As soon as the 2019-2020 school calendar, Bourget College will offer a brand new high-level hockey program targeting both an international and local clientele. Already renowned for its sports programs, its tradition of academic excellence and its mission to develop a comprehensive education, Bourget College aimed to innovate by setting its sight on an under-exploited niche: the prep school American formula.
According to the new Chief Executive Director of the College, Philippe Bertrand, "The College was already aware of its potential in this sector, but with our association with Mr. Carl Michaelson and Mr. Matthew Lombardi, associate partners in this project, the program's development was accelerated." Both men have extraordinary experience in the field of hockey. Indeed, Mr. Lombardi played for many years in the NHL. Mr. Michaelson progressed in the American hockey structure and was a coach for different great institutions. Both men established Westlake Hockey Development, a hockey training school for young players. The upcoming structure will combine their expertise and that of Bourget College, which has already been proven.
This program enhances the existing offer in hockey at the College, which is part of the provincial division of Sport scolaire Québécois (RSEQ). This addition will allow our players to be part of a highly competitive league, followed by scouts of prestigious leagues, such as the QMJHL, the USHL, the NCAA and the NHL. The goal is to host, as early as the 2019-2020 season, two teams. By the end, the complete structure will count close to 80 players of prep U16 and prep U18 level.
These players will evolve in an innovative academic structure offering a curriculum in English, which will allow the students to complete their studies in Secondary 6 (Grade 12). The objective is to ease the transition to American and Canadian universities. On the other hand, the commitment to a comprehensive education, at the heart of Bourget's educational project, will be advocated throughout this program. The students will count on prime athletic and academic development. Mr. Bertrand indicates that "the addition of this specific program in English does not compromise, in any way, one of Bourget College's missions: promoting the French language. In fact, we are analyzing the possibility of establishing optional French classes to improve the knowledge and skills of these athlete students."
This type of structure is very popular across the rest of America and amongst Anglo-Saxons. Bourget College wishes to become a pioneer in the francophone network in developing this structure, which, if it evolves as planned, could see other sports be added.
