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Boarding Life
Dormitory The CIH Academy offers a true boarding-school experience. Living away from home helps students develop leadership and prepares them for the transition to post-secondary education and adulthood. Our comfortable and secure dormitory can accommodate up to 90 student-athletes. Each
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Activities
Located at the doorstep of Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and Quebec’s largest city, Montreal, student-athletes of CIH Academy have many opportunities to experience the region’s rich culture and history. Throughout the year, we plan a wide range of interesting field
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Nutrition
NUTRITION Nutrition is an important part of our hockey training program—to perform at an elite level, the human body needs the right kind of fuel. CIH Academy features a fully equipped cafeteria that serves tasty and nutritious meals three times
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Programs
We expect that all students in the CIH Academy hockey program are committed and dedicated to achieving excellence, both academically and athletically. Our ultimate goal: to have athletes graduate from our program, go on to attend college or university, and
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Coaching Staff
At CIH Academy, all of our head coaches have considerable experience playing and coaching hockey. From minor hockey to the pros, our coaches have learned to nurture and grow their athletes. CIH Academy’s Head Coaches are all High Performance 1
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Training
Our elite training program at CIH Academy uses the latest techniques to develop players’ skills. Our intensive training regimen includes on-ice practices four to five times per week (depending on the schedule of games), along with off-ice workouts that focus
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Facilities
The arena is the cornerstone of our state-of-the-art facilities. With twin NHL-size rinks just steps away from the classrooms, we have the flexibility to schedule practices around classes. Our campus set-up maximizes the amount of time student-athletes spend learning and playing hockey.
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Team Pages
U16 Varsity U16 Prep U18 VarsityU18 PREP Development Program
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Calendar
Subscribe to one our CalendarsAll games are in Eastern Standard Time. Calendars Development Program Important Dates Life Events School Events U16 Prep U16 Varsity U18 Prep U18 Varsity Days of the Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Time
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Contact Information
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY ACADEMY
info@cihacademy.com

20 Canadian Lane
Rockland, ON K4K 1T2

1.877.244.9199

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© 2026 CIH Academy
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  • About Us
    • Mission and Philosophy
    • Founder’s Vision
    • Message from Bob Hartley
    • Staff Directory
    • Careers
  • Admissions
    • Welcome
    • Why CIHA?
    • Apply Now
    • Tuition Cost
    • PayMyTuition
    • FAQs
  • Academics
    • Overview
    • Message from The Founding President
    • Course Selection
    • Important Dates
    • SAT & Prep
    • Day Program
    • Academic Only Program
  • Hockey
    • Player Pathway
    • Hockey Canada Accredited
    • Programs
    • Coaching Staff
    • Training
    • Facilities
    • Athletic Therapy
    • Team Pages
      • U16 Varsity
      • U16 Prep
      • U18 Varsity
      • U18 Prep
      • Development Program
    • Calendar
    • Watch Live
  • CIHA Events
    • Elite Summer Camp
    • Girls Only Elite Summer Camp
    • CIHA Spring Showcase
  • Campus
    • Important Dates
    • Day in the Life
    • Boarding Life
    • Activities
    • Nutrition
  • Parents
    • Player Pathway
    • Important Dates
    • Tuition Cost
    • Day in the Life
    • NCAA & University Placement
    • News
    • Contact us
    • Staff Directory
    • Testimonials
  • Alumni
  • Support CIHA
    • Why Give
    • Donate
    • Ways to Give
  • Store
  • Contact us
  • News
  • Calendar
  • Parent Portal
Nick Ricca Head Coach

Nick is a former OHL player with the Cornwall Royals who took his passion for playing hockey to teach the fundamentals and intricacies of the sport to up and coming players.

With over 30 years of coaching experience in the GTHL, OMHA, and OJHL and running hockey development programs across North America and in Europe, Nick has found success at all levels.

With the Collingwood Blues from its inaugural season, Nick was a part of the coaching staff that helped the team win back to back Buckland Cups becoming OJHL Champions in the 2023 & 2024 seasons. This past May, he was on the bench when they won the 2024 Centennial Cup, to become the Canadian National Junior A Champions.

Andre Savage Hockey Director 

With extensive experience in the NHL, AHL, NCAA, DEL Germany, and Swedish Elite league, André brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the CIHA coaching staff. He brings a winning attitude and demonstrates true leadership. His focus on the development and attention to details brings out the best in the young hockey players both on and off the ice.

Career Highlights 

  • NHL – Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers (66 games)
  • AHL – Providence Bruins, Manitoba Moose, Philadelphia Phantoms, Hershey Bears, San Antonio Rampage (412 games)
  • DEL (Germany Professional Hockey League) – Nuremberg Ice Tigers (193 games)
  • Swedish Elite League – Malmo Red Hawks (39 games)
  • NCAA – Michigan Tech University (149 games)
  • Calder Cup Champion (AHL) - Providence Bruins, 1999
Cody Thompson Assistant Coach

Bio coming soon!

david leger Assistant Coach

With over 25+ year coaching and leadership background, hockey has taken David across the globe and given him a wealth of experience and knowledge.

David began his coaching career with the Hawkesbury Hawks of then Canadian Junior Hockey League in 1998-99as an Assistant Coach before earning a promotion to Head Coach during the 1999-2000
season.

David would then move on to the University of Ottawa to coach for 11 seasons. He served as an Assistant Coach from 2000-2003 before elevating to Head Coach of the Gee-Gees for eight seasons until 2011. In his first season as Head Coach, David led the Gee-Gees to a 17-3-3 record and a first-place finish in the OUA Far East. David compiled a record of 97-88-10 during his tenure at the University of Ottawa.


In 2011-2012, Leger moved into the professional ranks and coached in Japan for the
Tohoku Free Blades. Following a year back in Canada with the Ottawa 67’s as an Assistant Coach, he returned to Japan in 2013-2014 and helped coach the Nippon Paper Cranes to the Asia League
Championship.

He would continue in the pros and spend two seasons in the East Coast Hockey League with the Evansville Icemen (Assistant Coach) and the Elmira Jackals (Head Coach).

The 2017-2018 season saw him coach Team Poland where he led the U20 team to a Silver Medal and the U18 team to a Bronze Medal in International Ice Hockey Federation competitions. 

From 2018-2020, David returned to the CJHL, now called the Central Canada Hockey League to be the Head Coach of the Kanata Lasers for two seasons. He followed that up with stops in Hungary, Italy and the University of Guelph.

Hannah clement Assistant Coach

Bio coming soon!

martin lee Head Coach

Martin brings a unique international playing and coaching background to CIH Academy, with over 15 years of experience developing athletes at multiple levels of the game.

A graduate of the renowned Vierumäki Sports Institute in Finland, Martin earned a degree in Sports Management while studying under some of the leading minds in Finnish hockey development. His playing career took him throughout North America and Europe, and he proudly represented New Zealand internationally, winning a gold medal at the IIHF U20 Division II World Championships.

Throughout his coaching career, Martin has held positions within the RSEQ, EOJHL, and CCHL, working with athletes ranging from youth hockey to junior and collegiate-bound players. His experience across multiple levels of the game has helped him develop a well-rounded approach focused on skill development, hockey IQ, and long-term player growth.

In addition to his team coaching experience, Martin is the founder of ML Hockey Development, where he has worked with hundreds of players to enhance their individual skills and overall performance.

Drawing from both his international playing experience and extensive coaching background, Martin is committed to helping athletes maximize their potential both on and off the ice.

maxime brunette Assistant Coach

Maxime began his coaching journey in 2007 as an Assistant Coach for the U11 Rep B St-Isidore Eagles. Since then, he has continued to grow his presence in the game, taking on various roles across multiple age levels. His experience includes coaching U15 AA with the Eastern Ontario Cobras and serving as both assistant and head coach at the U7, U9, and U11 levels with the Clarence-Rockland Lightning Girls’ Hockey Program.

Known for his patient, energetic, and development-focused coaching style, Maxime has built a strong reputation for connecting with players of all skill levels. He is particularly passionate about helping young athletes build confidence on and off the ice.

Off the ice, Maxime holds a college degree in Criminal Justice and Social Rehabilitation, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of youth development and communication. He also holds a Nutritionist Certification through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), providing players with well-rounded guidance in both performance and wellness.

With over 15 years of coaching experience, Maxime brings a commitment to player development, team culture and community involvement. His diverse background and holistic approach help ensure every athlete he coaches is supported both as a player and as a person

Nicolas Marion Assistant Coach

Since 2018 Nicolas has held a variety of positions which include bench coach, skills, goalie coach, coach, management, and scouting.

Nicolas' coaching career has taken him to Sweden for Ocean Blue Hockey, running summer camps and clinics for U12-U14 Tier I. He the Head of Hockey Development for ActivNation was also the Lead Instructor in the Cree Nation of Mistissini, working with players and goaltenders from the U7-U18 level.

Before that, he was  and also an Assistant Coach for the U13 AAA Upper Canada Cyclones.

Nicolas will use his extensive experience across the hockey globe and bring out the best in our student-athletes.

 

Tommy bannister Head Coach
Tommy is a former NCAA Division I and Division III hockey player who developed through the BCHL and NAHL before continuing his collegiate career. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Oswego State University.
 

In 2022, Tommy captained the New Jersey Titans to a Robertson Cup Championship and was named Playoff MVP. He then went on to earn an NCAA Division I scholarship to Mercyhurst University.

With three years of experience in skill development coaching, Tommy is passionate about helping players improve their game while building confidence and strong habits. His coaching style emphasizes attention to detail, accountability and being a great teammate.

Tommy is excited to share his passion for hockey and is committed to helping athletes grow both on and off the ice.

Jason Zhang B.Sc., CAT(C)
Athletic Therapist

Jason is a Certified Athletic Therapist and Sports First Responder. His love of sports and fitness was what inspired him to pursue his current career path. Throughout his career, he has worked with athletes and clients from all walks of life, from the gridiron to the weekend warriors. His passion is studying movement patterns and bridging the gap between how you move and how you want to move. This coupled with manual therapy and an individualized exercise program will elevate your game and quality of life to wherever your finish line is.

Mathieu Chenier Goalie Coach

A retired goalie himself, Mathieu brings passion and a lot of experience in excelling.
Mathieu played in the CCHL for 3 years and has been coaching goaltenders since 2016. He ended
his career as a goalie early in 2020 to pursue his dream of coaching and helping the development of
goalies.

He believes in guiding student-athletes to enhance their technical, physical and mental development all through hard work, dedication and work ethic. Moreover, Mathieu also believes in guiding goalies as they grow more self-confidence through practice and commitment.

Career Highlights

  • CCHL Navan Grads, Junior A’ (2021)
  • CCHL Hawkesbury Hawks, Junior A’ (2019-2021)
  • CCHL 2 Casselman Vikings (2018-2019)
  • Académie Hockey Canadienne et Internationale Le Sommet (LSIH Academie) (2017-
  • 2018)
  • Goalie Coaching since 2016
  • Hawkesbury Hawks Jr A & U18 goalie coach (2021- Current)
  • GCGHA Tryout Organizer (2022)
  • École Secondaire Catholique L’Escale, Sport Étude Goalie Coach (2022 - Current)
Chris pierce BSc, CSCS
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

Chris Pierce is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), hockey coach and
performance leader with over two decades of experience developing athletes at every level of the
game.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from Saint Mary’s
University and is the owner and founder of Outside Edge Hockey Development in Halifax, Nova
Scotia.

Over the past 20 years, Chris has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive training
programs that blend strength and conditioning, technical skating, skill development, and hockey
sense. His approach is guided by the philosophy of Complete Hockey Development—focusing
not only on the physical, but also on the mental and emotional growth of his athletes.

Chris spent eight seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritime Hockey League as Strength and Conditioning Coach, where he was part of two President’s Cup Finals and a Memorial Cup Final, contributing to the development of athletes competing on one of junior hockey’s biggest stages. In addition,
he served four seasons with the Saint Mary’s University Huskies (USPORTS), working with
both the Men's and Women's Hockey Programs to elevate performance and support athlete
progression to the next level. Many of the players he trained have advanced to NHL combines,
major junior training camps, and professional careers.

Each summer, Chris runs a comprehensive off-season training program through Outside Edge
that attracts players from the NHL, AHL, and European professional leagues, as well as athletes
from major junior, USPORT, and prep school hockey programs. Known for his progressive,
technology-driven methodology, he integrates advanced systems like VALD Performance’s
ForceDecks, NordBord, and ForceFrame to individualize programs, track performance, and
optimize development.

CHRIS SCHWARZ B.Sc. Kin. R.Kin
Strength and Conditioning Coach

With over 20 years’ experience working with athletes of all ages and levels of competition and specializing in coaching and rehabilitating elite professional and amateur athletes, Chris is one of the most sought after strength and conditioning coaches in the country. 

Chris oversees all off-ice workouts and gives seminars throughout the year. His staff at Fitquest are here twice a week to deliver the workouts under Chris' guidance.

Career Highlights:

  • Ottawa Senators former NHL head strength and conditioning coach
  • New York Islanders former NHL head strength and conditioning coach
  • Ottawa 67s former head strength and conditioning coach
  • Over 20 years’ training and rehabilitating athletes from the NHL, OHL, NCAA, CFL, CIS, and National Team
  • Over 15 years’ experience working clinically as an exercise therapist
  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Dalhousie
  • Registered Kinesiologist and Member of the Ontario Kinesiology Authority (OKA)
  • Former Division 1 Professional Volleyball Player in France and Belgium & CIS Men’s Volleyball ‘All-Canadian’

Bob Hartley Senior Hockey Advisor

Bob has been our Senior Hockey Advisor since we first opened our doors in 2011. He assists the hockey program, working with our coaches to ensure they are providing the top notch training and development to our student-athletes.

Bob brings over 30 years of coaching experience in the CCHL, QMJHL, NLA, AHL, KHL, NHL, as well as internationally. He provides a wealth of knowledge to pass on to the coaches, staff and student-athletes.

Career Highlights

  • Art Bogart Champion (CCHL) - Hawkesbury Hawks - 1990, 1991
  • Presidents Cup Champion (QMJHL) - Laval Titan - 1993
  • Calder Cup Champion (AHL) - Hershey Bears - 1997
  • Stanley Cup Champion (NHL) - Colorado Avalanche - 2001
  • Swiss Champion (NLA) - Zurich SC - 2012
  • NHL Coach of the Year - Calgary Flames - 2015
  • Gagarin Cup Champion (KHL) - Omsk Avangard - 2021