How Hockey and Admissions Team Up at Shawnigan

 

Mr. Kevin Cooper, Shawnigan’s Head of Hockey, describes the program as “competing in one of the most highly watched and recruited leagues” – the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. Players face off against elite teams across North America and attend major showcases, giving them critical exposure for advancement to junior, NCAA, or professional levels. Our own Shawnigan program has four elite teams in the CSSHL: U15 boys’ Prep, U17 boys’ Prep, U18 boys’ Prep, and U18 girls’ Prep.

 

A season consists of “over 45 games, significant travel, and high-level competition – it’s all part of the experience,” says Mr. Cooper. Beyond the schedule, it’s the structure around training and development that stands out, supporting our players’ skill development, conditioning, and overall growth as an athlete. Weekly on-ice sessions, off-ice strength training, and full access to year-round help from coaches help our athletes thrive and pursue higher levels of hockey. Outside the main season, students benefit from playing an additional spring sport (rugby, soccer, badminton, squash, tennis, fitness and weights, etc.), spring skills training, and 3-on-3 hockey opportunities with our coaching staff and skills coaches.

 

Admissions isn’t just the starting point for families – it’s an active partner in the entire hockey recruitment journey. “We collaborate closely,” says Mr. Cooper. “While Admissions handles school interviews and logistics, the hockey staff steps in to provide program-specific insight and to evaluate players through ID camps, gameplay footage, and on-campus visits.”

 

For families interested in applying, direct communication with both Admissions and Mr. Cooper is encouraged. For our U18 female prep team, head coach Ms. Carly Haggard will also be included in communications. Whether it's through a visit or a chat with a coach, the process is personalized to each family. And while Shawnigan welcomes dedicated hockey players, Cooper makes one thing clear: “We are not a hockey academy; we are a school with a strong hockey program. Our goal is to help your child become the person they aspire to be.”

 

For Ms. Haggard, head coach of the female program, it’s the culture of growth that truly defines the Shawnigan hockey experience. “We’re not just building athletes, we’re building confident individuals,” she says. “Players who thrive here are the ones who embrace everything Shawnigan has to offer, not just what happens on the ice.”

 

She emphasizes the School's supportive scheduling structure, where practice never interrupts academic time, and travel is thoughtfully coordinated to minimize missed classes. “The CSSHL does a great job with that,” she notes, adding that Shawnigan teachers are also looped in well in advance of player travel and players are given time on the road to stay on top of their studies. 

 

University placement is top of mind for many families, and Jame Pollock – Athletic Advisor, part of the University Guidance team, and U15 boys’ coach – sees firsthand how the School bridges athletics and academics for long-term success.

 

From Ivy League schools like Yale and Cornell to powerhouse hockey programs at Northeastern and Colgate, Shawnigan alumni are making their mark. “Our coaches are incredibly well-connected, and we work closely with each athlete on outreach, communication, and research,” says Mr. Pollock. Tools like U Sport and NCSS Athlete Profiles and personalized advising help students showcase their talents and find the right fit in sports and academics.

 

It doesn’t stop with the coaches. “Every student has a faculty advisor,” Mr. Pollock explains. “Advisor groups meet weekly, track progress, and provide individualized support, even during road trips or when away for other school functions.”

 

So, what advice would the team give a family considering Shawnigan for their hockey player?

 

“Come visit,” says Mr. Cooper. “See what makes us different. Our program is designed to support student-athletes on and off the ice. Here, hockey complements academics; it doesn’t compete with it.” From high-level coaching and university guidance to a tight-knit, values-driven community – Shawnigan isn’t just preparing athletes for the next game. It’s preparing them for life.

 

If you're considering Shawnigan for your child, we’d love to connect. Whether you want to schedule a campus visit, speak with a coach, or learn more about our admissions process, we’re here to help. Reach out to our Admissions team today at admissions@shawnigan.ca or Mr. Kevin Cooper at kcooper@shawnigan.ca. Now is the time to explore how Shawnigan can support your goals – on and off the ice.

 

 

Our teams compete in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL), and in various elite hockey tournaments and showcases across North America. The players have opportunities to play against the top teams and players around. The CSSHL is one of the most highly scouted and recruited leagues.

 

 

During the season we use our Grade 8-10 PE classes for off-ice training and on-ice skill development once per week. Grades 11-12 students take Fitness & Conditioning classes, where they work with our strength coaches and get on-ice skill development once per week. These classes are during our regular school schedule. We also use sports time after school for practices, team workouts, video, and much more. We are very fortunate as a boarding school to have access to our students and facilities full time. Once hockey season is over, we encourage kids to play another competitive sport; however, we still offer skill sessions and 3-on-3 hockey throughout the spring term.

 

 

We encourage families to contact the Admissions office or email me at kcooper@shawnigan.ca. Female players can also reach out to our girls’ head coach, Ms. Carly Haggard, at chaggard@shawnigan.ca. Evaluations take place through various methods, including invitations to our ID camps, campus visits where players can skate with our current teams, video footage of game play, and, when possible, live coverage of players' games during the season.

 

 

Admissions and the hockey staff collaborate closely throughout the process. Admissions will handle general school inquiries and conduct a formal interview, while the hockey staff will provide detailed information about the hockey program. Additionally, we will conduct a formal interview as part of the application process.

 

 

Take the time to explore both our School and hockey program to fully understand the unique experience Shawnigan has to offer. While we are not a hockey school or academy, we offer a strong hockey program that complements our rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional boarding experience, and vibrant community. Here, your child will have the opportunity to develop and grow into the person they aspire to be.

 

 

To participate in our competitive hockey program (CSSHL teams), there is an additional hockey fee of $7,500 (as of 2025-26), which is separate from regular tuition and other school fees. This fee primarily covers all hockey-related expenses, including flights, accommodations, meals, equipment, and more. Each team plays over 45 games and has significant in-season travel, and the fee helps support these essential aspects of the hockey program.

 

 

Players who come to the School and understand that there is more to life than just hockey. Players who are willing to explore all opportunities offered here and make the most of all the exciting offerings at Shawnigan. 

 

 

A place that values culture, community, and development. Our program focuses on developing the player on and off the ice to ensure they are ready for the next level. We want them to leave here at graduation as confident individuals ready for the next step. 

 

The CSSHL does a great job of ensuring that a minimal number of school days are missed. Missing school is inevitable, but we contact all the players' teachers in advance to collect schoolwork they will be missing, and always set aside time on road trips to the players to complete work. During the year, we always practise outside of academic time.

 

 

Shawnigan Lake School is quite different from other schools in our league. We always ensure they are students first and athletes second. Students who come here are very hockey driven, but also understand the value of academics as the driving force. The culture of our program is student-athletes with the same goals, but also the understanding that they come to Shawnigan to learn so many other things. It’s a very positive environment that fosters learning and development with the emphasis on growing individuals. 

 

 

There are many examples on the female and male side that have gone on to play and study at the next level. Through the support of coaches, advisors, and University Guidance, students have many opportunities to discuss potential paths. Just a few examples of our students who have gone on to higher levels: Jojo and Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (Yale), Morgan Jackson (Northeastern), Ben Berard (Cornell), Noah Leibl (Hamilton), Reid Irwin (Colgate).

 

 

Our coaches are all well-connected with coaches in different leagues and are consistently in communication with them about our athletes. Our University Guidance office also is a hub for our student-athletes. As the Athletic Advisor, I work with students on how best to promote themselves with athlete profiles, how to communicate with programs, and the research needed to decide where they would like to attend and compete. Although some athletes will have private advisors, our staff at Shawnigan is ready to assist with the next steps in our student-athletes’ journeys.

 

 

Our student-athletes have numerous levels of support here on campus. Each student has an advisor that takes on the guidance of everything academically with the student. They meet at least once a week to discuss progress and areas to focus and improve on. Coaches are regularly in touch with teachers regarding absences and any work that can be administered while on road trips. With teams only playing a maximum of one game per day on trips, there is always time set aside for students to keep up with their academics.