École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier wins Hockey Canada competition

Students in the Hockey Canada Skills Academy at Kingston’s École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier were recognized and rewarded by Hockey Canada in a national competition in connection with the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, according to a release from Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE).

The national competition was open to all Hockey Canada Skills Academies, according to the release, and gave young athletes and their teachers a chance to demonstrate their skills during training sessions on the ice and in the gym. The sessions were filmed and will be made available on Hockey Canada platforms to help other hockey players looking to improve their technique.

According to the release, winning the competition was a source of inspiration for the students and came with a special privilege: a virtual meeting with a number of francophone National Junior Team hockey players on Friday Dec. 4, 2020.

“I’m happy with our partnership with Hockey Canada. It is highly motivating and inspiring for the students and gives them a chance to really master their hockey skills,” said Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) Chair Johanne Lacombe. “I am grateful to this prestigious institution, and I congratulate the students.”

Teal Gove, Hockey Canada’s Manager of Hockey Development, expressed their excitement for the partnership as well. “The Hockey Canada selection committee was extremely impressed by the École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier students’ creative and inclusive approach to the competition. We know that Marie-Rivier teachers work tirelessly to enhance their students’ education by offering the Hockey Canada Skills Academy program during these tough times. We’re so excited about giving the students the opportunity to meet National Junior Team players and coaches and learn some amazing things from them.”

École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier launched its Hockey Canada Skills Academy in September 2019, according to the release. As the only Kingston school offering the program, Marie-Rivier gives students in Grades 7 to 10 a unique opportunity to develop their athletic abilities along with their confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline.

Director of Education Réjean Sirois expressed his appreciation for the students, whose achievements have made the Academy a standout among francophone institutions not only in Kingston but across the province. “I am very proud of these young athletes, whose performance on the ice and generosity have reinforced CECCE schools’ reputation for excellence and caring,” he said.