Saskatoon Public Schools is launching a new Hockey Academy for the 2026–27 school year in partnership with Trach Power Skating & Skills, giving students in grades 6–8 the opportunity to combine high-quality on-ice training with strong academics and leadership development.

Open to both male and female students of varying skill levels, the academy blends professional skating instruction with regular classroom learning in a supportive school environment.

Where the Academy will be offered

The Hockey Academy will be hosted at five Saskatoon Public Schools:

• Chief Whitecap School (Bobcats zone)
• Estey School (Aces zone)
• Lakeridge School (Flyers zone)
• École River Heights (Renegades zone)
• Willowgrove School (Wild and Redwings zones)

These schools were selected because they can support the academy model and are located within Saskatoon’s minor hockey zones. While the program is designed for students in grades 6–8, Estey School also offers an academy pathway for students who wish to continue in grades 9–12.

How the program works

The Hockey Academy will run two mornings per week, on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students will follow the structure of a regular school day, with their academy mornings divided between:

• Classroom instruction
• On-ice and life skills/leadership training at Jemini Arena

Students will be transported by bus from their school to the arena and back before the lunch break. A Saskatoon Public Schools teacher will be onsite to provide academic instruction, supervision, and support, ensuring students continue to meet all curriculum outcomes.

Open house & registration

Families are invited to attend a Hockey Academy Open House:

Sunday, February 1, 2026
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Estey School
(Open to families from all five participating schools)

Registration for a September 2026 start opens on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - click here.

• Students currently attending one of the five schools can register directly for the Academy. No further steps required.
• Students from other schools will need to transfer to one of the participating schools to attend - SPS registration here.
• Families may contact any participating school to arrange a tour or learn more about school programming.

Registration, fees, and on-ice programming will be managed by Trach Power Skating & Skills. Questions about the hockey component can be directed to academies@trachpowerskating.com. School registration and enrollment will be coordinated by Saskatoon Public Schools.

“This Hockey Academy reflects our commitment to offering engaging, high-quality learning opportunities that support both student well-being and achievement,” says Chair of the Saskatoon Public Schools’ Board of Education, Kim Stranden. “By partnering with Trach Power Skating & Skills, we’re able to provide students with structured, professional on-ice development while ensuring they continue to meet all curriculum outcomes in a supportive school environment.”

“We’re excited to partner with Saskatoon Public Schools to launch this academy and help young athletes develop strong skating foundations in a setting that values both education and skill development,” says Trach Power Skating & Skills owner, Jordan Trach. “This program is designed for players of varying abilities and focuses on building confidence, technique, and a lifelong love of the game.”

Hockey Academy Webpage