Boarding school hockey programs have helped grow many of the NHL's very best players. Don't believe us? Former boarding school hockey stars include budding superstars (and Stanley Cup ring holders) Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby, up-and-coming LA Kings defenceman Jack Johnson and Hall of Famer Brian Leetch... among many others. In women's hockey, boarding school grads include the Lamoureux twins, Jocelyne and Monique.
There are a number of boarding schools across Canada with hockey teams, as well as schools that focus on developing hockey players. You don't have to develop into a professional hockey player to benefit from a hockey boarding school, of course. As one Brentwood College School teacher says, "Sports absolutely has a beneficial effect on learning. Any time you're involved in sports, you're working with a team, cooperating with others and learning self-discipline."
What holds true for guys is equally true for women's hockey. A US boarding school women's hockey coach tells us, "We’ve seen graduates returned with a 3.97 grade-point average (in) pre-med and played hockey the whole season. That's what makes the whole experience worth it."
At a boarding school, hockey players bond on the ice and off the ice. In some cases, friendships formed can become life long, as seen in the relationship between Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson.
Aside from all that, there is no better way to hedge your career bets than by attending boarding school. It's a big gamble to focus on hockey but boarding school opens up a wealth of other options.
Meet Ian - Only at boarding school can you "Live with your schoolmates like a family."... read more
