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THE LACROSSE PROGRAM HOSTS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
On May 27th, 2011, The Lacrosse Program was honored to work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and host Blake to our program. Blake was very interested in learning to play lacrosse and meet Jimmy Quinlan, our Lead Teacher and a player for the Edmonton Rush. He brought some friends with him and they were all very focused, excited, and prepared to learn.
The day started off with some basic lacrosse skills; passing, catching, scooping and shooting. Following the skills, Blake and his friends competed in a couple of shooting contests and finished with a scrimmage, where Blake scored the winning goal for his team. The students in the Lacrosse program were excited to have Blake visit them and participate in the activities. The day ended with a pizza lunch and presentations to Blake and his friends. They all received Rush t-shirts, Power socks, autographed lacrosse balls, and game worn Rush shorts. Blake was also presented with a TLP Power pinnie. There were great memories all around and it ended up being a fantastic day for all those involved.
TLP ATHLETES WILL COMPETE AT BOX NATIONALS
Congratulations to Killian Drysdale, Logan Zurfluh and Tiana Machado on making Team Alberta.
Killian and Logan are Midget A players for the Edmonton Warriors. They are both extremely hard workers and have shown exceptional development in the program. This will be a great opportunity for them to compete at a high level and show their skill in the game. We are expecting Logan and Killian to bring the game knowledge they have acquired in The Lacrosse Program to Team Alberta.
Tiana Machado made the Bantam Girls Team Alberta as one of their goalies. She is a very strong goalie who has worked hard on dominating her age group. She has exceptional potential to be one of the best goalies at the tournament.
We want to give our best wishes to all three of them and wish them good luck in the tournament.
May 30th, 2011
BJJ PROGRAM SUMMER CAMPS
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program will be running Summer camps over the break, which will be run by Professor Malin.
The camps are designed to teach BJJ techniques for the purpose of Self-Defense, for male and female students aged 8-15.
Sessions will be Monday to Friday August 1st-5th or August 8th-12th in the mornings for 8-12 year old students, and in the afternoon for 13-15 year old students.
For more info on the camps, please view the brochure by clicking the image above, or by clicking HERE.
February 7th, 2011
AAD GOLF TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCED
The Lacrosse Program and AAD will be hosting their 1st Annual Golf Tournament this May to benefit the sports alternative programs at Donnan School & Vimy Ridge Academy.
The event will be hosted on May 28th, 2011 at the Ranch Golf and Country club starting at 2:15.
The AAD 1st Annual Golf Tournament, is organized by the staff of The Hockey Program and is the program's largest fundraiser. The proceeds from this event are used to supplement the capital and alternative education programs at Donnan School and Vimy Ridge Academy.
There are many ways to become a part of the Golf Tournament. You can sign up to become a participant by purchasing a single admission or by buying a foursome, donate an item to our silent auction that will be held at the event, or sign up as a sponsor as anything from a Major Sponsor to a "Par" Sponsor.
To download the registration form as well as the sponsorship form, please click HERE. Once you have filled them out, please email them to sean.beissel@epsb.ca or drop them off to Mr. Beissel at Donnan School.
January 28, 2011
AAD TO ADD RINGETTE PROGRAM AT DONNAN
Since 1996, Academic Athletic Development and Donnan School have worked in concert to provide some of Canada's most unique sports alternative programming. Sport Academies were identified in 1999 as venues for increasing student participation in sport, health and wellness. Donnan School and the Academic and Athletic Development Association were already providing these advantages to youth. We currently have over 600 students involved in our academic and athletic programs, including Hockey, Lacrosse, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sports Recreation.
Ringette specific programming would build on sports recreation, allowing the students to acquire physical literacy skills through multiple sports, and adding the benefits of 2 ice times a week to work on ringette specific skills, as well as a skating treadmill on site. This is an opportunity to train in a non-competition based environment with the goal of increasing skill and understanding. The on-ice programming is complemented with off-ice focus on nutrition, fitness, and overall health to foster complete growth in the athletes.
The program will accept 18 to 22 students from grades 3 to 6 attending Donnan on a full-time basis. The 2011–2012 school year is the first in a three-year plan to develop the ringette specific program.
Bronwen Harvey will be in charge of the Ringette program and brings many years of expertise playing and coaching at various levels. Playing highlights include 18 years in Edmonton and Vancouver combined at the AA and A level, two appearances at Nationals, being a member of tournament teams for the World Championship Host in 2002, and a team that participated in a tournament in the Czech Republic in 2002.
Ringette is a passion she hopes to share through the program at Donnan.
January 28, 2011
VIMY STUDENTS AND ALUMNI AT CANADA WINTER GAMES
Eleven current student athletes, staff and alumni from Vimy Ridge Academy will represent Alberta at the Canada Winter Games in Halifax next month.
From February 11th to 27th, athletes from The Hockey Program as well as the Elite Athlete program at Vimy will go for Gold against the best winter athletes across Canada.
From the Hockey Program, Jaedon Deschenau and Greg Chase will be competing in the Under 16 Men's Hockey division while Liz Hillier, Heather Kashman, and Arden Cowley will be competing in the Under 18 Female Hockey division.
From the Elite Athlete Program Chris Blackmore, Rebecca Marsh and Monika Gala are involved in the Figure Skating competition, and Bobby Kriangkum and Aiden Marsden will be giving their all in the Artistic Gymnastics competition.
As well, Academic and Athletic Development's Executive Director Jeff Jones is also a part of Team Alberta as a part of the Mission Staff.
There is also a facebook page where you can show your pride in our athletes and root for them on their quest for Gold. To join the conversation click HERE.
Good luck to all in Halifax.
TLP STUDENTS SHOW WELL AT MIDGET NATIONALS
We are proud to congratulate two of our athletes for making and competing on the midget Team Alberta club that represented the province in the midget nationals. Ryan Davidge and Drew Deans worked hard to make the team and contributed in a big way on the team this year. Ryan was second on the team in scoring with eight goals and third on the team in assists with eight. He cracked the top ten for both goals and assists in the tourney and had a great outing. The Program got to sit down and ask him a few questions about how it went. Ryan considered his best game was against B.C. were he dominated. His favorite game to play in was the gold medal game where the team just fell short 4-2. His favorite player to play with was Josh Webber, he said they had great chemistry and played really well together. His favorite coach was Steve Turvey who really got Ryan to put out his best effort.
Drew Deans played a major role on defense for the team. The defense was stifling as they limited their opponents to only 26 goals in 8 games. He also managed to get two assists and bring leadership to the team. Team Alberta ended up with a 6-2 record only losing to team Iroquois twice. They walked away with a silver medal and did Alberta proud. The Lacrosse Program is very proud of these two athletes and just goes to show how hard work can take you to amazing places.
TLP ALUMNI HAS SOLID FRESHMAN YEAR
(#44 grey, 3 assists)
Congratulations to Travis Comeau for an outstanding freshmen year at Georgetown University. Travis, a former instructor at TLP Power, played in all but one game for the Georgetown Hoyas men's field lacrosse team. He finished second in scoring for the team with 25 goals and 5 assists. Travis utilized his great box skills to his advantage finding a role as a finisher for the Hoyas. Travis worked hard to make the jump to the NCAA, leaving home to attend school at The Hill Academy. He dedicated himself to improving and it paid off with a great first year. Travis will be travelling home and will be joining current student-athlete Kevin Pym with the Calgary Raiders Junior A team.
TLP STUDENTS JUNIOR TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
The TLP Power are proud to announce the accomplishments of our student-athletes. Darren Bourret and Chris Gardner have made the Edmonton Eclipse Junior A team as first year players. Kevin Pym is in his second year at Junior A and after a great first season with the Edmonton Eclipse and making it to the Minto Cup, Kevin has taken his game south to play for the Calgary Raiders.
Five other student-athletes are playing for the Sherwood Park Titans Junior B team. Adam Wild, Lukas Frost, Dallas Smith, Taran Osterman and Matt Williams are all members of the Sherwood Park Titans. In addition, the team is coached by Russ Sheppard, Paul Rai and Jimmy Quinlan, individuals with ties to TLP Power. Russ was a former teacher at the program. Paul and Jimmy are currently the lead instructors for the program. We are proud of the work that our student-athletes have invested into the program. Their skill development has been impressive and it is evident in their play at the junior level.
April 21, 2010
BONNIE DOON CAMPUS PARK OPEN HOUSE AT VIMY ON MONDAY
Vimy Ridge Academy will be hosting an open house to share thoughts on the future use of the Bonnie Doon Campus Site. The Open House will be on Monday April 26 from 4 to 8pm in the East Gym. This is a great opportunity to see the concept plan and provide feedback on what it entails.
Click HERE for a flyer explaining the Open House
April 16, 2010
TLP POWER IS NOW ON TWITTER
Starting today, you can follow your favorite section of AAD on Twitter. There is a Twitter page devoted to AAD, The Hockey Program, TLP POWER, The BJJ Program, and Sport Recreation.
Each page will be updated with news and announcements from each section as well as interesting articles and information that we feel may interest student athletes and their parents in the program.
This is a great way to stay on top of the latest news and events from around AAD. You can even follow our Twitter on your smartphone. For an article explaining how to use Twitter on your mobile phone, click HERE.
Go to www.twitter.com to sign up for your twitter account and follow the sections of AAD that interest you:
www.twitter.com/lacrosseprogram
March 8, 2010
FORMER STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTOR MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE NCAA
( Kirby Zdrill, #47 white at 1:00)
Kirby Zdrill (pictured at left), a TLP product currently attending Yale University found the net in his first game against Holy Cross. Yale went on to a stunning victory 14-7 against Holy Cross. Kirby is one of two Canadians on the squad and has worked hard to get into the lineup as a freshmen player. Kirby brings a strong inside game to the Yale Bulldogs and will be looked upon to be a finisher on the crease.
Matt Pick (right) is a freshmen long stick middie for the Whittier Poets. Whittier is a NCAA school located near Los Angeles, California. Matt has played in all of Whittier's first three games so far this season. Matt is an example of hard work and dedication. His effort in The Lacrosse Program for three years led to a one year stint at The Hill Academy before moving on to Whittier College.
Travis Comeau, (lower left) a freshman at Georgetown University, and former Lacrosse Program instructor netted two goals and assisted another versus a tough Maryland squad. Georgetown led the match early, but fell short 15-13. Georgetown is ranked number 13 in the NCAA while Maryland is number 7. Travis also played a key role in the win over number 11 ranked Harvard. He scored three goals including the eventual game winning goal. Travis now has 5 points in his first two NCAA games with Georgetown.
The Lacrosse Program is extremely proud of these three young men and look forward to watching their accomplishments the rest of the season.
Travis Comeau, #44 grey, goals at 2:39 and 3:08)
March 1, 2010
TLP POWER/RUSH ANNOUNCE 2ND ANNUAL SPRING BREAK CAMP
The Edmonton Rush alongside The Lacrosse Program at Vimy Ridge are pleased to bring you the second annual Spring Break Camp on March 30th and 31st. Learn from Rush players Chris McElroy, Jimmy Quinlan, Andy Secore, and Brodie Merrill. The camp will be held at Southside Soccer Centre in Edmonton.
Last year's camp hosted over 80 athletes looking to improve their skills and prepare themselves for the upcoming box season. This year is sure to be just as successful.
Athletes can expect to improve on passing, catching, shot technique, on and off-ball movement and offensive strategy. Goalies will receive specific instruction focused on positioning, movement and ball control. The camp is an excellent opportunity to get ready for the upcoming lacrosse season. All registrants will receive a camp pinnie and 4 tickets to the Edmonton Rush game against the Washington Stealth on April 2nd (value of $115).
To view the camp poster click HERE
To view the camp registration form click HERE
January 19, 2010
KIRBY ZDRILL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Kirby Zdrill, former TLP Power student athlete was accepted to Yale University and began classes there last fall. Global Sports caught wind of the achievement and featured Kirby as the Athlete of the Week in late December.
January 15, 2010
SHADOW DAY INFORMATION
For anyone interested in their free shadow day with TLP Power, contact paul.rai@epsb.ca for more information on availability and scheduling.
January 13, 2010
JIMMY QUINLAN TRAINS WITH XTREME COUTURE
Jimmy Quinlan, TLP's head instructor, was flown to Las Vegas, Nevada to train at Xtreme Couture in accordance with the new deal the Rush signed with Randy Couture, a legendary UFC combatant. He departed Sunday the 13th and returned on the 18th of December. Accompanying Jimmy was fellow Rush player Ryan McNish. Working with Gil Martinez for boxing, Erin Toughill for kickboxing, Brian Keck for wrestling, and Jake Bonacci for fitness, Jimmy and Ryan were exposed to the high intensity workouts many professional and amateur fighters endure twice a day. Workouts consisted of high repititions exercises using low weight, bagwork including kicking, punching and proper movement. They also learned takedown techniques used in wrestling.
"What I found extraordinary was the simplicity of the gym. There weren't any heavy workout machines, just a squat rack, mats, heavy bags, and a miniature UFC ring to spar in." –Jimmy Quinlan
Jimmy also experienced the discipline each athlete displays in the gym.
"From the moment you step in the facility, it's clear that you're here for one reason, and if you aren't mentally prepared and you step into the ring to spar, you can expect to eat a few punches." – Jimmy Quinlan
Jimmy was also able to attend lunch with Randy Couture after a morning workout and went to eat at Randy's favorite restaurant.
"After meeting Randy, it's easy to see how down to earth and humble he is about his fame and status in the UFC, and that was something I admired about him." – Jimmy Quinlan
For information on the training one can experience at Xtreme Couture, visit their website at www.xtremecouture.tv
December 15, 2009
SPACE NEEDLE SHOOTOUT UPDATE
TLP Power student athletes returned home from an excellent performance in Seattle's Space Needle Shootout over the weekend. The team played four games finishing with a 2-2 record.
TLP Power student athletes returned home from an excellent performance in Seattle's Space Needle Shootout over the weekend. The team played four games finishing with a 2-2 record.
The first game was against Richmond from British Columbia and it was evident that our boys came to play. From the opening draw we maintained most of the ball possession and defeated Richmond 6-1.
The second game against Mercer Island was the boy's first test of an American squad. It was apparent that the American's were more experienced with the game of field. We put up a strong fight but lost 4-2.
Our third game was against Coquitlam Adanacs, also from British Columbia. This team came with an enormous amount of size, speed, and strength. We were dominating the physical aspect but penalty trouble led to power play goals and we succumbed to the Adanacs 6-4.
Our final game pitted us against the Oregon Rhino's. Both team's players were equal in size but it was clear from the start that the physicality of our Canadian box lacrosse players was going to be more dominant. Our quick sticks in-tight and finishing ability led us to a 16-1 victory of Oregon.
Overall the boy's played great, they bonded as a team on and off the field, they were able to explore downtown Seattle, and experience the tournament. Our newer players adapted to the field game quickly, understanding that moving their feet was the ultimate advantage in the game. Our goalies Hayden Resler and Lee Jackman were outstanding in goal, coming up big when the team needed them most. Ryan Davidge's physical play made each game and each loose ball exciting to watch. Simon Hanson on attack showed great finish in-tight, and excellent vision allowed him to thread passes through the defense. Taylor Osterman was a big body on defense and his athleticism carried the ball and the play from transition to offense easily.
November 25, 2009
TLP STUDENT ACCEPTED TO SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
Eric Ransom is a post grad student athlete in the Program. Eric plays Junior A box lacrosse for the Edmonton Eclipse. He has recently been accepted to Simon Frasier University to study and play Lacrosse. Eric brings excellent game knowledge, effort, and attitude to the Program. Along with his size, stick skills, and physicality, Eric is sure to be an excellent addition to the Simon Frasier Lacrosse team. We are very proud to have Eric in the program. Congratulations, and Good Luck Eric!
November 18, 2009
EDMONTON RUSH SEASON APPROACHES
The NLL season is rapidly approaching and TLP instructor Jimmy Quinlan strives daily to be at his best for the start of the season. When not teaching or instructing the high school athletes, Jimmy can be found in the Vimy Ridge fitness centre with a handful of hockey and lacrosse students. Constantly pushing himself out of his comfort zone is sure to help him be ready with the upcoming season.
November 18, 2009
TLP PROGRAMS UPDATE
TLP student athletes switched from field lacrosse to box lacrosse as of November 2nd. In the first few weeks, we have strived to get our players shooting the ball properly, improving their accuracy, power, and technique. We continue work with our goalies, teaching proper positioning, cutting down angles, and stepping out to face the ball. The junior high Seattle trip is hastily approaching and Sunday morning practices are running weekly to better improve our stick skills. We are very excited to attend this tournament with such a great team.
November 3, 2009
TLP TO COMPETE IN SPACE NEEDLE SHOOTOUT
The Lacrosse Program is proud to announce a U-14 squad that will be taking a trip to Seattle for the Space Needle Shootout tournament. These athletes will be up against some good competition from all over the United States. They will depart the morning of December 4th and return on the 7th. This is the third year our program has sent a team to this tournament. We feel it is an excellent learning opportunity for our squad, allowing them to see some of the skill and dedication players show the game of field lacrosse. Good luck boys!
Coaches:
Russ Sheppard, Paul Rai, Elton Francis
Trainer:
Steven Armitage
Players:
Kaveer Hazrah, Nadr Jomha, Tyler Machado, Stephen Neilson, Taylor Osterman, Aiden Rai, Hayden Resler, Ty Smith, Hayden Stiles, Chayse Austin, Evan Clark, Ryan Davidge, Nyle Edlund.
September 25, 2009
VIMY RIDGE NAMED AS POSSIBLE TWIN ARENA SITE
Vimy Ridge Academy has been named by Edmonton City Council as a possible site for a twin arena and fieldhouse.
While it is still early in the process, the proposed arena would have a 500 seat arena on one side as well as a 250 seat arena on the other.
The field house would have seating for 100, as well as a fitness centre, commercial space and dressing rooms.
The site for the arena would be just west of the school where the school's track field is currently located. The track field and soccer facilities would be moved to the south where the metro continuing education school is at this time.
September 25, 2009
SHADOW DAYS - A FREE DAY IN TLP POWER
Come and participate in a free Shadow Day and get a better idea of the exciting challenges in a day in the life of a TLP Power student-athlete. If your son or daughter is in Grades 7 through 12 and is interested in our program please contact Paul Rai at paul.rai@epsb.ca or 780-465-5461 x185.
August 20, 2009
ALUMNI UPDATE
Vimy Ridge Academy has had the pleasure in working with many elite student athletes since its birth. These individuals have worked tremendously on and off the field to earn them the opportunities to advance to the top levels of the sport. A handful of athletes who trained at The Lacrosse Program have travelled nationally and internationally to further pursue their goals and dreams. Erik Turner, Adam Wilde, and Tyler Fleury, are all former student athletes who have excelled at the sport and are currently enrolled to train and learn at The Hill Academy located in Ontario. The Hill offers the highest level of athletics and academics in the country, and these individuals are sure to bring their own edge to the school. We are proud of the work they invested here at The Lacrosse Program that has enabled to them to take their game to the next level.
Kirby Zdrill
attended The Lacrosse Program in its first year. Under the watchful eye of instructor Russ Sheppard, Kirby quickly excelled physically and academically. After his first year, Kirby left Vimy Ridge to attend renowned preparatory school, Westminster. This school is recognized for its strong focus on academics and athletics. After finishing his high school, Kirby accepted was accepted into Yale University. This prestigious university with decades of history is a perfect fit for this star athlete. Kirby is a great example of what can happen when you dedicate yourself to being the best that you can be.
Matt Pick
attended The Lacrosse Program for junior high and high school. His skill as a long pole quickly established him as a top athlete in Alberta. Along with many others, Matt travelled to Ontario to attend the Hill Academy. Under instruction from Brodie Merril, Matt excelled and became a fantastic pole with great energy, speed, and vision on the field. After graduating from The Hill, Matt accepted an offer from Whittier College in California. This school is known for its Lacrosse and academics and is sure to be an awesome fit for Matt Pick.
Two previous instructors, Nils Thompson (pictured at left) and Travis Comeau both came back to Alberta from attending The Hill. Nils played box lacrosse for the Edmonton Miners Junior A Lacrosse Club while Travis played for the Red Deer Raiders Junior A Lacrosse Club. After successful field and box careers, both athletes accepted offers from universities. Travis is going to be attending Georgetown University and Nils is attending Bryant University. These two dedicated athletes show outstanding effort in every practice and game. They have definitely earned the right to play at the top level of Lacrosse. Nils and Travis show that with dedication, and determination, achieving goals and fulfilling dreams is a possibility.
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