Fall Hockey Program

Brentwood Term 1 hockey is already in full swing.  This year’s seniors, along with a handful of junior students, practice together twice a week at Kerry Park Arena, with the hopes of developing a strong team foundation for the eventual competitive season.  Eight practices in, and the team is starting taking its shape.  With sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays at KP, and Saturday mornings in the Foote Athletic Centre strength and conditioning gym, the players are showing a lot of dedication to this program, not to mention a purposeful mindset for this crucial training section of the season. At this point, the players hope to develop the team chemistry and fitness needed for our inaugural exhibition game. Many of the players this term have not played with each other before, and these first few weeks have been a good opportunity for everyone to get attuned to each other’s game.  For the long term, the team has been working hard on the ice to hone their skills, having to hone both their game and their skates. All this training is to ultimately be ready for the competitive season in early January, as well as our annual Showcase Hockey game against St. George’s and the Ross Cup tournament later on.  In the meantime though, the team has to focus, as their first exhibition game was against Cowichan on October 18th. Under Head Coach Tom Shadlock, and Assistant Coach Neil Robinson, the squad has been getting the most out of their practice time this term. As goaltender Callum N, Rogers ‘20 candidly put it, “It makes coming back to school a lot easier”.  The team consists of players from all over, hailing from as far as Saudi Arabia, to right here in Mill Bay. They come from different programs and skill sets, but they are a team nonetheless. As it was best put, “The coaching staff is legendary, the team is unheard of, and the comradery builds bonds that will last a lifetime,” said defencemen Elliot F, Privett ‘19.   Evidently the forecast for team success this year is a very hopeful one. Starting in Term 2, the program will split into its branches for the competitive season. Beyond senior team, there will be a large development program for skaters of all skill levels, and very likely a girls team as well. This is a great opportunity for less experienced players to hone their skills, and especially for new players to learn the game, and become a part of Brentwood hockey. With the Term 2 program being able to accomodate skaters of all levels of ability, there is a place for anyone that wishes to participate.  There is a lot the Brentwood hockey program has to offer, and everyone is encouraged to join to experience the rewarding dedication and enjoyment this amazing sport offers. Jack P, Whittall ‘20