High School Hockey Academy
Regina Catholic Schools & Golden Ticket Sports Hockey Academy
High School Program Overview
Regina Catholic Schools (RCS) is proud to expand its partnership with Golden Ticket Sports for the 2025-2026 school year, offering two streams of Hockey Academy programming. High-Performance and Sport For Life Hockey Academy for Grade 9-11 students. This innovative program allows student-athletes to specialize in their sport while maintaining their academic excellence.
Our academy fosters skill development, high-level coaching, and personal growth without the pressure of a traditional competition model. This is the perfect opportunity for young athletes to train with the best, learn from top-tier coaches, and have a one stop shop for their academic and sport development.
High Performance Overview: - Academy Focus
Per Semester Offering Includes:
(note 2nd semester may vary to accommodate heavier points in athletes seasons: example, reduced ice sessions on the front end of the 2nd semester)
note: High Performance must be taken in Semester 1 to be eligible for Semester 2.
- Dave Schultz Power Skating Instruction
- One way transportation (rink back to home school - time table below)
- 30 On Ice Sessions
- Next Level Hockey Consulting on ice instruction
- Elevate Hockey Development instruction
- Twice a week workouts in PEAK developed by Regina Catholic Staff with expertise in training elite hockey players
- Twice a week shooting instruction in PEAK with PEAK staff.
- Dedicated Goalie Coach for ⅓ of all on ice sessions.
- 1x per week (average) fitness/mobility coaching
- PEAK Performance Access and Instruction
- Academy Gear Package
$2250.00 + Tax/Applicable Fees Per Semester
$4100.00 + Tax/Applicable Fees for 2 Semester Pairing
Sport For Life Program Overview: - Academy Focus
(note 2nd semester may vary to accommodate heavier points in athletes seasons: example, reduced ice sessions on the front end of the 2nd semester)
- One way transportation (home school to rink - time table below)
- 30 On Ice Sessions
- Next Level Hockey Consulting on ice instruction
- Dave Schultz Power Skating Instruction (limited)
- Multi Sport Focus @ Avana Courts
- 5 total fitness/mobility coaching sessions
- PEAK Performance Access and Instruction
- Once per week shooting practice at PEAK
- Once per week workouts in PEAK
- Academy Gear Package
Cost: $1700.00+Tax/Applicable Fees Per Semester
Application Process:
The high performance stream will be application based, reviewed by program directors John Sonntag and Shawn Stieb. Those accepted into High Performance will be involved in the below program. Those who apply for High Performance, and are not successful in their application will be grouped in the Sport For Life stream of the program. These applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and capped on per section registration.
High Performance Program Application Purpose
The purpose of this application is to identify student-athletes who are committed to excelling both academically and athletically. The High Performance program is designed for those who demonstrate a strong dedication to their education and to pursuing hockey at a competitive level beyond high school.
This process is not intended to eliminate students from our programs, but to ensure appropriate placement based on commitment and goals. Students not selected for High Performance will be enrolled in the Sport for Life stream, which provides a strong hockey experience without the same competitive demands.
High Performance features an online academic component in both semesters, while Sport for Life is delivered entirely in-person by academy teachers. This distinction reflects the differing intensity and expectations of each stream.
Our goal is to foster like-minded groups within both programs and support each student’s development, whether their aspirations lie in elite competition or lifelong participation in the sport. We look forward to working with all students in their chosen paths.
Students enrolled in the academy will be supported in their home schools in regular classes for half the day. The half day spent in academy will provide course electives in high performance physed other core course offerings. Catholic Studies will be taught face to face, but other electives will be provided through Regina Learning Online in a tutorial classroom with direct teacher support. High School counselors will work with each student's timetable to ensure on-track credit acquisition and the best academic fits within their schedule.
Why Choose the RCS & Golden Ticket Sports Academy?
- Elite Coaching & Training – Led by high-performance teachers and coaches built into your school day.
- High Performance Academics – Students attend their home Catholic high school, but are grouped together for academy programming.
- Sport-Specific Development – Programs focus on your sport of choice with intentional scheduling, and cohesive pathways from on and off the ice.
- Comprehensive Support – We have worked to bring forth many providers within the city to deliver the best all around program possible.
- Seamless Transportation – One-way transport from/to the students' high schools to the academy is included.
Program Schedule & Offerings
Location: REAL District – Co-Operators Rinks, Avana Courts, and Peak Performance.
Semester 1 – All Grades
| Grade | Periods 1–3 | Lunch | Period 4 | Period 5 |
| Grade 9 | At school | RCSD Transportation to rinks | Physical Education 9 | Catholic Studies 9 |
| Grades 10 & 11 | At school | RCSD Transportation to rinks | Catholic Studies 10 & 20 | Physical Education 10 & 20 |
Semester 2
| Grade | Periods 1–3 | Lunch | Period 4 | Period 5 |
| Grade 9 | At school | RCSD Transportation to rinks | Hockey Skills 10L or Wellness 10 | Social Studies 9 |
| Grades 10 & 11 | At school | RCSD Transportation to rinks | Social Studies 10 or History 20 | Physical Education 10 & 20 |
On Ice Instruction will be led by John Sonntag and Shawn Stieb:
About John Sonntag:
Teaching Background:
John has extensive teaching experience across multiple divisions, including PVSD, RPSD, RCSD, and Ranch Ehrlo Society, with a focus on athletic skill development and strength training. He co-developed the PE 20 and 30 Sports Performance curriculum. Holding a Master’s in Educational Leadership, John collaborates with staff and students across Saskatchewan and supports Physical Education educators provincially through PHE Sask.
Sport Background:
A former junior hockey player in the AJHL and SJHL, John also played for the U of R Cougars in the CIS while earning degrees in Kinesiology and Education. He has coached at various levels and is a certified Power Skating Facilitator. His coaching emphasizes relationships, discipline, and work ethic to help student-athletes grow both on and off the ice.
About Shawn Stieb:
Teaching Background:
With over 25 years of experience in Regina Catholic Schools, Shawn has taught various subjects and served nearly 20 years as Vice Principal at Luther College. His work includes Christian Ethics, History, Social Studies, and Psychology, with additional experience overseeing student residences and adolescent development.
Athletic and Coaching Background:
A former athlete, Shawn won an ACAC Championship with Red Deer College and helped the U of R Cougars reach the Canada West Final. He also led the Regina Rangers to multiple championships. Shawn’s coaching accolades include being named Hockey Regina Coach of the Year and guiding the Regina Zone team to gold at the 2002 Saskatchewan Winter Games. He has scouting experience with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, NHLPA, and Edmonton Oil Kings, and is a key figure in the Polar Power training program, which supports players advancing to professional and high-level leagues.
Approach and Philosophy:
As a classroom teacher and co-developer of the Regina Catholic Hockey Academy, Shawn emphasizes excellence, consistency, and high expectations. His philosophy encourages students to grow beyond their comfort zones, focusing on commitment to improvement both academically and athletically.
Students enrolled in the academy will be supported in their home schools in regular classes for half the day. The half day spent in academy will provide course electives in high performance physed other core course offerings. Catholic Studies will be taught face to face, but other electives will be provided through Regina Learning Online in a tutorial classroom with direct teacher support. High School counselors will work with each student's timetable to ensure on-track credit acquisition and the best academic fits within their schedule.
How to Register
- Pre-register with Golden Ticket Sports.
- Complete high school course selection at your Catholic high school.
Refund Policy: No refunds except if the program does not run due to low enrollment.
Contact Us
Tanner Brightman – Golden Ticket Sports
tanner@goldenticketsports.com | 306-541-9112