To kick off the upcoming hockey season, the St. Charles College boys' hockey team will visit the Ford Ice Center Oct. 16 to watch the Nashville Predators take on the Edmonton Oilers.
The team will also have the chance to meet NHL coaches and even a few players.
Following the game, the boys will compete in a series of exhibition games against other competitive teams in the area, tour the Ford Ice Center facility, including the Predators' official dressing room, and take to the ice for a practice led by former NHL player and current assistant coach and Sudbury native Derek MacKenzie.
SCC athletic director Darren Michelutti hopes the trip will inspire resilience and adaptability in his players.
“I want them to understand the value of teamwork and communication, both on and off the ice,” he said.
“Playing exhibition games, watching a live NHL game and touring the facilities will show them the hard work and dedication required to become a professional athlete. Overall, it's an opportunity for personal and athletic growth.”
News of the trip has sparked excitement among the players as they prepare for another season on the ice.
“I’m most looking forward to experiencing a new culture of hockey and playing against American teams,” said Brady Boucher, a senior member of the team. “It will be the most unique hockey experience I’ve ever had throughout my decade-plus of playing. I think this tournament will also help us work out our kinks as a team. This will be some decent competition that will allow us to prepare for the rest of the season.”
“There’s a rich history here,” said Carter Danyluk, also a senior member of the team. “In the last four years, we have come home with City Championships and that has allowed us to really connect as a team. It will be nice to get out there and have some chemistry with this year’s team while making lifelong memories and having a great bonding experience overall.”
His teammate Hayden Myre agreed. “There is something about protecting our ‘rep,’” he said. “We want to keep the running streak going. We are one of the few schools that have a hockey class, so we have been able to get out on the ice a lot more and build on our chemistry”
The St. Charles Hockey Program has been a source of pride among students, staff and alumni since its inception in 1952, significantly shaping the school's culture by adding to its strong sense of community, teamwork, and school spirit, said a press release.
“Our hockey program is the most successful athletic program in the school's history, built on a foundation of tradition and excellence,” said Michelutti.
“Playing hockey for St. Charles College is a privilege, and many students consider their experiences in this program among the best of their lives. Our hockey teams are supported by a large following, led by current and former students, community members, and fans from beyond Sudbury, all of whom take pride in being part of the SCC hockey program.”
The success of the school's hockey program led to the creation of the SCC High Performance Hockey Academy; a curricular program designed for all hockey players at the school. The academy includes four secondary classes and two elementary groups, with over 100 students currently enrolled.
Later this season, St. Charles College will also have the honour of hosting the 2025 A/AA OFSAA Hockey Championship. The tournament will draw 32 teams and around 500 individuals including student-athletes, staff, family members and friends to Greater Sudbury.
With plenty of exciting opportunities on the rise for the SCC hockey team, there's one thing the players can all agree on: 'Without a doubt, the best part of being on the team is the coaches and how much they care,” said Boucher.
