The West Van Hockey Academy was founded in 2015 as a high performance hockey development program, becoming the only Hockey Canada Accredited School on Vancouver’s North Shore. The Academy joined the Canadian Sport School Hockey League in 2016, and has since expanded to four teams playing in U15, U15 Prep, U16 Prep, and U18 Prep divisions. As a national leader in education based hockey, the CSSHL has established itself as the league of choice for youth hockey development.
Developing the next generation of values-based leaders and responsible difference makers in an inspiring environment of sport, leadership, and education excellence.
Our foundation.
In everything we do.
With conviction and determination.
Through our attitude and actions.
On ice training, and off ice training will take place predominantly within the athletic facilities of Hollyburn Country Club.
Hollyburn has a 52 year history and was established on Vancouver’s North Shore in 1963. In 2014, Hollyburn completed a $15 million dollar capital upgrade and expansion to the club, and in 2016, Hollyburn arena facilities underwent another $2.5 million dollar capital upgrade. The club is situated on 42 acres overlooking the Burrard Inlet and downtown Vancouver, housing dedicated facilities for 9 sporting activities, including 2 sheets for ice hockey.
The hockey program at Hollyburn has a strong history, and has produced a number of notable alumni players, coaches, and officials throughout the BCHL, WHL, NCAA, AHL, NHL, and International leagues.
Our programs involve off ice training programs developed and designed by professionals at Hollyburn’s High Performance Centre. These professionals have, and continue to work with a stable of professional athletes across multiple sports, including the National Hockey League. Hollyburn also staffs a number of professional therapists who are available and on site daily for preventative and reactionary injury care.
Each week students participate in strength and conditioning sessions, and alternative training sessions such as Yoga, Pilates, and Plyometrics. Taking advantage of the local North Shore landscape, athletes will also train using outdoor resources such as the Grouse Grind, Seawall and mountain trails to add diversity to their routine.
Additional time is allocated to video review, mental mindset, and goal setting sessions.
Student athletes are expected to exceed satisfactory level of performance in their classes, attaining above average academic and effort grades as part of their team commitment. With our innovative curriculum design, students have a customized education timetable suited to the demands of their Academy schedule. Our education partner, North Shore Academy, provides a remarkable opportunity and education experience for our student athletes.
As a brand new boutique school on the North Shore with a commitment to progressive and innovative learning, we are thrilled with this partnership. For more information on North Shore Academy please visit:
Facilities are available at both school and Hollyburn, to assist with student learning, homework, group projects and tutoring sessions.
A key value metric of our program is exposing student athletes to elements of life discovery, leadership, accountability, and personal growth. This philosophy continues to be a primary driver at the West Van Hockey Academy. We strongly believe well-rounded individuals find a greater sense of pride and self-confidence, allowing them to reach their true potential in sport and in life.
Our staff share the fundamental belief that we can help our students become successful in all aspects in their lives. Yes, we are competitive; and yes, we love to win. We also love to build leaders, regardless of aspiration – professional athlete, entrepreneur, tradesperson, or artist. Our leadership pyramid is a foundation and cornerstone of responsibility for our students that will aide in their success on and off the ice.
Part of our commitment to personal discovery and growth is the integration of activities and external resources that expand horizons for our students. This includes community volunteering, goal setting, personal management, family connectivity, and financial concepts. Our students will also be exposed to a number of guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to assist in broadening their life outlook.