Balancing textbooks and slapshots isn’t easy, but for many young hockey players, it’s part of everyday life.
Between early morning practices, weekend road trips and hours spent at the rink, finding time for schoolwork can be a challenge. Yet, players from minor hockey, junior leagues and college/university teams say staying on top of academics is as important as staying in game shape.
“It’s definitely tough,” said 17-year-old Owen MacDougall, a defenceman with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Aurora Tigers. “There are days you’re waking up at 6 a.m., skating for two hours, then going straight into school and trying not to fall asleep in math class.”
MacDougall attends classes online through a flexible program offered by his school board. It’s a common option for players chasing major junior or college hockey dreams while still working toward a diploma.
Teams and leagues have taken steps to support players academically. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL), which governs major junior hockey, requires players to attend school and assigns academic advisors to each team. U Sports, the national governing body for university sport in Canada, emphasizes academic eligibility and graduation.
At the university level, the balance can be just as intense.
“You’re writing papers on the bus, studying in hotel rooms, and trying to stay sharp on the ice,” said Sophie Dubois, a forward for the Université de Montréal Carabins women’s team. “Time management is everything.”
Dubois, who is majoring in kinesiology, said her coaches and professors are understanding but the responsibility still falls on the players to meet deadlines and maintain grades.
“We’re student-athletes, not just athletes,” she said. “If you’re failing your classes, you’re not going to be in the lineup either.”
According to U Sports, more than 94 per cent of its athletes graduate with a degree, with many going on to careers in medicine, law, business and education. Still, the demands of high-level hockey can take a toll.
Mental health professionals say student-athletes are at increased risk for burnout due to the combined pressures of school and sport. Many teams now offer access to counselors and wellness resources to help players manage stress.
“Sometimes it’s overwhelming,” said MacDougall. “There are nights where you’re dead tired, and you’ve still got two chapters to read and an essay to finish. But having goals beyond hockey helps keep you focused.”
For those playing in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) the umbrella organization for the OHL, WHL and QMJHL school is a mandatory part of the experience. Players are required to attend classes, and each team employs an academic advisor to help with course planning, tutoring and support.
The CHL also offers a scholarship program for players who don’t go on to professional hockey. For every year a player spends in the league, they receive a year’s worth of post-secondary tuition, a major incentive for many families.
“It’s a huge help,” said Mike LeBlanc, whose son plays for the Cape Breton Eagles of the QMJHL. “Even if hockey doesn’t work out, we know his education is taken care of.”
Still, the path isn’t always smooth. Some players delay post-secondary education to focus on hockey full-time, especially if they’re pursuing NHL dreams. Others return to school in their twenties after their playing days are over.
But for those who stay the course, the reward is twofold: a shot at hockey glory, and a future beyond the game.
“I know hockey won’t last forever,” MacDougall said. “I love the game, but I’m also thinking about what comes after and school is a big part of that.”
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