Column: Education and the OHL

There is more to being a player in the Ontario Hockey League than just playing hockey.

Most people think these kids just come into town to eat, sleep and breathe hockey. Certainly, the game is a big part of what they do, but they are still young adults who have to do what other 16- to 20-year-olds do — go to school.

Leading the charge for education is David Branch, president of the Canadian Hockey League and the OHL commissioner.

The players, especially those still in high school, are expected to achieve a certain level in their studies to ensure they can continue their on-ice exploits.

It’s not as easy as it may sound.

It’s tough enough for most kids to navigate their way through high school, but try adding the daily routine of an OHL player — games, practises and off-ice responsibilities like video sessions and work outs — into the mix.

To demand these kinds of standards, the league must provide the necessary tools. Under the OHL's academic policies, the league supplies trained academic advisers to every team, as well as educational support materials for teams, players and families.

Players are expected to attend high school until graduation and participate in all classes and work toward a passing grade. The policy also states players are encouraged to pursue post-secondary education.

The Sudbury Wolves just happen to have one of the best education advisers around in Gord Ewin.

Ewin is a former teacher, principle, school board trustee and director of education. Ewin meets with the kids and parents when they are drafted, sets the kids up in school, monitors their progress and reports back to the league.

Sudbury is also blessed with some great schools to provide the education.

The majority of high-school-age players go to Lasalle Secondary, but not all.

For the older players, Laurentian University, Cambrian College and Collège Boréal offer players a chance to get a head start on university and college courses that can be followed up after their playing days in the OHL are over.

So, while the players are doing what many of us wished we could have, the players have to deal with the grind of a long hockey season while at the same keeping up with their studies — it can be a lot to juggle for ones so young.

It wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of the players and their families, and that of the league and the teams.

Whether it's on the ice or in the classroom, the players score, but the assists go to teams, the league and the parents — a definite winning combination.

Stew Kernan is the radio and television voice of the Sudbury Wolves, and the News Director at KiSS 105.3 and Q92.