Ontario Hockey Academy To Expand
Candy Pollard

The Ontario Hockey Academy (OHA)in Cornwall is looking forward to expanding. The OHA currently has 34,000 square feet of space and is adding another 4,000 beginning later this spring.

“The anticipated jump in student athletes has necessitated the expansion,” said Assistant Director of Hockey, David Murphy. “Last season we had 57 student athletes and we’re looking at welcoming roughly 100 in September.” The boy’s program is expecting to add two teams bringing its total to four while the girls program is adding a second hockey team beginning in the fall semester. An increase in students and teams also means an increase in job opportunities for coaches and teachers.

OHA officials have held talks with dozens of prospective coaches for next season. One name Cornwall hockey fans are familiar with is former NHLer and Royals star Ray Sheppard who is expected to join the OHA’s boys program.

With a hike in enrolment in the OHA, the amount of scholarships has increased as well. The Academy is offering $80,000 in academic and athletic bursaries ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 with both boys and girls benefitting.

“OHA combines a high level of academics with elite performance hockey and these scholarships are available for the student athlete who needs support to attend our school,” Murphy explained. “Everything we offer makes us a one of kind preparatory school in Eastern Ontario and we’re proud to be based out of Cornwall,” said Murphy.

www.ontariohockeyacademy.com.

Click here for information on other news and upcoming events in Cornwall and Seaway Valley.