Welcome to the Hockey Academy!
FVSD has hired pro hockey player Dion Knelsen as lead instructor of the Hockey Academy. With a 12-year professional career playing in Europe, and a passion for the sport, Dion is looking forward to passing along his knowledge of the game to the next generation.
We are excited to offer a hockey skill building program for FVSD students!
- Access to a full set of hockey equipment is recommended.
- If you DO NOT have access to equipment please contact Lead Instructor, Dion Knelsen by email to discuss potential solutions.
It is our goal that all interested students are able to participate.
Students of all skill levels are welcome!
Registration
This new program will begin on September 11, 2023 and will focus on individual skills and character development. Sessions will take place during the school day at the High Level and La Crete arenas. Program frequency, group size, and duration are subject to change and will vary based on the number of registrants.
Fill out the online form below to register your child in the FVSD Hockey Academy:
Cost for 2023-2024 School Year: FREE
Schedule for Quad 1
Click each heading below to see the schedule for each group. There will be 1-2 ice times per group each week. Please note that all times and groups are subject to change depending on registration numbers.
La Crete Arena
Group 1 - Mondays: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Group 2 - Wednesdays: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Group 3 - Fridays: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
High Level Arena
Group 1 - Tuesdays: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Group 2 - Thursdays: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Buffalo Head Prairie School Group (La Crete Arena)
PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: You are responsible for transporting your child's equipment to their school in the morning and home again at the end of the day.
Grade 7* - Mondays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grade 9* - Wednesdays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grade 8* - Fridays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Hill Crest Community School Group (La Crete Arena)
PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: You are responsible for transporting your child's equipment to their school in the morning and home again at the end of the day.
Grade 7* - Mondays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grade 9* - Wednesdays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grade 8* - Fridays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
La Crete Public School Group (La Crete Arena)
Supplemental Group - Mondays: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Grade 7* - Mondays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grade 9* - Wednesdays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grade 8* - Fridays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
*Junior High groups from BHPS, HCCS, and LCPS are scheduled by grade; there will be students from all three schools on the ice when their grade is scheduled.
High Level Arena
Grades 9-12 - Tuesdays: 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Grade 7 CTF - Tuesdays: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Grades 9-12 - Thursdays: 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Grade 8 CTF - Thursdays: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
La Crete Arena
Intensive Group - Mondays: 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Intensive Group - Wednesdays: 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Intensive Group - Fridays: 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Supplemental Group - Wednesdays: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Supplemental Group - Fridays: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
High Level Arena
Grades 9-12 - Tuesdays: 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Grades 9-12 - Thursdays: 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
The Future of the FVSD Academy
In keeping with FVSD's broader goal of every student graduating with credentials to help them succeed in life, the Academy aims to offer students opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have available to them. We believe that exposing students to a variety of possible career paths while in junior and senior high helps them make informed decisions as they graduate and move on to the next phase of their lives.
Although the focus will initially be hockey, plans to bring in a wider variety of options are being developed. From sports to potentially robotics and the arts, we are looking to expand available programs. Watch for more information as we continue to build the Academy!
Hockey Academy Staff
Dion Knelsen was born and raised in High Level, AB, playing minor hockey there until he moved south with his family to Three Hills, AB when he was 13. He played bantam and midget AAA in Red Deer, one year of Junior A in Drumheller, and received a scholarship to play Division 1 NCAA for Alaska-Fairbanks at 17 years of age.
While playing in Alaska-Fairbanks, he had the opportunity to play for Team Canada at the World U18 Championship in Finland. After playing four years of NCAA hockey, he would go on to play twelve years professionally in Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Dion ended his 660 game professional career with 309 goals and 421 assists, a Norwegian Championship and a Swiss League Championship, as well as a gold and silver medal at the Spengler Cup for Team Canada.
Dion is excited to share his knowledge and passion for the game with the next generation, hoping to give them the best opportunity possible to reach their potential and grow stronger as people and players.