Bigger than hockey

Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy supports students to reach their potential on and off the ice

Once Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) students step onto the ice for their first session, the program begins to open doors for them that they never could have imagined.

“If I had never gotten the chance to play hockey, I would have a completely different path ahead of me,” said Rose, who joined the WJHA in Grade 5. “Since being in the WJHA, I’ve learned its not always about winning, but it’s about the people you’re with that inspire you to be a better version of yourself.”

Since joining the WJHA, Rose has developed meaningful relationships with her teammates and coaches, made lifelong memories, and gained a passion for hockey. Now in high school, Rose is sponsored by the WJHA to play on the U15 AAA Winnipeg Ice. The WJHA is sponsoring 39 players this season to play minor hockey outside of the program.

“We understand that some players will develop to a higher level than our WJHA minor teams,” said Maggie Litchfield-Medd, Manager of Minor Hockey for the WJHA. “Our goal is to remove barriers for players so they can reach their potential on the ice, in the classroom and as a member of the community.”

The WJHA uses hockey to engage youth from socially and economically challenged schools to be active participants in their education and community, with the goal of achieving academic success and graduating from high school. The program removes barriers like cost, transportation and equipment, allowing underserved youth to participate in recreational sports and be a part of a team environment. Along the way, WJHA students develop their hockey skills, with some moving up to play at a higher level.

“It’s been amazing to see what young people can do with the support of the WJHA, from getting athletic and academic scholarships to playing university hockey,” said Litchfield-Medd. “Hockey teaches teamwork, discipline and commitment, and it’s great to see WJHA players continually grow as young confident adults because of the opportunities provided through hockey.”

“Being in the WJHA has pushed me to be the best version of myself,” said Vera, who joined in Grade 2 and is now sponsored to play AAA hockey in high school. Vera has flourished off the ice too, especially thanks to Project 11.

“It has helped me find ways to relax after rough days and how to reflect after difficult situations,” said Vera.

Project 11 is a mental health and wellness focused curriculum for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 and was created with the goal to give students skills and coping strategies to positively influence their own mental health. As a sister program to the WJHA, students attend Project 11 sessions and have access to the program’s resources.

Project 11 has also positively impacted WJHA student Brayden, who overcame many challenges before joining the WJHA in 2020 as a fourth grader.

“I enjoy attending the classroom sessions to learn how to become a healthier person,” said Brayden. Being in the WJHA has given him a purpose and inspired him to pursue his hockey dreams, which he is working toward as a member of the AA Thrashers hockey team thanks to WJHA support.

Along with learning to play hockey, WJHA students also have access to volunteer and job opportunities, after-school programming, tutoring, mentorship and field trips. Through the WJHA, Vera had the opportunity to grow even more off-ice skills as a volunteer at Camp Manitou last summer.

“Everyone at camp was amazing to work with, and every night I’d be excited to go back the next day,” said Vera, pointing to the experience as a highlight from her time in the WJHA. “My hope is to work there in the future.”

For WJHA student Yeshain, his favourite memory was a field trip to a Winnipeg Jets game with his team.

“It was an amazing experience to cheer together and share our love for hockey,” he said. Yeshain is also sponsored by the WJHA and is currently the goalie for the U13 AA Ice Blue team. Since joining the program in Grade 4, his self-confidence has grown.

“I’m proud of how my confidence and communication skills have improved, it has helped me succeed in school and everyday life,” said Yeshain. “Being in the WJHA has helped me grow as a player and as a person by teaching me teamwork, discipline and confidence both on and off the ice.”

As WJHA students take what they’ve learned in the program and enter the next stage, whether that’s playing a higher level of hockey, pursuing post-secondary education, or kickstarting their career, many return to volunteer with the WJHA and True North Youth Foundation, becoming mentors for the next generation of WJHA students.

“My main goal in life is to be a person that young girls and boys can look up to, so they can push themselves to reach their potential,” said Vera.