Jonathan Calof, PhD, Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa calof@telfer.uottawa.ca phone: 613-228-0509
A personal greetings to all those interested in the academic side of Central Junior Hockey. First an introduction, I am a professor at the University of Ottawa, an advisor with Seneca College, and a High School soccer coach, so I am involved in all levels of education. I am also a hockey father with a son who is now playing NCAA and another son playing in CIS (Canadian University) so I have been through it all as a parent.
My role as academic director is to liase with teams, players, and parents in helping our players make the most of their Central Hockey League opportunity from an educational perspective. While the coaches do their best to help the players improve on the ice, it is the responsibility of me and the team academic advisor to assist the player academically. What does this involve?
Discussing NCAA and CIS options
Assisting in course selections for High School, University or College
Helping to enrol the player in appropriate classes
Monitoring player academic progress
Moving players through the maze of rules and regulations at post-secondary educational institutions to help them develop an appropriate course schedule
The leagues commitment to education has grown over the years and with it the number of our players getting opportunity to play at the post-secondary level. Former CCHL players from last year were accepted into NCAA division one and three programs and Canadian University programs. Last year two former CCHL players made the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) all-rookie team and the year before a former player was ECAC rookie of the year and co-ivy rookie of the year. Another one of our alumni was named the commanding/top cadet at Royal Military College while being a RMC hockey team standout. Our league is producing top notch students and hockey players at the University level.
The leagues commitment to education can be seen with the recent naming of an academic all star team and the establishment of an academic all CCHL designation for all players with an average of over 80% during the hockey/school year. As well several teams have established a requirement that players must be enrolled in school to play. Others have mandatory tutorial/study sessions and SAT courses.
As I say to each player at the beginning of the year, the League provides the opportunity but it is up to them to take advantage of it to prepare them to move to the next level. Me and my team of academic advisors who are all volunteers are there to provide the support they need to make the most of educational opportunities.
Regards
Jonathan Calof
