Rather than the typical physical education class, which rotates through a variety of different sports throughout the year, St. James Catholic Elementary School students from grades six to eight now have the option to participate in the Hockey Focus Program. The new class focuses specifically on hockey skills, including puck handling, skating fundamentals, passing, and shooting.  

The Hockey Focus Program is open to all students and is adaptable to players of varying skill levels and experience. The class emphasizes body movement, teamwork, dedication to improvement, and gameplay, rather than a grade on overall ability.  

Twice a week, students walk across the street to Tom Davies Community Arena, where Skill Development Coaches Rob Dymtruk and Pat Courtney from Chiseled Hockey lead the class, helping students work as a team to improve their on-ice abilities. 

“We have students with a wide range of abilities, from those who’ve been playing for years to beginners just learning to skate, but we are open and inclusive to everybody,” said Coach Rob Dymtruk. “It’s still a team sport. The students are all out here working with one another and helping each other…building teamwork and leadership skills.”  

Some students who have more experience with the sport are using it as an opportunity to teach their classmates.  Easton, a Grade 8 student who has been playing hockey for ten years, shares his enthusiasm for the class. “It’s been an experience forming a stronger bond with my classmates. I usually only see them in class but now I have been seeing them on the ice as well. I’ve been helping some of the younger kids with edges. When I first started, I had a lot of trouble with edge work, so it’s nice that I can help out now.”  

His appreciation for the class goes beyond the chance to improve his own skills; he values the opportunity to spend class time playing the game he loves most. “I prefer this class over a typical gym class setting because hockey is my favourite sport. I’d rather be out here for an hour than play a different sport in gym class and the coaches have been amazing. They teach us what we need to know while making it fun.” 

Other students share Easton’s enthusiasm. Jody O’Daiskey, Principal at St. James Elementary noted, “Students are excited to attend and look forward to learning new skills from our certified trainers. They have commended the program’s inclusivity and well-rounded approach to meet students at an appropriate level. The focus on skill development, life lessons, and personal growth have resonated positively with students and their families.” 

For more information on programs offered at St. James Catholic Elementary School, visit https://st-james.sudburycatholicschools.ca/. 

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