploma level course in grade 11. We do our best to accommodate all requests.
On a few occasions, the block(s) which host the academy conflict with a particular course that a student wants, e.g. English AP offered at the same time as block 3 for an academy. If scheduling presents conflicts, we sit with the student and parent(s) one on one and work to rebuild their schedule.
On occasion, if it is possible to move their academy section to make room for a course that is scheduled at the same time, we will do so with the permission of the Director. Students who have a full schedule and are not able to fit everything that they have requested often choose to focus on completing one course over summer school.
3) What credits do they get for academy, and are they valid for university or college admission?
Students earn 5 credits for Physical Education and 5 credits for Sport Performance. SP courses consist of 5 CTS modules and students earn one credit for each. To earn a high school diploma, 10 CTS credits are required. SP fulfills those criteria. As all of our students are required to take Religion and CALM, these courses are offered to academy students in class first, providing there is room in their timetable. If not, they can take these courses independently in modules or online.
4) How are the Junior and Varsity streams different and how will students be placed?
- Both streams offer the same amount of ice time, off ice development, physical education and classroom time. The coaching staff tailors all drills to the skill level of the students in front of them. Generally speaking, the Junior group is focussed on the progression of foundational to high level skill while the Varsity group is geared towards an athlete competing at a higher level.
- Each Director is responsible for assessing and determining the best placement for the applicant. Placement is based on but not limited to considerations such as skill, level played, character references, age/grade, maturity and academics. The Hockey Academy requires reference letters and detailed information disclosing their current level of play, coach, position and team.
5) How do students get to and from training that occurs off-campus during school hours?
Students are transported on one of our two FX school buses. We have two full time drivers who take care of drop off and pick up to every venue. These costs are included in their fees.
6) What if the player is injured - do they move into the 'regular' program or stay in the academy?
Depending on the severity of the injury, we would prefer that a student remain in the academy if at all possible. If the injury is minor, students are welcome to join in and participate at their comfort level. As an alternate activity, injured athletes may request time in the Learning Center to do homework or study or report to the fitness center to take part in a regiment which is specifically designed to enable the athlete to return to play, e.g., stretching, upper body strength routines, etc. If the student has suffered a major setback they may choose to withdraw from the academy at that time. They would lose their deposit however the remainder of their fees would be pro-rated on a monthly basis. If withdrawal is evident, doing so during a semester break allows us the opportunity to register them in other courses. If withdrawal is necessary mid-semester, students can sign up for online courses and earn credits to replace those that are lost.
7) How are applicants chosen if the program is over-subscribed? Do out of area applicants receive equal consideration as in-area applicants?
Many of our students are from out of area and all applicants would have equal opportunity. If the program is over-subscribed we will screen our applicants and choose student athletes who have a history of good attendance, citizenship, and work hard to earn marks that they are capable of. The academy programs are inclusive in nature so all levels of play are welcome. Depending on the academy and space available in the various sections, a student may be chosen with consideration given to their skill proficiency.
8) Is there a certain number of spaces reserved/allotted for girls? Do the boys and girls train together?
Decisions to combine genders in an academy section can be based on ability levels and/or numbers. If there are enough females or males to create a section for each, that is our preference.
9) Can you be in the academy and still take AP classes? Is that a problem/difficult?
Where possible, we will work with a student’s schedule to accommodate all requests. If an AP course conflicts with an academy section, we either move the student to another section or they register in the course that is closest to the AP stream and the following year, move into AP. The flexibility of moving in and out of the AP courses from year to year is helpful.
Registration
New Students
To apply to FX Hockey Academy, applicants must apply to St. Francis Xavier High School, selecting Hockey Academy as a desired program. You must also submit the following key documents:
- Two Character Reference Letters – These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your character and work ethic, such as a coach, teacher, employer, or other professional references. The letters should highlight your qualities, skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
- Personal Application Letter – This letter should clearly express your reasons for wanting to join FX Hockey Academy. It should include your goals, what you hope to achieve by being part of the academy, and how you believe the program aligns with your aspirations both on and off the ice.
Be sure to complete all required steps and send these documents to Warren.Sanregret@ecsd.net for a complete application.
2025-26 Registration Timeline and Forms
Fees / Budget
Click on the links below to view PDFs.
Resources
2025-26 Sem Hockey Academy Budget
2025-26 Hockey HP Academy Budget
High Performance Hockey Academy
Our vision is to provide elite hockey athletes with innovative, high quality, and competitive academic and athletic opportunities.
- To provide student athletes with the training and skills to succeed at the highest level possible at a competitive rate.
- Create an environment characterized by values such as leadership, determination, discipline and sportsmanship.
- Cater to players playing at an elite level looking to take the next step in their hockey career.
FX Hockey Academy Alumni List
The STFX Hockey Academy is very proud of its members.
A number of our graduating students are fortunate enough to play at a variety of higher levels.