04/17/2026
Can’t wait to jump on the ice and get after it with the crew at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus.
A proposed hockey program for Iron Ridge Secondary Campus could be ready to hit the ice by next fall.
The proposed high school hockey program at the school would see students spend three days each week focusing on off-ice training, including sport psychology, strength and conditioning, and nutrition, alongside two mornings of on-ice development at the arena. At the rink, training would begin in the morning before students are transported back to the school for the remainder of their classes
The idea, which already has strong community partnerships and growing excitement, began simply — with students asking for it.
“This came directly from our students,” said Ed Coles, IRSC Principal. “They wanted something that combined hockey with their school day, so we started exploring what it could look like and how we could make it work.”
Since then, the concept evolved into a well-structured program designed to support the development of the whole athlete — physically, mentally, and academically.
“It’s about more than just ice time,” said Coles. “We’re really looking at the full picture — how athletes train, how they think, how they recover, and how they perform over the long term.”
A key piece of the program is a partnership with Nieuw Edge Hockey, led by Brent van Nieuwkirk, who is Power Edge Pro certified coach. Power Edge Pro is an on-ice hockey development program focusing on improving small-area performance, edge control, and puck handling simultaneously. van Nieuwkirk will work alongside a certified teacher with power skating credentials to deliver integrated on-ice instruction.
The program is expected to accommodate approximately 28 students in its initial intake, with future expansion — potentially into junior high.
Affordability has also been a priority. The school has an agreement with the Town of Blackfalds to provide ice time at no cost, allowing the IRSC to keep program fees relatively low.
“We know hockey can be expensive,” said Coles. “Our goal is to make this as accessible as possible while still delivering a high-quality experience.”
Community response suggests that the goal for such a program is already resonating.
A recent survey confirmed strong interest from both students and families, with feedback indicating alignment between anticipated costs and what families are prepared to support.
The program will focus on students who already have foundational skating ability and are looking to further develop their skills, rather than those new to the sport. An application process will help ensure the right fit, with careful consideration given to student workload and well-being.
Importantly, students would also earn high school credits through their participation, connecting their training to broader learning in areas like physical education and sport performance.
