At Anzac Community School, access was once the biggest barrier keeping some students off the ice. Today, thanks to Hockey Alberta’s Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) grant, that barrier is being removed through a growing On-Ice Academy that is changing what opportunity looks like for rural students.
Created to meet the unique needs of the community, the On-Ice Academy brings structured hockey development directly into the school experience. For students who live far from organized sport programs, the difference is significant. What might be a short drive in for larger centres can become a major time and cost commitment for rural families, often making regular participation unrealistic.
The academy itself was intentionally designed around rural realities. Distance, fuel costs, and travel time can quietly exclude students from sport, even when interest and passion are present. By embedding the program locally, the school created a sustainable solution.
Additionally, another barrier was equipment for all participants. With EKEC funding, the program was able to tackle one of the most immediate and limiting challenges, equipment access.
“The EKEC grant allowed us to directly remove one of the most significant barriers for our students: access to equipment,” said Catrina Woodcock-Parent, Success Coach at Bill Woodward High School & Conklin Community School. “With this funding, we were able to purchase hockey gear and sticks so that every child could participate fully and safely.”
For many participants, stepping onto the ice fully equipped was a first and become a moment that carried emotional weight.
“The pride and excitement that came with that was incredibly powerful. It ensured that no student was left out due to cost or lack of resources” said Woodcock-Parent.
The impact has extended well beyond skill development. Educators and program leaders have seen measurable growth in student confidence, engagement, and teamwork. The structure and consistency of the academy combined with personal equipment and a supportive environment has helped students feel connected and motivated.
What makes the program’s origin especially powerful is how it began with one student whose desire to play highlighted a broader community need.
“This entire program began because of one child who dreamed of playing but faced barriers related to distance, cost, and access. Watching that experience made it clear this was not just one child’s story, but the reality for many families in our rural community.”
Rather than asking families to stretch further, the school chose to bring the opportunity closer. The academy has since grown into a point of pride for students, families, and the broader community with regular video updates shared publicly to celebrate progress and participation.
“Seeing this program grow and be highlighted more broadly means a great deal to our school and community,” Woodcock-Parent said. “It shows our students that where they live does not limit what they can be part of, and it reinforces the importance of equitable access for rural students”.
Through Every Kid Every Community grants, the Hockey Alberta Foundation continues to invest where it matters most turning funding into access, and access into life changing opportunity on the ice.
