Hockey

Coach: Craig Didmon

Hockey academy runs during the regular timetable in replacement of Physical Education block.

Academy registration opens February 25th, 2026 at 8:00am. Please visit SD62 Academy Registration to register.

For more information, please contact the academies office at academies@sd62.bc.ca or (250)391-9006


Journey Middle School Hockey Academy

The Journey Middle School Hockey Academy provides students in Grades 6–8 with an opportunity to develop their hockey skills during the school day in a positive, inclusive and challenging environment.

The program focuses on individual skill development, hockey knowledge, fitness, teamwork and leadership. On-ice sessions support players at different stages of development, while Friday off-ice training at Journey Middle School focuses on fitness, movement, teamwork and other areas of athletic development.

Weekly Schedule

On-ice sessions take place at SEAPARC on Mondays and Wednesdays:

  • Grades 7 and 8: 8:30–9:45 a.m.
  • Grade 6: 10:45–11:45 a.m.

Students also participate in off-ice training at Journey Middle School during their regular Hockey Academy block on Fridays.

The on-ice portion of the program begins Monday, September 14 and continues until spring break.

Transportation and Equipment

Grades 7 and 8 students arrive at SEAPARC for their morning session and are transported back to Journey afterward. Grade 6 students travel between Journey and SEAPARC by school bus.

Hockey bags cannot be transported on the school bus. SEAPARC provides a designated space for bags to be stored during the school day. Parents and guardians are responsible for picking up equipment from SEAPARC after each ice day. Families requiring a special accommodation may contact SEAPARC to discuss possible arrangements.

Program Expectations

Hockey Academy students are expected to:

  • Attend regularly and arrive prepared
  • Participate fully and make a consistent effort
  • Demonstrate positive behaviour and good citizenship
  • Support and respect classmates, staff, coaches and facility personnel
  • Maintain a commitment to their academic responsibilities
  • Represent Journey Middle School positively at school, at SEAPARC and in the community

Participation in the Hockey Academy is a privilege. Students and families review and sign the Academy Student Expectations agreement at the beginning of the school year.

Assessment and Evaluation

Students are evaluated on:

  • Preparation and participation
  • Effort and willingness to improve
  • Individual skill development
  • Hockey knowledge and decision-making
  • Fitness and off-ice participation
  • Teamwork, leadership and citizenship

Evaluation recognizes individual growth and is not based solely on a student’s current level of hockey ability.

Coaching

The program is led by Hockey Academy teacher Craig Didmon, who brings extensive

experience in school-based hockey academies, player development and junior hockey. Qualified community coaches and guest instructors may also support on-ice sessions throughout the year.


Dear Hockey Academy Families,

Welcome to the 2026–27 Journey Middle School Hockey Academy!

My name is Craig Didmon, and I’m excited to be teaching the Hockey Academy this year. I bring many years of experience working in school-based hockey academies and junior hockey, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and building a positive program together.

The academy will focus on individual skill development, hockey understanding, fitness, teamwork and leadership. Students will also be expected to demonstrate commitment to their academics, positive behaviour, good citizenship and personal responsibility. Participation in the academy is a privilege, and students are expected to represent Journey positively at school, at SEAPARC and in the community.

First Academy Meetings

On the first Wednesday of school, students will stay with their homeroom classes. We will have a lunchtime meeting Wednesday or Thursday (TBD) to connect before our first official class on Friday at Journey.

Students do not need to bring their hockey equipment to this meeting. We will get to know one another, review program expectations and confirm the remaining program procedures before our first ice session.

Students will participate in off-ice training at Journey Middle School on Fridays during their regular Hockey Academy block. Information about where to meet for the first Friday session will be provided at school.

On-Ice Schedule

Our first ice sessions will take place on Monday, September 14 at SEAPARC.

Grades 7 and 8:

  • Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Ice time 8:30-9:45 a.m.
  • Students arrive at SEAPARC prepared for the 8:30 start.
  • The bus will pick students up at 10:10 a.m. and return them to Journey.

Grade 6:

  • Mondays and Wednesdays
  • The bus will leave Journey at 10:18 a.m.
  • Ice time 10:45-11:45 a.m.
  • The bus will pick students up at SEAPARC at 12:00 p.m. and return them to Journey.

The on-ice portion of the academy will continue until spring break.

Hockey-Bag Procedures

The school bus cannot transport hockey bags.

Grades 7 and 8 students will arrive at SEAPARC with their equipment. Grade 6 families will need to deliver equipment to SEAPARC before the students’ ice session.

SEAPARC has set aside a small dressing room where students’ bags can be stored during the school day. Parents and guardians are responsible for picking up equipment from SEAPARC after each ice day. Families requiring a special accommodation may contact SEAPARC to discuss possible arrangements.

Please ensure that all personal equipment is clearly labelled with the student’s name. Program Expectations and Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on their preparation, participation, effort, skill development, teamwork, leadership and citizenship. Students should arrive ready to participate, listen respectfully, support their classmates and make a consistent effort to improve.

During the first week, students will receive an Academy Student Expectations form to review with a parent or guardian, sign and return.

I’m looking forward to meeting the students and having a positive and rewarding year together. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you,

Craig Didmon, M.Ed. 
Journey Middle School