Kelvin High School eyed for elite boys' hockey program

Kelvin High School could offeran elite hockey program to its studentsas soon as next year.

The program would be run in partnership with Winnipeg-based RINK Hockey Academy and would be a first in Winnipegfor boys in grades ten through twelve.

The decision to go ahead with the academy will have to be made quickly, saysWinnipeg school division chair,Mark Wasyliw.

"They have to register with Hockey Canada to be recognized as an official hockey academy. And they need a letter from us by December 1st indicating that we're going to partner with them and then that allows them go ahead," Wasyliw said.

If approved, the academy could be up and runningfor the 2016-2017 season.

The hockey academy would consist of two teams of 22 players. Wasyliwbelieves theywouldbe selected from within Manitoba. If any spots remained open, RINK would then look at bringing in other players from across Canada.

Wasyliw says the decision to move ahead with the hockey academy is going before the Winnipeg School DivisionBoard Monday night.

"It's basically just to agree in principal that we're prepared to pursue this agreement with them and then we'll have to negotiate the details in a memorandum of understanding," Wasyliw said.