The U18 JPHL Program at Kootenay Hockey Academy is built to provide a high-performance environment where players can develop daily within a structured, development-first model. The program features 30+ games plus playoffs across British Columbia and Alberta, supported by over 180 hours of on-ice practice time throughout the season.
Players train during the school day, allowing for a true student-athlete balance while maintaining consistent ice time and recovery. The on-ice development is supported by a full performance staff, including a strength coach, skills coach, goalie coach, and trainer, along with regular video sessions to reinforce learning and accelerate hockey IQ.
This integrated approach ensures every player is supported across all areas of development - technical, tactical, physical, and mental - within a consistent daily training environment designed to prepare athletes for the next level.
The coaching and performance staff at Kootenay Hockey Academy is structured to provide players with consistent leadership and a coordinated development plan throughout the season. The program is led by a General Manager and Skills Coach who oversees program direction, recruitment, staff coordination, and player development while also actively delivering on-ice skill sessions and supporting both teams during games.
Each age group has a dedicated head coach responsible for day-to-day team operations, practice planning, and in-game management, ensuring clear communication and continuity within each roster. Supporting the program is a full performance team that includes a strength coach, skills coach, goalie coach, and athletic trainer, along with regular video analysis sessions.
This structure allows players to receive consistent messaging across all areas of development while benefiting from specialized expertise in skill development, performance training, and game preparation.
The U18 JPHL Program at Kootenay Hockey Academy is built around a high-performance daily training environment designed to maximize development both on and off the ice. Players are placed in a structured schedule that combines a demanding game calendar with significant practice and training volume, supported by a full performance staff and integrated development model.
Key Program Details:
30+ games plus playoffs (BC & Alberta): A competitive schedule that challenges players regularly against top-level opposition and prepares them for higher levels of hockey through consistent game experience.
180+ hours of on-ice practice: A high-volume practice environment focused on skill development, team systems, and repeatable habits that translate directly into game performance.
Practice during the school day: A structured student-athlete model that supports recovery, academic focus, and consistent daily training without the strain of late-night ice times.
Off-ice training and development: Year-round physical preparation designed to build strength, speed, mobility, and overall athletic performance specific to hockey demands.
Strength coach & video sessions: Guided strength programming combined with regular video review to reinforce habits, improve decision-making, and accelerate hockey IQ development.
Dedicated skills coach: Ongoing individual and group skill development sessions focused on skating, puck control, shooting, and game-specific execution.
Goaltending coach: Position-specific development for goalies, including technical work, movement efficiency, and game preparation.
Athletic trainer: Daily support for player health, injury prevention, recovery protocols, and return-to-play management.
Together, these elements create a complete development environment where players are supported across every aspect of their game, ensuring steady progression throughout the season.
Have questions? Take a look at our FAQ's page.