The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) is excited to announce an educational partnership with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School (SCIDES) and School District No. 58 (SD58) to provide distance education services and resources to KIJHL student-athletes.

The South-Central Interior Distance Education School is a publicly funded Provincial Online Learning School (POLS) in SD58-Nicola Similkameen that offers a wide range of academic and elective courses that enable learners to pursue a large variety of graduating paths. They have expertise in working with student-athletes who are focused in achieving excellence both academically and within competitive sport, and their online course offerings are supported by B.C. certified and trained educators as well as administrative officers responsible for school operations.

“The KIJHL is thrilled to partner with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School to offer high-quality, consistent distance learning options to student-athletes across all 21 of our member clubs,” said KIJHL Commissioner Jeff Dubois. “SCIDES understands the challenges associated with balancing junior hockey and academics, and the structure and guidance their programs and staff provide to our student-athletes will have a direct impact on optimizing their achievements both on and off the ice.”

As part of their comprehensive Competitive Athlete Program, the SCIDES Junior Hockey Program offers educational programming designed to meet the unique needs of junior hockey players. Their tailored programming is ideal for junior hockey players as it works with the demands of training, competition, and travel to ensure learners are not sacrificing education for hockey or vice versa.

The Junior Hockey Program delivers comprehensive education that covers all B.C. graduation requirements and currently includes many students playing across a variety of junior leagues, including both school aged students and graduated students upgrading courses. SCIDES alumni include NHL draft picks and NCAA scholarship recipients.

“SCIDES is thrilled to partner with the KIJHL to provide online education options for their student athletes” said SCIDES Athlete Advisor and Teacher, Corey Hermiston. “The emphasis the KIJHL has placed on offering strong educational programming for their players makes them a leader among junior leagues across the country.

“Their commitment to athlete growth both on and off the ice demonstrates a desire for preparing young people for success in all facets of life. The leagues approach to education and athlete growth aligns with SCIDES values, as we aim to provide educational opportunities for athletes that facilitate athletic, scholastic, and personal growth to ensure we are setting learners up for success both during and after hockey.”

Over the past four years, the KIJHL has been working diligently to build its educational program for student-athletes under the guidance of Tom McEvay, the league’s Director of Education Services. McEvay oversees a network of team-based advisors that work closely with their players to guide educational decisions with a focus on pathways to college hockey and life. The KIJHL’s partnership with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School will enhance those offerings and strengthen the ability of student-athletes to reach their scholastic and athletic goals.

“This is an example of the KIJHL looking for educational partnerships that can enhance the quality of what we offer our players,” stated McEvay.

“Having spent 34 years in public education as a teacher, counsellor, and principal, I am aware the unique educational pressures and challenges facing our high school aged players and older players looking to upgrade or enhance their transcripts to prepare for college or university. Working with a high-quality distance education program with exceptional teachers like Corey is an option I am proud we can present to them.”

To learn more about the KIJHL’s partnership with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School and their Junior Hockey Program, visit https://www.kijhl.ca/scides.

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