When talking about the growth of the Prairie Hockey Academy over the last few years, much of the conversation has revolved around the addition of teams, success in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League and just general internal expansion.
During the Apr. 3 weekend, just how much things have taken off at the Caronport-based CSSHL school officially became as concrete as can be.
Prairie Hockey Academy held the grand opening of their new team facilities at the Barkman Arena, including a host of amenities and improvements that would make Western Hockey League teams take a second look.
Four brand-new dressing rooms, one for each PHA team. A full-service skate sharpening and repair shop. Multiple coach rooms. Just about everything a hockey program could want.
The team held a come-and-go tour of the new facilities on Apr. 3, with the team moving into their new digs the next day.
“We’re just grateful, it’s been a huge project and we’re just thrilled that it’s done,” said PHA president Justin Simpkins. “it’s been an undertaking and we’re excited to see the vision come through and some of the details come out that we didn’t envision at first.”
Anyone walking through the expansion will quickly figure out who it belongs to -- from the logos on the dressing room ceilings to the Prairie Hockey Academy-emblazoned stick racks, the organization’s branding is everywhere.
Interestingly enough, many of those embellishments are the product of PHA patrons and friends.
“You look around and it really makes a difference,” Simpkins said. “You look at the logo on the roof, the stick racks, all this was done by friends and alumni who donated and did different things. It really helps and makes it all pop.”
Folks were filtering through the facility throughout the day, including one especially interested group -- the Calvert family, who stopped by the Badger's Den coach’s room named in memory of Bob ‘Badger’ Calvert during their tour.
Plenty of current players were also on hand to check out their new digs, making for a steady stream of interested observers throughout the afternoon.
Seeing the top-of-the-line facility is something Simpkins also helps with future recruitment.
“It can only help,” he said. “Student-athletes can come in and see the dedicated space, and for me, having that space when you were an athlete is so huge, and it brings a bit of a ‘wow’ factor. It helps us set the standards we expect, and helps the student-athletes realize that they’re going to be cared for when they’re here.”
The next step in Prairie Hockey Academy’s development will naturally be to contend for a CSSHL title, and they hope those first steps are being taken through the remainder of the school year.
“For now, the next three months of development for this year’s student class is going to be special for them,” Simpkins said. “They’re going to set the standard for this facility and this organization and that’s exciting.”
For more on the Prairie Hockey Academy, be sure to visit their website at www.prairiehockey.ca.
