The hockey world is quickly changing. A continued emphasis on systems-based coaching and athletic conditioning has seen a need for increased professionalism at all levels. In practice, elite school-aged players seek training that merges education and skills development.
In this environment, World Elite Performance Centre has worked hard to provide players with a holistic approach to their developmental needs. In recent years, this has meant implementing an academy system. This approach allows student-athletes to focus on their education in an environment that supports their academic and athletic pursuits.
Shawn Hicks (Owner of World Elite Performance Centre) led the transition to a comprehensive model in consultation with Jeremy Benoit and Tom Crowhurst (Co-founders & Lead Strength and Conditioning Coaches at Momentous Athletics) on athlete training.
As the only high-performance centre and academy in the Bay of Quinte Region, World Elite uniquely focuses on both educational and hockey development. This emphasis makes sure that students can work towards their goals and abilities without compromise.
The Academy challenges student-athletes and prepares them to impact their community and teams positively.
World Elite Performance Centre benefits from the expertise of Jeanna Oke, the Director and Head of Academics.
With experience as a supply teacher at the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. She also serves as the Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Quinte Red Devils Minor Hockey Association.
"This is something I've always wanted to do, but I didn't have the means or the opportunity," she said. "Shawn is the mastermind behind it all and was able to put it in place. I was able to come in as the director of the Academy this year after Darcy Murphy did a great job getting it started last year. I feel very fortunate."
Jeanna spoke about the importance of participants working alongside other like-minded student-athletes.
"Ultimately, everybody is striving for the same goal," she said. "They're pushing each other. This opportunity allows them to work with other kids at the same level in the classroom.
"They are all very driven in the classroom; we've never had any issues or problems with behaviour. It allows kids to focus. The program is customized to their learning and allows them to be focused in an elite setting. It is the best of both worlds."
Flexible Learning
The Academy currently serves 25 students in grades 6 through 12. This setup allows students to focus on academics without the stress of travelling for further development. Instead of waking up early to skate before school and potentially falling behind, students can focus on their academics first and train throughout the day.
Through a strategic partnership with Blyth Academy, the same education provider as the OHL London Knights and Ottawa 67's, World Elite offers a flexible and accessible learning experience.
Completing schoolwork online allows students to manage their academics effectively while balancing their rigorous training schedules.
"The great part about the program here is that it is so flexible," Oke said. "So it allows them, if they are on the road, or if they are sore or tired after a big game, they can work from home, on the bus, or in the hotel to make sure that they're keeping up with their academics. We have a teacher in the classroom who does a great job with the kids one-on-one."
A typical day at the Academy begins with students arriving at the Belleville campus before 8:30 a.m. They then start with academic studies. By 11:00, the students transition into hockey activities, with the first group heading to the ice rink for skating sessions.
At noon, they move to the gym for workouts while the other students follow in hourly intervals, ensuring that everyone receives ample time for both academics and physical development.
"You're out of the classroom for a two-and-a-half-hour block by the time you get dressed and undressed; other than that, you're doing school," Jeanna explained. "We have a kitchen where they can prepare their food and a fridge where they can bring stuff. Nutrition is a big part of it, and we're trying to push it even more next year, so we're going to add some nutrition and mental performance programs."
The Academy also uses a pacing guide to keep students on track with their schoolwork before working on hockey activities.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
World Elite Performance Centre boasts top-tier facilities, including dryland equipment for strength and conditioning, RapidShot and RapidHands hockey technologies, and a gym with 1,000 square feet of synthetic turf.
These resources ensure that student-athletes have access to the best equipment to reach their full potential.
The Academy also partners with Momentous Athletics to provide specialized strength and conditioning programs and sports rehabilitation services, ensuring support for their physical development and recovery needs.
Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach Tom Crowhurst emphasized the importance of the mental and physical aspects of development. He is responsible for all off-ice development and prepares the weekly programming in the gym.
"A big thing I've noticed is they feel comfortable here," he said. "Although we all love hockey and other sports, they are competitive, which means judgment happens regularly. At a young age, it can make them hyper-aware of what other people think about them.
"This environment is nice because it's a close-knit group of people growing together, encouraging each other every day. They have the complete comfort to ask good questions, make mistakes when needed, and maybe go a little bit harder on certain days, trying different movements without worrying about what other people think."
Personalized Training
Crowhurst highlighted the commitment to customized training programs.
"That's where the Academy is nice. We can create a personalized calendar for each individual, ensuring we consider their energy levels," he said. "We talk to the kids and try to make it as simple as possible, so they understand what we're doing and why we're doing it."
He believes that mastering basic skills leads to long-term success.
"Good habits and understanding usually lead to better success," he said. "If they know why they're doing what they're doing and the impact it has on them later on, they'll be more interested in being involved."
"Honestly, we want to master the basics and ensure they have a good understanding of their bodies. When they advance to the next levels, they should be not only physically prepared but emotionally and cognitively aware of what's going on."
"This helps them understand where they fit into time and space. Both in the locker room and in the gym. So it’s for strength and to make sure that they feel confident in where ever they are going to."
Skill Development
World Elite Performance Centre is committed to promoting excellence in skill development, with notable instructors such as Pierre Dagenais, Chris Longo, Vince Tarantino, Andrew Shaw, and Derek Smith.
Pierre, a former NHL forward, not only brings his experience but is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the next generation of athletes. He can also speak to the impact the model has had on his son, Maddox, a participant in the program.
"World Elite is a place where a kid can have fun, work hard, and develop from NHL players and professionals in the gym," Pierre said. "It's an environment where everyone has the same goal. You'll learn faster and reach your goals."
One of the Academy's recent success stories is that of the Dagenais family, who made history at the QMJHL Draft. The Quebec Remparts selected Maddox first overall, marking the only time in league history that a father and son were both taken with the top pick.
Pierre moved from Quebec to give his son the best chance to succeed, "I came here to give my son a chance to be the best player he can be. Every top player and hall of famer in any sport will tell you the same thing. You have to do more than your opponent."
Maddox high skill level was evident during his season with the U16 Quinte Red Devils, the left-shooting forward recorded 42 goals and 39 assists in just 35 games, earning him OMHA East Player of the Year honours.
Reflecting on his development at World Elite, Maddox credited those around him, "This is the best place to improve your game. It's unbelievable with all the instructors, teachers, and trainers. I wouldn't be here without them."
Jean-Christoph Lemieux, a close friend and teammate of Maddox, was selected 22nd overall by the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL Priority Selection.
Lemieux a highly competitive two-way centreman, scored 24 goals and 36 assists in 35 appearances and continued his offensive prowess into the playoffs with 19 points in nine games.
Jean-Christoph was quick to recognize the importance of the program, "If you trust the process, this is a great place to come. World Elite has everything you need to succeed. In the gym and school, you have all the best instructors like Pierre, and it develops you into a better hockey player."
Another standout athlete from the Academy is Matt Hicks, a right-handed defenceman. He is exploring his options after a strong campaign with the Red Devils. Last season, as an under-ager, he was affiliated with the Eastern Conference Champion Trenton Golden Hawks and recorded an assist in his lone contest with the OJHL franchise.
Matt appreciates the support system he receives at World Elite, "We know what you're trying to pursue, and that motivates us. It's great to always have people looking out for you and helping you to get better. We learn new skills every day and put them into our game."
Pierre spoke highly of their growth, "I'm very happy. They all deserve it. They showed so much progression throughout the year. Almost every player is going to make a step every season. A lot of the kids took two steps. It's rare, and that is what the scouts have told me. They made an extra step when the rest of the field took one step. It's very rewarding."
Summer Programming
World Elite Performance Centre and Momentous Athletics are dedicated to supporting year-round development, and their summer workouts are equally impressive.
This program features Stanley Cup champion Nick Cousins, NHL prospects Ben Danford, Owen Beck, Ethan Miedema, Donovan Sebrango, and several other top athletes from the surrounding regions.
"I think this is only the beginning," Crowhurst said. "It's evident how much talent exists in this area, but until now, there wasn't an environment where these athletes can come together and strive for the same goals.
"Parents and families used to search for opportunities, but now we're fortunate to have a strong team of professionals. That not only provides comfort and convenience but builds on our proven success record."
"Everyone is different, but we've learned what works and doesn't. I believe our community will continue to grow. We have athletes driving in from Kingston and other areas within a 50 to 80 kilometre range, which speaks volumes about our impact."
A New Standard
In partnership with Momentous Athletics and led by dedicated coaches, trainers, and teachers, World Elite Performance Centre has helped set a new standard for player development.
They not only provide the proper support needed to excel in hockey through personalized training programs, state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive school environment to ensure every student-athlete can reach their potential.
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