London Knights Announce their Hockey Academy
July 24th, 2013
The London Knights are taking a big step to combine higher education with hockey.
They're also done with the public school system, and with Saunders Secondary School.
The two-time defending OHL champions and 2014 Memorial Cup hosts, announced the formation of the London Knights Hockey Academy, in partnership with Blyth Academy and Total Package Hockey (TPH).
Students in the program will take part in off-ice training sessions and on-ice workouts, which will be jointly administered by Knights coaches and TPH.
Basically, it's like an OHL experience for students in grades six to twelve.
"It's easier for our kids to get through their education and not miss as many classes," said Mark Hunter, Knights GM. "From my standpoint, I get to know the kids even better and we'll hopefully develop this into a bigger program."
How big? That depends on reaction from the community.
Hunter did add that not all of the students from the Academy will get to play for the Knights, unlike European Soccer Academies run by clubs, that usually give them first dibs on young talent they develop, but he's hoping this program opens up opportunities for scholarships to universities both in Canada and the United States.
Or perhaps on rival OHL teams.
"Part of our responsibility is to get them through education," he added. "As it should be and second it's to get them better as a hockey player."
The Knights are offering their time and coaching, but no monetary investment.
All current Knights, who are still in high school, will now attend the London Knights Hockey Academy. Their tuition costs though will be covered by the hockey club.
For non Knights, tuition is $16,900 dollars per year.
"All these high end kids are doing things like this," added Dwayne Blais, the Director of the Academy, referring to Travis Konecny and Connor McDavid as examples. "Having a brand like the London Knights and their resources and their coaches is great for the players, whether they go on to play higher level or not."
The new program will replace TPH's affiliation with Premier Elite Athletes Collegiate (PEAC) which had been at the Western Fair since 2010. The new partnership with Blyth, will also operate out of the Western Fair, for children in grades six to eight, with older kids going to Blyth Academy, located at the Mount, near Richmond and Windermere roads.
“We think it’s going to be a good fit for a few reasons,” said Cameron Harvey, who's the vice-president of admissions and recruitment at Blyth. “We have small class sizes, and I think that’s one of the key factors. Eight to ten students average per class. In some cases, a little bit less. So it just allows for a really high level of attention and individualized support that really helps with the players and their academic needs.”
A Blyth Academy Open House is scheduled for August 20th at between 5 and 7 p.m. for parents and prospective students. Knights staff, players, and representatives of TPH and Blyth will be on hand at Ignatia Hall (1486 Richmond St.) to provide information and give tours.
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The London Knights are taking a big step to combine higher education with hockey.
They're also done with the public school system, and with Saunders Secondary School.
The two-time defending OHL champions and 2014 Memorial Cup hosts, announced the formation of the London Knights Hockey Academy, in partnership with Blyth Academy and Total Package Hockey (TPH).
Students in the program will take part in off-ice training sessions and on-ice workouts, which will be jointly administered by Knights coaches and TPH.
Basically, it's like an OHL experience for students in grades six to twelve.
"It's easier for our kids to get through their education and not miss as many classes," said Mark Hunter, Knights GM. "From my standpoint, I get to know the kids even better and we'll hopefully develop this into a bigger program."
How big? That depends on reaction from the community.
Hunter did add that not all of the students from the Academy will get to play for the Knights, unlike European Soccer Academies run by clubs, that usually give them first dibs on young talent they develop, but he's hoping this program opens up opportunities for scholarships to universities both in Canada and the United States.
Or perhaps on rival OHL teams.
"Part of our responsibility is to get them through education," he added. "As it should be and second it's to get them better as a hockey player."
The Knights are offering their time and coaching, but no monetary investment.
All current Knights, who are still in high school, will now attend the London Knights Hockey Academy. Their tuition costs though will be covered by the hockey club.
For non Knights, tuition is $16,900 dollars per year.
"All these high end kids are doing things like this," added Dwayne Blais, the Director of the Academy, referring to Travis Konecny and Connor McDavid as examples. "Having a brand like the London Knights and their resources and their coaches is great for the players, whether they go on to play higher level or not."
The new program will replace TPH's affiliation with Premier Elite Athletes Collegiate (PEAC) which had been at the Western Fair since 2010. The new partnership with Blyth, will also operate out of the Western Fair, for children in grades six to eight, with older kids going to Blyth Academy, located at the Mount, near Richmond and Windermere roads.
“We think it’s going to be a good fit for a few reasons,” said Cameron Harvey, who's the vice-president of admissions and recruitment at Blyth. “We have small class sizes, and I think that’s one of the key factors. Eight to ten students average per class. In some cases, a little bit less. So it just allows for a really high level of attention and individualized support that really helps with the players and their academic needs.”
A Blyth Academy Open House is scheduled for August 20th at between 5 and 7 p.m. for parents and prospective students. Knights staff, players, and representatives of TPH and Blyth will be on hand at Ignatia Hall (1486 Richmond St.) to provide information and give tours.
Back to Sports Stories