Below are answers to some of the most common questions about Kootenay Hockey Academy. The goal is to give players and families a clear understanding of how the program is structured, what the training environment looks like day to day, and how we approach long-term player development both on and off the ice.
Where do the players go to school?
Kootenay Hockey Academy is a school-of-choice academy, meaning families can choose the educational path that works best for their player.
The majority of KHA players attend Mount Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook, which is conveniently located across the street from our primary training facilities at Western Financial Place and Memorial Arena.
Players also attend Kootenay Christian Academy and Selkirk Secondary in Kimberley, while some out-of-province students choose to complete their education through online schooling programs.
KHA also has international students who attend Purcell Collegiate in Kimberley. These players shuttle to Cranbrook (25 minute drive) each day for practice and training.
How do players balance school and hockey?
At Kootenay Hockey Academy, academics always come first. We work closely with the schools our players attend to help them balance both their education and hockey development.
Players are typically dismissed from school at approximately 1:25 PM each day in order to arrive at the rink for practice. This schedule requires players to stay organized, manage their time effectively, and remain accountable for their academic responsibilities.
KHA staff also provide weekend study hall sessions to give players dedicated time and support for homework and schoolwork. Ultimately, however, maintaining strong academic habits and staying on top of coursework is the responsibility of each player.
What does the weekly schedule look like?
At Kootenay Hockey Academy, teams are on the ice for practice Monday through Friday beginning at 2:00 PM. Twice each week, players also complete a team workout following practice.
Video review is an important part of the development process as well. Team video sessions, pre-scout meetings, and individual video review are regularly scheduled after practices. Most training days are typically finished by approximately 4:30 PM.
League showcases and games are usually held on weekends, which often means teams depart by bus on Friday mornings. Players can expect to compete on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before returning to Cranbrook.
The majority of league showcases take place in Edmonton, though the Junior Prospects Hockey League has recently shifted toward a more regional showcase model. This includes two showcases hosted in Cranbrook, along with additional events in Lethbridge, Calgary, and one or two showcases in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
League playoffs begin in February with a play-in round, while the final league championship takes place the weekend prior to Spring Break in British Columbia. Player fees include hotels and meals on the road.
When does the season begin and end?
At Kootenay Hockey Academy, the season is structured around the school calendar. The program begins on the first day of school and aligns closely with key academic breaks, including Christmas holidays and Spring Break.
Following Spring Break, the focus shifts into a more development-heavy phase of the season. Players typically continue with an average of three on-ice practices per week, along with two weekly workouts. This training load gradually reduces in April, moving to approximately one practice per week, while strength and conditioning sessions continue through the end of May.
What is the structure of the primary coaching staff?
KHA’s primary coaching staff is built around a collaborative development model, with each coach playing a key role in player growth both on and off the ice.
Together, the staff works closely to create a consistent development environment across the academy, with an emphasis on skill development, habits, accountability, and long-term player growth.
What types of support staff does KHA use?
KHA uses an integrated support staff model designed to support players both on and off the ice. Depending on the age group and season structure, players work with coaches and specialists in several areas of development.
Our support team also includes:
Our staff works collaboratively to help players improve their hockey skills, physical preparation, habits, confidence, and overall growth as student-athletes. The goal is to create an environment where players are challenged and prepared for the next level both in hockey and in life.
How much individual skill development do players receive?
At Kootenay Hockey Academy, the primary focus is player development. Our staff is committed to helping players improve every day, both on and off the ice, by building the habits, skills, and mindset needed for long-term success in hockey and life.
While competitiveness and winning are important parts of the game, they are viewed as the result of a strong development process rather than the primary driving force behind it. Every player at KHA has an important role within the team environment, while also understanding that ice time and opportunities are earned through effort, consistency, and accountability.
Each team receives dedicated weekly skills sessions along with position-specific development for forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. Team systems and tactical play are designed to support and enhance individual skill development, not limit it.
What are the training facilities like?
Kootenay Hockey Academy teams train out of both Western Financial Place and Memorial Arena, giving players consistent access to quality on-ice development facilities throughout the season.
Players also have access to a shared training gym used in partnership with the Cranbrook Bucks. In addition to scheduled team strength and conditioning sessions, the gym is available for players to complete extra self-directed workouts and continue building strong training habits outside of regular practice times.
Does KHA billet players?
Yes. Kootenay Hockey Academy assists players and families in arranging billet accommodations throughout the season.
KHA works to carefully vet billet homes and help ensure players are placed in a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment while living away from home. Once a placement is arranged, billet payments are handled directly between the player’s family and the billet family.
Billet fees are set at $800 per month.
Players from outside of Cranbrook, BC, and even Canada are welcome. KHA is mindful to provide elite hockey development to the local residents in the East Kootenays.
Where do players play after KHA?
Kootenay Hockey Academy has a strong history of helping players advance to the next level of junior hockey. Graduates have moved on to opportunities in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, Western International Junior Hockey League, and the British Columbia Hockey League.
As both the program and the Junior Prospects Hockey League continue to grow in competitiveness, more KHA players are also advancing to leagues such as the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and Manitoba Junior Hockey League at 18 years old.
KHA also maintains a strong partnership with the Cranbrook Bucks, giving players exposure to a BCHL environment and opportunities to affiliate with junior teams during their time at the academy.
At KHA, the focus is not on steering players toward one specific league or pathway. The goal is to ensure each player is fully prepared for the realities of junior hockey and ready to have a successful, fulfilling experience at their next level.
Want to connect with us? Find our contact information here.