Students Travel to U.S for a Better Future in Hockey
Due to the fact that the sport of ice hockey was developed in Canada, (the first game was played in Montreal in 1875), it has always felt like a Canadian sport. However, it has grown in popularity on a global scale.
Maclean’s has even been wondering if hockey will become more of an American sport in the future. “The logic of numbers would suggest so. With 10 times the population, and a birth rate that exceeds replacement level, the U.S. is likely to surpass this country in total hockey registrations within the next decade. Fully 207 of the 952 players who played in the NHL last season hail from the United States.” –United States of Hockey Perhaps, this is why so many students now want to study and work toward their hockey dreams, in the U.S.
Studying Abroad
According to The Globe and Mail, it is vital to Canada’s survival that more students study abroad. “We will need them to build Canada’s global connections, expand and diversify our trade relationships, uphold the values of openness and tolerance, and succeed as employees and entrepreneurs in the economy of tomorrow.”
When Canadian individuals think of studying “abroad”, locations like China, France, Switzerland, and Australia may come to mind. With all of the changes in the U.S this past year, it has been overlooked as a place to study. However, our neighbours can’t be forgotten when it comes to improving important relationships.
Karine Robidas, a Montrealer who traveled to study in California, says that her schooling experience was amazing. She had school six days a week, but was able to complete her certificate in one semester. When I was in secondary school, I had never even thought of studying abroad as an option.
Sports Programs in Quebec
Growing up in Montreal, QC, Canada, I went to a high school that had a Sport-Étude program. According to Quebec’s official education website, in Quebec, there are over 570 sport-étude programs being offered in 48 high schools. Included in these programs, is the possibility of focusing on one of 35 sports.
These programs offer students a great start when it comes to finding their place in the sports world. However, more and more students have started to go to the United States in order to pursue their hockey careers by attending prep schools.
What is a Prep School?
We typically hear the term “prep school” (aka University Preparatory School) in the United States, however Canada also has several. You can find a complete list of prep schools in both the US and Canada here.
“Prep schools are private, college-preparatory schools, usually running from the ninth through the twelfth grade. Many are boarding schools, where students reside on the campus in dormitories, much the same as a university, and some are day schools, where students return home to their families each evening.” via Hockey Family Advisor
St Paul’s School
St Paul’s School, in Concord, NH for example, is a co-educational and fully residential prep school. On niche.com, St Paul’s holds one of the Top 3 spots for 2018’s Best Boarding High Schools in America and the #2 spot for Best Private High Schools in New Hampshire.
Rising hockey star, Jordan Michaud is a Senior at St Paul’s. Originally a Montreal resident, Michaud now plays defense for St Paul’s Varsity team, coached by Daniel Murphy.
“I was looking to pursue my hockey career in the States and after visiting St. Paul’s campus I immediately fell in love. The campus is stunning and it really makes you feel like you’re at home.”, Michaud states.
St Paul’s is located 68 miles from Boston, on a historic campus of 2,000 wooded acres in New Hampshire which includes a 95,000-square-foot Athletic & Fitness Center, and dual ice rinks (for more facts, visit their official website here).
Having ice rinks on campus is one of the reasons why prep school hockey teams get so much attention from the scouts. Since there is no travel time for the students to make practice, it means they are able to practice longer and more frequently.
Many parents, and children are apprehensive when it comes to studying at a school far from home. It is such a big change in lifestyle. The move alone can seem daunting. When asked about this, Michaud states, “The transition from home to St. Paul’s was difficult at first, however, I was able to adjust quickly because of how busy I am with academics and hockey.”
The key to making the adjustment an easier one, seems to be making sure you choose a school that has the program that will help you grow. Michaud definitely made the right choice when he chose to attend St Paul’s.
Benefits of Prep Schools for Hockey Careers
According to Damon White, former Varsity Hockey Coach at Hotchkiss School “University and pro scouts return year after year to watch the prep schools in action, and many recognize the prep school level as among the best for this age group. Since schools attract players from around North America and beyond, there is a kind of all-star system in effect. The prep school circuit is perhaps the most heavily recruited high school league in the United States. Former prep players dot university rosters around the country, and many prep players have gone on to the National Hockey League and minor pro leagues.” Read more here.
[Editor’s note: thanks to a reader we were informed, that White took early retirement a few years ago and was replaced by Mike Traggio- more information here]
If you’re thinking that a Prep/Boarding school is a possible option for your child, Our Kids put together a list of Benefits of Boarding School. Also, if St Paul’s sounded like a place you would like to look into more, you can look at their official website, or call 603-229-4600 to speak to someone directly.
Related article: Canadians thrive in out-of-country boarding schools
