Our Hockey Program
Tanbridge Academy offers a comprehensive skill development program for all students in grades 4 through 9. Students are provided the opportunity to follow their passion by participating in three training sessions each week during regular school hours. Through this combination of rigorous academic and athletic programs, aspiring athletes are taught the skills necessary for success on and off the ice. We also offer skating for our grade 1-3 students during the year in preparation for our development program.
Our Philosophy
Our Skill Development program is open to any student who is passionate about their sport, regardless of their current skill level. Athletes are exposed to expert coaching and instruction that allows them to improve their abilities and experience success. Our students have competed at all levels, from Recreational to Midget AAA, AJHL, WHL and Division 1 NCAA College.
FAQ
When and where does the Hockey Program take place?
- Cardel Recreation Centre
Grade 1-3 – Tuesdays only from 10:45 - 11:45
Grade 4-6 – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 9:30 - 10:30
Grade 7-9 – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8:15 - 9:15
How many hours of technical hockey training does your child receive?
Players are held to high standards and are consistently pushed to perform at their highest level in on-ice sessions (approximately 96 hours/year). Off-ice training includes a strength and conditioning component. The program encourages well-rounded fitness by focusing on speed, agility, flexibility, strength, and endurance, taught by a professional strength and conditioning coach (approximately 25 hours/year).
What instruction is received?
Students in the hockey program participate in a combination of on-ice sessions, off-ice conditioning, and classroom instruction. On-ice sessions, led by Tyler Deis, include high-intensity drills that focus on skating, passing, shooting and puck control. The program delivered by Tyler and our coaches is centred on a high-quality education equivalent focusing on developing our students in all areas and regularly evaluating their growth and success.
Who is the hockey coach?
Our Director of Hockey Development, Tyler Deis, is an experienced teacher and coach with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education from Minnesota State University. After playing in the SJHL, Tyler attended MSU for four years, where he played Division 1 NCAA hockey. After completing his schooling, Tyler began his professional hockey career playing for the ECHL for five years. Tyler returned to Canada in 2005 and began his teaching and coaching career at the Edge School for Athletes. Tyler taught the on-ice Hockey Skill Academy for nine years and was instrumental in developing and administering their hockey program. In 2013, Tyler began working in Okotoks, where he was the assistant coach of the Okotoks Oilers and an on-ice skill instructor for Tanbridge Academy. Tyler is presently the Head Coach for the Okotoks Oilers. Students love his coaching and mentoring skills at Tanbridge Academy.
