The inaugural 黑料不打烊 East West Challenge kicks-off in Saint-Roch-de-l鈥橝chigan, Quebec next week and will see seven U18 teams from the East take on seven U18 teams in the West. Ahead of the event, we spoke with the coaches and crunched the numbers to give you an in-depth look at each team鈥檚 strengths and keys to success.

East 1 Seed: Stanstead College 鈥� Stanstead QC

Stanstead sits first in the East with an 11-2-0 record thanks to a talented roster, which has led to an unfortunate problem for the Spartans as Aaron Chipp (Rimouski Oceanic), Charles G茅n茅reux (Rimouski Oceanic) and Cl茅ment Landry (Gatienau Olympiques) have all made the jump midseason to join their respective QMJHL teams. And while the ultimate goal of 黑料不打烊 teams is promoting players to the next level, it has left the East juggernauts without three key pieces. With the change Stanstead has had in their lineup with promotion and unfortunate injuries, the team is redefining their best ways to be successful. At the core of their success is establishing their ‘F1’ on the forecheck and staying within their structure. Captain Brody Molloy (7-10-17) leads Stanstead in all that they do and there is strong optimism he will back in the lineup for the East West Challenge. Stanstead still sits with seven QMJHL draft picks and could lean on a handful of highly touted QMJHL prospects in Sean Dwyer and Mathieu G茅n茅reux to join the weekend as affiliate players if needed. This season Stanstead has given up a division low 22 goals with a penalty kill that sits third at an impressive 91.7%. Their power play has been extremely effective, converting at a rate of 27%, 6.1% higher than anyone else in the East. A common theme you’ll see with most of the teams attending is the need for the special teams鈥� units to show up if you want to have any success in a short term competition like this.

East 2 Seed: Ulysse Academie 鈥� Saint-Roch-de-l鈥橝chigan, QC

At 11-4-0-0 the hosts come into the event as the third ranked team in the East. The oldest team at the event with six 2007 and 14 2008 born players, Ulysse will lean on their experienced roster to find success against some of the younger western teams. With 74 goals Ulysse is the second highest scoring team in the East, and their 4.93 GF/GP trails only BWC Academy (4.96) among teams at the event. The offence is led by Maddox Guerin (9-11-20) who sits seventh in East division, scoring with 20 points. Ten skaters, including three defensemen, have all hit double digit point totals, doing so in just 15 games, providing them depth throughout the lineup. Despite their high-octane offence, Ulysse enters the East West Challenge with the third ranked power play (11.3%) among in the East Division, last among all teams at the event. Only 7 of the teams 74 goals this season have come on the man advantage. The Ulysse power play will have favorable matchups as they take on the 10th, 11th and 13th ranked penalty kills at the event, and if Head Coach Denis Chalifoux and his team can find power play success on the weekend, the team will have as good a chance as any to advance. Defensively, Ulysse gives up 3.27 GAA per game, 10th most among teams at the event. They will face the number one and five offences, meaning we could expect some high scoring affairs. Ulysse will look to outscore their problems while leaning on veteran netminders Benjamin Pilon (3.25GAA, .901SV%) and Samuel Bourgoin (3.27GAA, .896SV%) to shore up their defense. One small advantage Ulysse will have at this event is that of home field. While this may seem minor, something as simple as sleeping in your own bed, eating home cooked meals, and knowing the bounces of the boards in the rink could provide that slight edge in what will be some highly contested matchups.

East 3 Seed: Bourget College 鈥� Rigaud, QC

It was a slow start for the defending 黑料不打烊 East Champions as Bourget College (7-7-0-0) started the season 2-6-0-0. Head Coach Martin Gascon has righted the ship as of late with his team going 5-1-0-0 in their last six, bringing them to fourth in the East division standings. Bourget is a high compete level team that relies on collective game day buy in and their depth to attack their opponents in waves. A veteran roster with nine 2008 born players, a pair of them in forwards Xavier Martin (8-9-17) and Elie Robert (9-7-16) lead the team offensively. Bourget sits fourth in the division with 64 goals scored in 14 games. 10 of those goals have come on the man advantage, giving them the fifth ranked power play (19.6%). On the other side of the rink the Bourget penalty kill has allowed just five goals and sits second in the division at 91.7%. This penalty kill will need to continue to operate at this rate, as Bourget’s 203 penalty minutes are fifth most in the division. 2026 QMJHL prospect Zachary Botelho (2.33GAA, .938SV%) and Saint John Sea Dogs prospect Samuel Pitcher (2.76 GAA, .910SV%) both sit inside the top 10 in both GAA and SV%. With games on tap against the second and fourth highest scoring offences in the west, both netminders will need to be in top form. Bourget leads the East division with a +21 goal differential when they’re the home team and sits seventh with an even rating while the away side. As the three seed, Bourget will be the home squad in two of their three games and will need to use this and ‘last change’ to their advantage, while finding a way to have success as the away side in their matchup against South Alberta Hockey Academy (17-6-0-1)

East 4 Seed: Ontario Hockey Academy 鈥� Cornwall, ON

Ontario Hockey Academy holds just a 5-7-1-0 record but sits fifth in the East and have made back-to-back appearances in the East U18 Championship finals, winning in 2024. While this version of OHA might not be as strong on paper as previous versions, especially with the mid-season losses of Owen Kelly and Vinny Potvin to Junior A, Head Coach Brent Loney has always found a way to get the most out of his teams. The forward unit is led by returning players Nathaniel Noah (10-4-14) and Mathis-Cael Aurelius (7-7-14) along with newcomer Matvei Maklakov (4-4-8). Captain Kaemon Tran (1-13-14) leads blueline, with Simon Leblanc (1-8-9) joining him inside the top five for points among OHA skaters. Last season OHA relied heavily on star netminders Oliver Kiraly and Rafael Treblay for a lot of their success. And while Kye Johnson (3.66GAA, .890SV%) and Nicolas Arcilla (4.37GAA and, .882SV%) will have a tough task to shut down the offensive fire power in the West, they will have a hard-working unit in front of them. For OHA, they will be one of the few teams in this event with some familiarity of the western teams, having attended the Delta Showcase back in October. While they went 1-2-0 with losses to BWC Academy and Delta Hockey Academy, OHA will have a better understanding of what is needed from them to come out ahead.

East 5 Seed: Rothesay Netherwood School 鈥� Rothesay, NB

Brand new to the league for the 2025/26 season, Rothesay Netherwood School (6-5-0) comes into the East West Challenge as the sixth ranked team in the Eastern Division. The strength of the RNS team lies within their defensive game as their 33 goals against is the third fewest in the east. Cesare Della Santina (2.06GAA, .928SV%) and Marty Hackenberg (3.71GAA, .905SV%) have split the work in between the pipes with Della Santina ranking third in GAA and fourth in SV% in the division. Their strong penalty kill contributes to their defensive success, having allowed just four power play goals this season while killing off 87.5% of the attempts. That penalty kill is rarely in use as they average less than three power play attempts against (32) per game, having recorded 107 penalty minutes, second fewest in the division. The majority of the RNS offence comes 5-on-5 where they have scored 35 of their 41 goals. While their 41 goals scored ranks second fewest among teams attending the event, their plus eight goal differential gives reason for optimism. Gavin Smith (0-1-1), a 2023 Charlottetown Islanders QMJHL Draft pick joined the team three games ago and looks to boast the offence alongside leading scorer Brody Dawson. A good chunk of the RNS offence comes from the blueline where QMJHL Draft picks Dylan Pelletier (5-4-9) and Jesse Dunlap (3-5-8) have teamed up with 2007 born Seth Lawless (1-7-8) to combine for 25 points. 2026 QMJHL Prospects William Cole (5-3-8) and Nash Gorman (1-1-2) will be two players to keep an eye on.

East 6 Seed: Fort Erie International Academy 鈥� Fort Erie, ON

Fort Erie finds themselves as the eighth-place team in the East this season with an 8-4-0-1 record. Head Coach Derek Bachynski praises his team鈥檚 ability to play tight defensively, which is evident with the team having given up 31 goals in 13 games, the second fewest in the division. When Fort Erie stays connected and structured, they are tough to play against, giving their opponents little breathing room. A big key for Fort Erie will be balancing being difficult to play against, while remaining disciplined. Fort Erie has 276 penalty minutes this season, second most in the division, and an average of more than 21 a game. Fort Erie has been shorthanded more than anyone else in the division this season at a whopping 88 times. And while Fort Erie has killed off a division best 92% of those power plays, they will need to stay disciplined in order to avoid the high skilled power plays of the western teams. Offensively the team will lean on a pair of Russians as George Tagirov (5-12-17) leads the team with 17 points and Yuri Baunov (12-3-15) has a team high 12 goals.

East 7 Seed: Okanagan Hockey Ontario 鈥� Whitby, ON

OHO (4-7-1-0) comes into the East West Challenge with the fewest wins among all 14 teams, placing them ninth in the East division. Three of those four wins have come against the bottom two ranked teams in Mount Academy (0-10-1-0) and King Heights Academy (1-6-1-0), with the other coming over eighth ranked Fort Erie (8-4-0-1). OHO has the third fewest goals scored (32) and third most goals (62) this season. However, one potential bright spot is they are only -4 as the away team, compared to -26 when they are the home side. Whether that’s pure coincidence or they manage to play better as the road side, OHO will be the visitors in all three games at the East West Challenge. While OHO has struggled to score this season, their power play accounts for 43.8% of their goals this season and operates at 20.9%, second best in the division. Kenton Wong (5-5-10) and Anthony-James Bailey (4-1-5) each have three power play goals while Tom Boudet (2-11-13) leads the teams with seven power play points. Boudet leads the entire division with 2.17 points-per-game and teammate Adam Clark (10-8-18) is fresh off being named the Eastern U18 Prep Player of the Month for December after tallying six points. OHO has shown great team discipline this season, averaging the second fewest penalty minutes (9.5) per game, having been shorthanded 51 times through 12 games. That discipline will need to be on full display, as their 76.5% penalty kill goes against some lethal western power plays.

West 1 Seed: Edge School 鈥� Calgary, AB

With a 12-9-1-2 record Edge School has won just as many games as they have lost this season but sit third in the 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Rankings, having the second hardest strength of schedule in the division. Edge is a well-rounded team that takes a committee approach to their game. Offensively, they are led by a pair of Swift Current Broncos prospects in Ashton McCann (15-22-37), who sits seventh in league scoring, and Luke Huska (8-21-29). 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft fifth overall pick Drew Wilkinson (6-15-21) and Antonio Cazac (7-13-20) both sit on the plus side of 20 points. On the back end, Saskatoon Blades prospect Julian Revel (4-16-20) leads the unit in points while Kelowna Rockets prospect Remy Koch (2-14-16) is their key guy. Head Coach Adam Stuart sees Wenatchee Wild prospect Carsten Leyerzapf (1.91GAA, .935SV%) as the best netminder in the league, and with the most shutouts (3), second best GAA, and fourth best SV%, it’s hard to argue against this. Edge sits top five for fewest goals allowed (65) through 24 games, with Leyerzapf and Kamloops Blazers prospect Lane Bullee (3.14GAA, .882SV%) combining for a 2.53GAA, fourth best in the division. Edge ranks sixth in the west with 98 goals scored and their 26.2% power play sits fifth, having scored the second most goals with 33. The Edge penalty kill sits mid-pack at 82.4%. Discipline has been the one low spot for Edge this season as they have been shorthanded 125 times, third most in the west and most of any team attending the event. While Edge may not have any numbers that jump out to you as an overall strength, there are few if any weaknesses with this well-rounded group.

West 2 Seed: South Alberta Hockey Academy 鈥� Dunmore, AB

SAHA (17-6-0-1) comes into the event trending in the wrong direction in the 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Rankings, sitting fifth after being as high as second two weeks ago. This is still a very strong roster that consists of an event high 11 players currently on WHL Protected Lists, and Head Coach Brayden Desjardins has plenty of experience in short term competitions, taking SAHA to back-to-back Circle K Classic wins in 2021 and 2022. SAHA is a fast team with a heavy forecheck, resulting in an offence that sits fourth in the west with 105 goals scored this season. That offence is led by Calgary Hitmen prospect Kutcher Aquila (19-20-39), an undrafted forward who sits third in the west with 19 goals, and fifth with 39 points. Forward Damen Vanderberg (11-20-31) is SAHA’s most complete player and sits second in team scoring. SAHA’s power play ranks sixth at 22.5%, but has taken off lately, capitalizing 16 times in 9 games and operating at a 28% rate since the beginning of December. An area for concern for SAHA has been their lack of discipline, which has seen them shorthanded 124 times this season, third most in the division and first most of west teams attending the event. However, their penalty kill ranks fourth (83.1%) in the division having given up 21 goals, and their 9 shorthanded goals rank second in the division, making them a real threat while a man down. Ty Wasyluk (7-8-15) has three of those shorthanded markers and Braden Hordichuk, the first overall pick by the Regina Pats at the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft, is tied for the team lead with three shorthanded points. Medicine Hat Tigers 2024 fourth round WHL pick Cash Chrisite (2.30GAA, .925SV%) sits inside the top 10 in GAA, SV% and wins and will be the backbone to SAHA’s success at the event.

West 3 Seed: BWC Academy 鈥� Burnaby, BC

At 18-5-0-0 BWC Academy comes into the East West Challenge as the fourth ranked team in the West U18 Prep Division. Head Coach Mike Santorelli says his BWC Academy squad is at their best when they play as a cohesive five-man unit with consistency throughout the lineup, play fast and with pace both with and without the puck, and commit to a full 200-foot game. Their success depends on contributions from their entire line-up, which is evident by the fact that they lead the league with 114 goals scored but do not have a forward inside the top 12 among point leaders. Instead, the offence is driven by Everett Silvertips prospect Logan Lepinski (6-32-38), arguably the best player at the event. A smooth skating offensive defenseman, Lepinski leads all defensemen in assists and points, tallying 9 and 11 more than any other defender. Having recently made his WHL debut with the Silvertips, his 32 assists rank second among all skaters, while his 38 points rank fifth. Kadyn O’Brien (15-17-32) and Dominic Seminoff (11-21-32) both sit on the plus-side of 30, and just outside the top 10. A trio of 2010 born WHL Draft picks in forward Justin Moon (7-19-26), defenseman Elias Papadatos (3-11-14) and Regina Pats first rounder Logan Henry (8-5-13) provide BWC Academy with some high end, freshman talent. While BWC Academy has no issues putting the puck in the net 5-on-5, their power play ranks seventh but is 8-13% lower than the top 5 teams, while their penalty kill ranks bottom eight at 79.2%. If Josh Wu (3.15GAA, .910SV%) and James Fitzpatrick (3.28GAA, .901SV%) can lift the penalty kill into the 85-90% range for the week, BWC Academy will have a real chance to do damage at the event.

West 4 Seed: Okanagan Hockey Academy 鈥� Penticton, BC

At 10-7-1-2, OHA Penticton is at their best when they are defensively responsible and out skating their opponents. Both netminders in Charlie Peppinck (3.00GAA, .909SV) and Kelowna Rockets prospect Linden Sobocan (2.86GAA, .922SV%) give their team a chance to win every night, having given up the fourth fewest goals (64) on the season. OHA Penticton’s top line consists of the 黑料不打烊’s second all-time career goal scorer in Maxx Parfitt (18-15-33), Kamloops Blazers first round WHL pick Eli Tverdovsky (13-17-30) and veteran center Landon Nagle (7-24-31). When that trio is clicking, the rest of the team follows suit. A key to OHA Penticton’s success this season has been their power play, which is clicking at a rate of 28.2%, third best in the division, and averaging one power play goal per game. On the other side of the rink, the OHA Penticton penalty kill sits just under 80% and near the bottom of the division, meaning their continued discipline of second fewest penalty minutes (245) will be needed to limit their opponents power play opportunities. In short term competition like this, special teams often play a key role and could be the difference between upsetting a team like Stanstead or heading home at the end of the round robin.

West 5 Seed: Delta Hockey Academy 鈥� Delta, BC

Delta (17-5-1-0) underperformed in the regular season last year, entering the 2025 West Championships as the 16th and final seed but made it all the way to the finals, before falling just short to RHA Kelowna. This year, former Florida Panthers draft pick and Head Coach Steven Hodges has the team firing on all cylinders. Delta is physical on the forecheck and utilizes the combination of skill and work ethic to drive their offensive play. They excel at in-tight puck movement, and their breakout connectivity allows them to play fast and simplified, creating scoring opportunities off the rush thanks to their execution of a triple drive structure. Their 95 goals rank seventh in the division, with Kelowna Rockets prospect Jack Morgan (12-19-31) and Wenatchee Wild prospect Kishan Saggu (11-20-31) leading the way offensively.听A high commitment to blocking shots and sacrificing for the team allows them to have a strong defensive zone and penalty kill. Delta ranks third in the division, and first among west teams attending the event, with a 2.39GAA, thanks in large part to Matthew Wong (2.05, .939SV%) and Vancouver Giants prospect Oliver Bryks (2.83GAA, .918SV%). Their combined .930SV% sits second behind RHA Kelowna (.931SV%), with Wong leading the entire division. Strong goaltending has led to the second-best penalty kill (89%) in the division, and best among west teams attending the event. However, the penalty kill is rarely needed as Delta’s 248 penalty minutes in 23 games gives them the second fewest (10.8) per game in the division.

West 6 Seed: Pacific Coast Hockey Academy 鈥� Victoria, BC

Pacific Coast (13-9-0-1) comes into the East West Challenge as the number six seed and ninth ranked team in a highly contested West division. Head Coach Mark Kosick noted this team has already exceeded expectations this season, and they certainly have the potential to do that again at this event. After starting the season with three straight losses, PCHA has shown tremendous development and improvement, playing tight games against all the top teams in the division including wins over the top three seeds in the west. There’s no question where the strength of this team lies as their 108 goals trail only the 114 by BWC Academy. Elliot Hill (22-27-49), Roman Lavery (23-25-48), Seattle Thunderbirds prospect Kane Nicholas (8-36-44) and Parson Shahi (18-22-40) occupy the top four spots in the entire 黑料不打烊 scoring race. With 15 power play goals, Lavery leads the league鈥檚 best power play which clicks at 33.3%,听scoring 42 goals, 9 more than anyone else in the west. However, on the other end of the spectrum is a penalty kill that sits third last at 75%, having given up the second most power play goals with 28. In net, Parker Parrish (2.97GAA, .922SV%) and Prince George Cougars Prospect Kole Anderosov (4.10GAA, .915SV%) have combined for a very respectable .919SV%, but a 3.46 GAA, second highest among west teams attending the event. With games against two of the highest scoring teams in the East, expect the offence to be firing on all cylinders in PCHA’s round robin games.

West 7 Seed: Pilot Mound Hockey Academy 鈥� Pilot Mound, MB

Pilot Mound (6-11-3-1) might come into the event as the 7 seed and 16th ranked team in the west but wins against second ranked Northern Alberta Xtreme (17-6-0-1) and third ranked Edge School (12-9-1-2) prove that they can compete with anyone. Those upsets have taken team unity with all 18 players on the same page, competing, and staying disciplined both within system and structure, as well as in the eyes of the refs. Adam Courchesne (3.75GAA, .913SV%) has been the key in many of the Pilot Mound upsets and tight contests, stopping 53 shots against Edge, 57 against Calgary International Hockey Academy (14-8-1-0), and 40 against NAX. Courchesne will be vital to any Pilot Mound success as offensively the team ranks second last with 59 goals scored on the season. Knox Burton (17-13-30), who was recently a key piece in a trade sending him to the Seattle Thunderbirds, has been involved in more than 50% of his team鈥檚 goals this season. Edmonton Oil Kings 2025 WHL Draft second round pick Cole Landreville (8-10-18), 2025 黑料不打烊 U17 Prep Tier II Championships MVP Collin Friedrich (12-6-18), Dutch forward Hector Kapitonov (6-12-18) and German forward Max Sch眉tz (4-14-18) all sit tied for second in team scoring, giving Pilot Mound consistent scoring at the top of the lineup. Head Coach Anthony Florentino highlighted the importance of team discipline, something Pilot Mound has excelled at this season, sitting with the fourth fewest penalty minutes in the division. With a penalty kill that sits mid-pack at 80.0%, staying out of the box in matchups against high end teams such as Stanstead will be the key to survival.

Recap

With this being the first time East and West teams will play each other in a 黑料不打烊 event, it’s a great opportunity for each side of the country to see how they stack up against one another There are plenty of examples this season and in the past, that on any given day, anyone in the U18 division has a chance to win if they bring their ‘A’ game. Short-term competitions, like this event, only need you to dial it in for a few days, leaving the smallest room for error. Something as simple as jet leg for the west teams, a long bus trip for an east team, or hydration and preparation could be the difference. Needing to play five games in just four days to win the event, Championship Sunday will come down to health and discipline, with the margins for victory very narrow.听Whichever team best executes their strengths and covers their weaknesses will come out on top. Regardless of who that might be, we should be in for an exciting four days of hockey, with some of the best U18 talent in North America on display.

The event will see 14 黑料不打烊 U18 Prep teams, with 7 from the East and 7 from the West, compete for 黑料不打烊 supremacy with 1 champion being crowned on February 8.听

All 14 teams were seeded 1-7 within their East and West regions, based on their official 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Rankings position back in December of 2025.

With that in mind, here are the 14 teams that will compete at the inaugural 黑料不打烊 East West Challenge:

East 1 Seed: Stanstead College – Stanstead QC

• Head Coach: Matthew Thompson
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking:听1st
• Current Record:听11-2-0-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2024/25
• 黑料不打烊 Championships: 1
  • East U17 Prep – 2025

East 2 Seed: Ulysse Academie – Saint-Roch-de-l鈥橝chigan, QC

• Head Coach: Denis Chalifoux
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking:听4th
• Current Record:听10-4-0-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2023/24
• 黑料不打烊 Championships: 0

East 3 Seed: Bourget College – Rigaud, QC

• Head Coach: Martin Gascon
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking:听3rd
• Current Record:听7-7-0-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2019/20
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听3
  • East U17 Prep – 2022
  • East U18 Prep – 2023 & 2025

East 4 Seed: Ontario Hockey Academy – Cornwall, ON

• Head Coach: Brent Loney
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking:听5th
• Current Record:听5-7-1-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2019/20
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听2
  • East U17 Prep – 2023
  • East U18 Prep – 2024

East 5 Seed: Rothesay Netherwood School – Rothesay, NB

• Head Coach: Jeff Lewis
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking:听6th
• Current Record: 6-5-0-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊: 2025/26
• 黑料不打烊 Championships: 0

East 6 Seed: Fort Erie International Academy – Fort Erie, ON

• Head Coach: Derek Bachynski
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking:听8th
• Current Record:听8-4-0-1
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2024/25
• 黑料不打烊 Championships: 0

East 7 Seed: Okanagan Hockey Ontario – Whitby, ON

• Head Coach: Justin Caruana
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking:听10th
• Current Record:听4-7-1-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊: 2019/20
• 黑料不打烊 Championships: 0

West 1 Seed: Edge School – Calgary, AB

• Head Coach: Adam Stuart
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking: 3rd
• Current Record:听11-8-1-2
• First Year in 黑料不打烊: 2009/10
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听11
  • U18 Prep – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2023 & 2024
  • U17 Prep – 2012
  • U15 – 2022 & 2025
  • Female U18 Prep – 2020

West 2 Seed: South Alberta Hockey Academy – Dunmore, AB

• Head Coach: Brayden Desjardins
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking: 2nd
• Current Record:听17-6-0-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2020/21
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听0

West 3 Seed: BWC Academy – Burnaby, BC

• Head Coach: Mike Santorelli
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking: 6th
• Current Record: 16-5-0-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2013/14
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听3
  • U18 Prep – 2022
  • U17 Prep Tier III – 2024
  • U16 Prep – 2017

West 4 Seed: Okanagan Hockey Academy – Penticton, BC

• Head Coach: Robert Dirk
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking: 5th
• Current Record:听10-6-1-2
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2009/10
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听10
  • U18 Prep – 2014 & 2015
  • U17 Prep – 2010, 2013 & 2014
  • U17 – 2025
  • U15 Prep – 2015
  • U15 Prep Division II – 2025
  • Female U18 Prep – 2017
  • Female U18 Prep Division II – 2018

West 5 Seed: Delta Hockey Academy – Delta, BC

• Head Coach: Steven Hodges
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking: 9th
• Current Record:听15-5-1-0
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2013/14
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听10
  • U18 Prep – 2016
  • U17 Prep – 2022
  • U17 Division II – 2025
  • U15 Prep – 2022 & 2025
  • U15 – 2015, 2016 & 2017
  • Female U18 Prep Division II – 2017 & 2019

West 6 Seed: Pacific Coast Hockey Academy – Victoria, BC

• Head Coach: Mark Kosick
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking: 8th
• Current Record:听12-9-0-1
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2014/15
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听0

West 7 Seed: Pilot Mound Hockey Academy – Pilot Mound, MB

• Head Coach: Anthony Florentino
• Current 黑料不打烊 MYHockey Ranking: 16th
• Current Record: 6-10-3-1
• First Year in 黑料不打烊:听2016/17
• 黑料不打烊 Championships:听2
  • U17 Prep – 2020
  • U17 Prep Division II – 2025

During the 2024/25 season the 黑料不打烊 introduced the Student-Athlete of the Month Award for the four different 黑料不打烊 divisions/age brackets: Eastern, West Female, West U18 Male (U18 Prep, U17 Prep, U17) and West U15 Male (U15 Prep and U15) .

This award is aimed at recognizing the student-athletes within the 黑料不打烊 and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership, academics and community impact.

We would like to congratulate these four student-athletes, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of September/October.

East Division – Jeremy Cote, Fort Erie International Academy

“Jeremy consistently demonstrates outstanding character, dedication, and leadership both in and out of the rink. In the classroom, he maintains a high GPA, showing a strong commitment to academics and personal growth. He leads by example through his positive attitude, responsibility, and willingness to help teammates succeed. Off the ice, Jeremy is actively involved in helping wherever and whenever he can to sustain the positive culture among FEIA players, showing compassion and initiative to make a difference. His ability to balance school, athletics, and FEIA involvement makes him a true role model and a deserving recipient of this recognition.”

West Female Division – Mena Bhatt, Okanagan Hockey Academy

“Mena Bhatt is an outstanding example of what it means to be a true student-athlete. Her commitment to excellence both on and off the ice sets her apart as a leader and role model within our program.

Academically, Mena continues to excel, demonstrating consistent effort, organization, and pride in her work. She balances her athletic responsibilities with her studies exceptionally well, setting a strong example for her teammates through her discipline and time management. Her teachers frequently speak to her maturity, focus, and willingness to go above and beyond in every subject.

As both a teammate and leader, Mena鈥檚 impact is equally impressive. She leads by example with her work ethic, positivity, and genuine care for those around her. Mena brings energy and inclusiveness to the team environment鈥攕he鈥檚 the type of player who lifts others up, celebrates their success, and supports them through challenges.

Perhaps most importantly, Mena鈥檚 character shines in everything she does. She embodies respect, humility, and a growth mindset. Whether it鈥檚 helping a teammate, staying late to work on a skill, or representing the program in the community, Mena consistently demonstrates the values we strive to instill in all our players.

For her leadership, academic achievement, and exceptional character, Mena Bhatt is a truly deserving choice for Student of the Month.”

West Male U15 Division – Ryan Koenig, RINK Hockey Academy Winnipeg

“Ryan maintains an above-90s average in all of his classes and perseveres when challenged academically. Ryan exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete, always prioritizing his academics and ensuring his class work is done and done well. In class, Ryan is an engaged leader who does not shy away from hard work. Ryan is new to our program this year and is showing up in all the best ways possible!”

West Male U18 Division – Carter Gilchrist, South Alberta Hockey Academy

“Carter currently has an average in the low 90’s. He is willing to help his teammates during our study hall sessions with their understanding of class content. He also leads by example in the gym and on the ice through his relentless work ethic. His teachers have mentioned how he displays maturity and commitment to his studies in the classroom.”

Ben Cornick:

Jason Haraphongse:

For the 2024/25 season the 黑料不打烊 is proud to introduce the Student-Athlete of the Month Award for the four different 黑料不打烊 divisions/age brackets: Eastern, West Female, West U18 Male (U18 Prep, U17 Prep, U17) and West U15 Male (U15 Prep and U15) .

This award is aimed at recognizing the student-athletes within the 黑料不打烊 and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership, academics and community impact.

We would like to congratulate these four student-athletes, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of June.

East Division – Ethan Butler, Fort Erie International Academy

“Ethan has consistently demonstrated strong leadership by holding his teammates accountable and helping to reinforce the culture we are building at FEIA. His respectful attitude, tireless work ethic, and presence around the school set a high standard for others to follow. As a recent graduate, Ethan leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered as part of the foundation of our tradition. He has made a lasting impact on our community, and we are grateful for his contributions.”

West Female Division – Audrey Church, Delta Hockey Academy

“Audrey has been with the Delta (and attended North Delta Secondary School) for all five years of high school. She recently graduated with honours, meaning she was an honour roll student and earned grades of 86% or more on every report card in her five years of high school. This is an accomplishment worthy of recognition on its own and is really extraordinary when you consider the demands of training and travel.

Her final marks in her grade 12 courses are as follows:
Anatomy & Physiology 12 – 96%
Career Life Connections. – 100%
English First Peoples – 92%
Fitness & Conditioning 12 – 100%
Law Studies 12 – 93%
Pre-Calculus 12 – 90%

Audrey is an extremely kind and conscientious student. Her teachers describe her as “mature, hardworking and diligent”. Audrey will be attending UBC in the fall, where she’ll also be a member of the women’s hockey team.”

West Male U15 Division – Matsun Adams, Pilot Mound Hockey Academy

“Matsun is a true example of hard work, leadership, and camaraderie. Academically, Matsun consistently applies themselves, excelling in school and demonstrating a strong commitment to their studies. Their dedication extends beyond academics as dependable and inspiring dorm leader, where they foster a sense of unity and support among their peers.

Matsun’s role as a teammate is equally exceptional. Their positive attitude and selfless nature make them a vital presence in the dressing room and a source of encouragement for everyone around them. Matsun’s work ethic, leadership, and team spirit embody the values this award represents, making them an outstanding candidate for this recognition.”

West Male U18 Division – Ben Hakes, Okanagan Hockey Academy

“Ben exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete, consistently demonstrating excellence both in the classroom and within our academy community. This term, Ben successfully balanced the demands of high-level hockey while excelling in three academically rigorous courses:

Pre-Calculus 11: 89%
English 11 (Honours-level difficulty): 82%
Physics 11: 93%

Ben鈥檚 academic results are impressive, but what truly distinguishes him is his incredible attitude and maturity. He brings a positive, driven approach to everything he does.

Ben is a leader among his peers and a role model on and off the ice. He fully embodies the values and standards of the 黑料不打烊.”

Fort Erie International Academy is excited to welcome Tyler Fitzgerald as the new Assistant Coach for the U17 hockey team. Tyler brings a strong background in the game, having competed at the junior, college, and men鈥檚 levels. He brings a strong understanding of the game through his firsthand experiences.

Last season, Tyler had the opportunity to coach against Fort Erie and came away impressed by the team’s professionalism, development model, and the positive impact Head Coach Gary Friesen made after joining midway through the year. That experience left a lasting impression and sparked his interest in becoming part of the program.

Now on the FEIA bench, Tyler is eager to contribute to the continued growth of the team. He鈥檚 committed to helping players develop not only their skills on the ice but also their character off it, ensuring they reach their full potential in all aspects of life.

We are thrilled to welcome both Gary and Tyler to the FEIA family.

FEIA has also extended contracts of both U18 Head Coach Derek Bachynski and promoted Tyler LeClair to Associate Head Coach.

For the 2024/25 season the 黑料不打烊 is proud to introduce the Coach of the Month Award for the three different 黑料不打烊 divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible coaches within the 黑料不打烊 and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three coaches, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of February.

East Division – Derek Bachynski, Fort Erie International Academy

“As the U18 FEIA Head Coach, Derek has demonstrated an incredible work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to player development, making a significant impact on our program.

Since I took over as U17 Head Coach in mid-December, Derek has been instrumental in guiding me through the transition. He has gone out of his way to offer support, making the process much smoother. He works tirelessly鈥攑reparing for games and practices like a professional, dedicating hours to video analysis, and ensuring that his players are held accountable. He even goes the extra mile by driving the team bus when needed, showing his commitment to the team in every possible way.

His leadership and preparation have paid off, as his team has improved significantly and is now an extremely competitive group. The culture he has built is evident both on and off the ice, and his dedication has been a key factor in their success. It has truly been a pleasure working alongside him, and I believe he is more than deserving of this recognition.”

West Female Division – Larry Bumstead, St. Mary’s Academy

Nominated by Sarah Zacharias, Balmoral Hall School

“Larry has been at the helm of the program since day one in 2011. Larry has helped guide the programs success over the past decade and assisted in over 60 players realizing their dreams of playing collegiate level hockey. Bummer is a father of 3, both of his girls having been through his program and have gone on to do remarkable things of their own in the hockey world. Bummer has been a pillar for the growth and development of female hockey in the province of Manitoba for many years, leading the Girls of the North program through his work with True North.”

West Male Division – Tyson Soloski, Calgary International Hockey Academy

“Coach Tyson has exemplified unparalleled dedication and leadership, meticulously preparing his team for success long before the season begins. Throughout the summer, he commits himself to strategic planning, ensuring every aspect of the team’s development is accounted for. He spends countless hours analyzing game footage, conducting thorough pre-scouts, and refining game plans, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of a competitive advantage. His attention to detail and deep understanding of the game set the foundation for his team鈥檚 success, giving them an edge before they even step on the ice.

Beyond the X鈥檚 and O鈥檚, Coach Tyson is deeply invested in his players鈥� growth, both as athletes and as individuals. He fosters strong relationships by meeting regularly with each player, providing personalized feedback, and offering unwavering support in their on-ice development. His coaching philosophy balances high expectations with genuine care, pushing his players to strive for excellence while ensuring they feel valued and supported. He doesn鈥檛 just coach hockey鈥攈e mentors, inspires, and cultivates a winning mindset that will benefit his players far beyond the rink.

His leadership extends far beyond the game itself. On road trips, he takes extra measures to create a positive and engaging team culture, organizing innovative team-building activities that strengthen camaraderie and morale. Whether it鈥檚 leading a group challenge, sharing motivational insights, or simply ensuring every player feels included, he is always actively involved in fostering a fun and cohesive environment. His ability to bring players together, build unity, and create a culture of accountability and respect is second to none.

Coach Tyson鈥檚 passion for the game is contagious. His energy and enthusiasm never waver, and his players feed off his commitment and belief in them. He is the first to celebrate their successes and the first to lift them up after a tough loss, always reinforcing the values of perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. His impact is felt not only in wins and losses but in the confidence, character, and work ethic he instills in his team.

Coach Tyson鈥檚 unwavering commitment, tireless work ethic, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him a truly exceptional leader. He embodies what it means to be a great coach鈥攄emanding yet compassionate, strategic yet personable, and above all, dedicated to the success and well-being of his players. For his remarkable leadership and the profound influence he has on his team, he is undoubtedly deserving of the Coaches Award.”

For the 2024/25 season the 黑料不打烊 is proud to introduce the Staff of the Month Award for the three different 黑料不打烊 divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible staff within the 黑料不打烊 and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three staff members, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of January.

East Division – Kayla VandeKemp, Manuela Alvarez, Matt Brown, and Steven Lam, Fort Erie International Academy

“Behind every successful student-athlete is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to ensure they can perform at their best, both on and off the field. At FEIA, our athletic therapist staff plays a vital role in keeping our student-athletes safe, healthy, and ready to compete. Our incredible team includes Kayla VandeKemp, Manuela Alvarez, Matt Brown, and Steven Lam.

From early mornings to late nights, and through long road trips, their commitment knows no bounds. They are there every step of the way鈥攑roviding injury prevention strategies, managing recovery programs, and offering constant support to our athletes. Their expertise and care extend beyond just treating injuries; they focus on educating our athletes about health and wellness to ensure long-term success.

Whether it鈥檚 taping an ankle, responding swiftly during a game, or guiding a player through a rehab process, their dedication is unmatched. They are the unsung heroes behind every moment of growth in our program. To our athletic therapist team, thank you for your endless hours, energy, and passion for what you do. Your hard work doesn鈥檛 go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for the impact you make in the lives of our student-athletes every day.”

West Female Division – Jason Chimera, OHA Edmonton

“On January 5th, 2024 Hockey Alberta granted OHA Edmonton a female team. On March 10th, Randall Weber announced Jason Chimera as the coach of the inaugural OHA Edmonton Female Prep team. On the weekend of April 12-14, OHA Edmonton hoisted their first ever female ID camp. In these short windows, Jason has built a very strong team for the inaugural year. Since the team selection and through the start of the season the team has been quite competitive with a current record of 14-8-1, which is good for 9th place in the 黑料不打烊. This is quite a feat considering that 10 players are in their first year at the U18 level. Additionally, with only 5 graduating players, Jason has built a solid foundation for the future and continued success of the program. These accomplishments are a result of Jasons high work ethic, high standards and high level of care for his student athletes.”

West Male Division – Jessie Leung, Okanagan Hockey Academy

“Jessie Leung has demonstrated exceptional leadership and coaching prowess, making him an outstanding candidate for the 黑料不打烊 Coach of the Month. Under his guidance, the U17 Prep team has achieved a perfect 4-0 record this month. Jessie鈥檚 meticulous attention to detail in game reports, family communications, and game strategies has been instrumental in the team鈥檚 success. In December, he further showcased his expertise by contributing to the Team Canada U18 Female Development team, highlighting his versatility and commitment to developing young athletes. Jessie鈥檚 dedication to excellence both on and off the ice makes him a deserving nominee for this recognition.”

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION STATEMENT

At our Hockey Canada Accredited School, our commitment extends beyond the rink. We understand the importance of balancing academics and athletics, and our student-athletes benefit from a comprehensive education that prepares them for success beyond their hockey careers. Our academic curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, fostering critical thinking and personal growth. We take pride in creating a supportive and motivating environment where student-athletes can thrive. The camaraderie among players, combined with our dedicated coaching and academic staff, forms a tight-knit community that shares a common passion for excellence.

鈥淒oing the right thing allows you to take the proper steps to achieving future goals,鈥� General Manager: Freddie Coccimiglio.听

听LIST OF TEAMS IN THE 黑料不打烊

• Eastern U17
• Eastern U18

LOCATION AND YEAR THE PROGRAM ENTERED THE 黑料不打烊

We are a border city located in Fort Erie, Ontario, minutes away from Buffalo, New York alongside Lake Erie.听 2024/25 will be our first season competing in the 黑料不打烊.

EDUCATION

• Partner School
  • Fort Erie International Academy is a private co-educational grade 6-12 boarding school in Fort Erie, ON.
  • Our school’s pillars are Academics, Athletics, Pastoral Care, Character Development, and Community.
  • We are fully accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
  • Approximately 80% of our teachers are (or have been OCT) certified, while others hold advanced degrees
• What are some of the things your program does to provide educational support?
  • We offer Academic Support in the Learning Commons every weekday from 3:40 – 4:40 pm. A teacher from each department is scheduled to help students with assessments, catch up on work, and consolidate knowledge.
  • Our ESL Department and Specialist teachers听provide ESL support. This could be translated documents, extra support in the classroom, and support in the Learning Commons after school
  • Approximate class sizes听are 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio
  • Learning Commons (along with a dedicated Learning Support teacher) is available throughout the school day to provide one-on-one support and assessment supervision.
  • We use hybrid learning (D2L) when students travel on the road. Student-athletes can access their classwork, submit assessments, and connect with their teachers.
• How are grades monitored, and how often?
  • Formal reporting occurs at midterm and finals (report cards are issued to parents and students)
  • Informal reporting (Work Habits & Learning Skills) occurs at the quarter-way point through Progress Reports. Feedback is provided to students daily and weekly. Parents are communicated with by teachers and the Academic Staff on an as-needed basis.
  • Our Student Success Team meets monthly to identify students in need (70% or less) and to support them accordingly.
• How are courses and the graduation path for student-athletes chosen?
  • Our Guidance Department (Adam Nash) and Student Wellness Coordinator (Lisa Marie Thompson) provide support and resources for students regarding college/university/career planning, course selections, and mental health and well-being. Our Guidance Department creates an Individual Pathway Plan (IPP), meeting with the students periodically throughout the year.
• Do you have an academic probation policy?
  • Teachers and the Academic Office flag students with a 70% or below. These students may be required to miss practices, training, and games until their grade(s) improve.
  • All communication between听Academics听and the Athletic Department is streamlined, with all issues about student-athletes going through the Principal, Academic Coordinator, and Director of Hockey Operations

鈥淚 am privileged to lead Fort Erie International Academy and the many talented teachers and students here! My goal is to continue to bring passion to education with a commitment to creating a supportive climate and culture at F.E.I.A. conducive to teaching the 鈥淲hole Child,鈥� empowering staff & students by creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, implementing meaningful initiatives, and inspiring life-long learning and well-being!鈥� – Principal: William Cockburn

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

• Do you offer a billeting program or a dormitory for non-local student athletes?
  • Non-local student athletes stay in a dormitory, which is located on campus and is walking distance to the school. Two students per room and 24 hr security.听 FEIA also has full time Dorm Leaders to monitor curfew and check ins.
• What kind of life skills to the student athletes learn by living in the dorms or with billets?
  • Living in dorms will help our student athletes in their growth on becoming a successful young professional. This allows student athletes to become independent and learn life skills that will help them mature into a well-rounded person.听 Doing laundry, relationship skills and appreciation of new cultures are all examples of this.
  • Fort Erie Academy offers students a new purpose-built, on-campus residence where students live alongside their fellow students and 24/7 staff. The residence is designed to be more than just housing – it’s a true home for students, where they broaden their horizons, make lifelong connections, learn key life skills and much more.

STUDENT ATHLETE HEALTH

• How are injuries and sick student athletes monitored?
  • FEIA has full-time Certified Athletic Therapist who work out of main facilities and are easily accessible.听 They attend all FEIA hockey games where injury assessment, rehabilitation and coverage is provided.
  • Injuries:
    • Injury is observed by the Athletic Therapist or Coach. Athletic Therapist asses the injury and determines the athlete needs. Athlete gets in for treatment with us to help with their injury, and if no progress is made, we refer them to our sports doctor. The Athletic Therapist is in constant communication with the sports doctor regarding injuries sent to her. Once the athlete is cleared by the sports doctor or Athletic Therapist they return to play. We have a documented system for injuries and treatments. The players check in with us daily in regards to the status of their injuries and we communicate with coaches as to what they can/can’t do.
  • Concussions
    • If one is suspected, we do a SCAT 6 and refer to a sports doctor for diagnosis. The athlete follows our gradual return to play/school concussion protocol. Before returning to game play they are cleared by a medical doctor.

听鈥淲e provide individualized treatments plans for our injured athletes and we work hard to provide a safe, comfortable, and inclusive space at FEIA,鈥� Head Athletic: Therapist Kayla VandeKemp CAT and BSc Psychology

听鈥淎 space where students can voice their thoughts, learn how to manage mental health, and apply it to their everyday lives to equip them for the future,鈥� Student Wellness Coordinator: Lisa Marie Thompson

SCHEDULE

• What days the daily schedule look like for a student athlete in your program?
  • Practice 8-930
  • Class 10-12pm
  • Lunch 12-130pm
  • Class 130-3pm
  • Workout 330-430pm
  • Dinner 5pm
  • Study Hall/Video Sessions 6-7pm
• How many games can your teams expect to play?
  • We will play a 50-60 game schedule. This will include 黑料不打烊 league games, playoffs, exhibition games and 3 major tournaments.
• What does the on and off ice training look like?
  • This is a true development program. On-ice skills are focused on daily and outside skill coaches are brought in once a week.听 FEIA has a full-time strength coach who focuses on speed and agility.听 He has a designed program that helps student athletes maintain their weight throughout the year.
  • Four 90-minute practices per week
  • 3 weight room sessions per week
  • Breakdown of game video
  • Professional and experienced coaches
  • New speed and shooting room
  • State of the Art weight room
• How long does your program run?
  • The FEIA hockey program runs 10 months from September to June. Once our season is complete the players practice 2 times a week and train 2 times a week.

KEY STAFF AND CONTACT INFO

• General Manger: Freddie.coccimiglio@feia.ca
• U17 Coach: Gary.friesen@feia.ca
• U18 Head Coach: Derek.bachynski@feia.ca
• Principal: William.cockburn@feia.ca
• Head Athletic Therapist: kayla.vanderkemp@feia.ca
• Student Wellness Coordinator: lisamarie.thompson@feia.ca
• Admissions Manager: Trisha.sassi@feia.ca
• Academic Director: adam.nash@feia.ca

PRICE

• What is including in the price to attend the program? Breakdown of fees
  • Financials can be provided upon request

CONTACT

• What is the best way to contact the program?
  • Website:
  • Email: info@feai.ca
  • Social media: @feiahockey, @feia.ca, @FTErieAcademy
  • Phone: 1-647-728-7840