Students offered a unique opportunity
High school lesson plan focuses on the fundamentals of hockey
Physical education classes typically touch on a number of sports during a semester, but there’s one being run at two District School Board of Niagara high schools that has a more specific game plan – the fundamentals of hockey.
In its third year at Westlane in Niagara Falls, the Hockey Canada Skills Academy is also being offered to students at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School, which opened last September.
There are two days a week of on-ice for the co-ed class and another three spent in the classroom where subjects such as fitness, mental health and concussions.
Teacher Dave Adamek said it’s an excellent opportunity and a unique program for young hockey players he wishes would have existed when he was in high school.
“I think of it as a modified phys-ed class,” he said on Thursday while a group of 13 students skated drills at Fort Erie Leisureplex, which is locat- ed across the street from the new school.
He said although one sport is the crux of the program, students benefit from a wide variety of topics.
Mostly, they have an opportunity to be active and hone their skills.
“The main focus of the course is developing hockey skills, and having a good time,” said Adamek.
Some of the students enroled in the course are already playing competitively, whether it’s house league, travel hockey or for a junior team.
But that doesn’t mean students who have never laced up a pair of skates should be discouraged and not consider registering in the following academic year, said Steve Hollett, who was hired by the public school board to run the program.
“It’s a variety of ages and skills,” said Hollett.
Hollett was a former pro who was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1985, played in Germany, as well as for the Soo Greyhounds with well-known players such as Bob Probert and Fort Erie’s Wayne Groulx.
“My job is to teach them the basics, from skating all the way up,” he said.
With his playing career long over, Hollett said he’s excited to be a part of an effort to grow the game’s future stars in his home region.
“I had a good run, enjoyed what I did and now I’m trying to give back,” he said.