Students in grades 5 through 8 will have the chance to develop their hockey skills locally during the 2026–27 school year.
Lakeshore School Division’s co-ed hockey academy will return to Lundar Arena for its third year of operation after once again seeing positive on- and off-ice results in the current school year.
Tyler Medeiros, a teacher and on-ice instructor with the academy, said they have 20 students in the program this year, up from their pilot year in 2024–25.
“Our students definitely enjoy the program,” said Medeiros. “It’s optional, so everyone chooses to be here. What we have found is similar to how other hockey academies structure it. We have high expectations and we’ve seen positive educational outcomes, improved attendance and success across a variety of aspects of education.”
The academy was offered to students in grades 5 through 7 this year but is expanding to include Grade 8 next year as interest continues to grow.
He said they have focused on many fundamental skills such as edge work and shooting techniques, with each skate typically ending in a scrimmage or small-area game.
Players come from a variety of levels, from AA to local recreational minor hockey, creating a comfortable environment for all skill levels.
“We’ve had students reach out who don’t play hockey but are passionate about it,” said Medeiros. “As long as it’s something they’re passionate about, this could be a good fit. If you’re not passionate about hockey, doing it every day may not be enjoyable, but it’s open to any student who is interested, as long as we have the capacity.”
Students in the academy skate at the end of each school day, resulting in 75 to 100 hours of ice time by the end of the program.
Those located within the Lundar–Eriksdale catchment area are provided with bus transportation; however, the academy is open to any interested student.
Students are allowed to store their equipment at the rink, allowing for easier transportation, and have access to two dressing rooms split between boys and girls.
The academy also participates in off-ice events such as sports clinics and tournaments, along with an annual trip to the Manitoba Moose Project 11 School Day Game in Winnipeg.
Medeiros said the academy has helped fill a void that previously existed in the community.
“The initial thought was learning that students in other regions of Manitoba had access to hockey academies. Winnipeg has them, Brandon has them, and even in rural areas like Starbuck, St. Malo, Cranberry Portage and Pilot Mound, there were options,” he said. “There wasn’t anything in the Interlake, so we saw an opportunity to give students here access to this kind of program.”
Costs associated with the academy during the current school year were $750, which covered facility costs at Lundar Arena.
Application forms for the 2026–27 school year have recently been distributed and are available on the Lakeshore School Division website.
