(Chinook's Edge School Division/Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Grades 9-11

H.J. Cody High School excited about the success of new hockey class

Nov 26, 2025 | 12:01 PM

H.J. Cody High School in Sylvan Lake has introduced a new hockey class.

It began this fall with two classes, one for Grade 9 students and another for Grade 10-11 students. The school said it’s already off to a successful start when it comes to student engagement.

“We are incredibly pleased to see this class get off to a great start,” said Alex Lambert, H.J. Cody Principal. “When we considered this class, we could see the opportunity to create a stronger connection and sense of belonging here for students, through their love of hockey.”

The idea for the class came from a parent, Kelly Ulseth, who saw the need for it in the community. Many students leave Sylvan Lake to attend hockey programs in Red Deer.

“I could see the vision of having a hockey program in Sylvan Lake. We are a growing town, and there is a lot of interest in hockey,” Ulseth said.

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Ulseth’s son is also enjoying the program so far.

“It’s great to see the students have access to extra skill development and high school credits,” he said.

This year, there are 19 students enrolled in the Grade 9 class and 15 in the Grade 10-11 class. Enrolment costs $550 per student, which the division says is lower priced compared to other programs in the area.

Lambert said the fees are intended to only cover the costs of the class.

“We’ve also made it clear to families that the fee shouldn’t be a barrier to participation, and if it is, families should come talk with us.”

Classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Nexsource Centre, and are transported there by their teacher, who gained his bus driver’s license so that the hockey class could run.

On Wednesdays, they do dryland training, and on Monday and Friday, students experience classroom learning.

Grade 10 student, Reid F., said that it’s fun to be a part of and added that getting to go to the rink and play hockey is awesome.

“The class is 10 out of 10 and would recommend it to all hockey players who want to play more,” Reid said.

Grade 9 student, Destyn C., said she signed up for the class for the chance to get out of school and do something she’s passionate about.

H.J. Cody teacher Connor Einhorn developed the class after he grew up playing hockey in the minor hockey system in Red Deer. At 19 years old, he moved from playing the game to coaching it.

As a student teacher, he was able to support the hockey program at Eastview School in Red Deer and brought that experience to H.J. Cody.

“Having a teacher of Connor’s calibre, skill, and background is essential to our success,” Lambert said. “He is passionate about hockey and player development. His expectation is excellence while also creating an inclusive environment and an accessible opportunity.”

When Lambert asked Einhorn, who is a science teacher, if he was interested in starting the hockey class, Einhorn told her it was a dream come true.

“I was immediately excited about the idea,” he added. “The thought of teaching this class sparked a lot of enthusiasm.

“These programs give students something to look forward to at school and they naturally help build strong peer relationships, especially among students who may play at very different competitive levels outside of school.”

H.J. Cody wants to thank the Nexsource Centre in Sylvan Lake and Ferguson Athletics Development and its owner, Scott Ferguson, for hosting students for dryland training.