WELCOME TO CHAMPIONS HOCKEY ACADEMY
CHA is an all-inclusive player development program that provides student athletes the ability to flourish in both academics and sport. It has been designed to maximize potential, allowing players to perform at an
elite level within a team environment.
CHA ACCEPTED INTO CSSHL & UT1HL FOR UPCOMING SEASON
Launched in 2009, the CSSHL’s mission is to be a leader in education-based hockey. To date, 80+ CSSHL alumni have been drafted into the NHL, with 21 selected in the 2022 draft alone. Nearly 500 alumni have moved onto the NCAA/USPORTS, 500+ to the CHL and over 60 have represented their country. CHA will compete in the U17 Eastern division for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Founded in 2018, the United Tier 1 Hockey League (UT1HL) offers a competitive, balanced schedule. The schedule includes weekend home/away games & is highlighted with four showcases designed to provide maximum exposure for its member organizations and their players. CHA will be participating in the U18 division.
CHA will also play games in the North American Prep Hockey League (NAPHL), where we were the U16 National Champions in 2022-23. We will be participating in the U18 division.
TWO PROGRAMS – DEVELOPMENT AND ACADEMY
The CHA Development program, open to all students enrolled at FCA, teaches hockey fundamentals to elementary, middle and high school players.
The CHA Eagles Academy program is a recruitment and selection-based program featuring some of the top players from Canada and internationally.
INTERESTED IN CHA U17 PREP?
Read through our program brochure, with information for both domestic and international student-athletes.
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPEN
Co-ed students from all grade levels may participate in this program via four divisions – Learn to Skate; Elementary Hockey; Middle School Hockey; and High School Hockey.
ACADEMY PROGRAM
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ACADEMICS
OUR FACILITIES
OUR SCHOOL DAY
OUR PEOPLE
Our program is designed to provide your child with top level training paired with an exemplary private school education.
ABOUT CHAMPIONS HOCKEY
Our Story
With a goal of offering their sons more ice time, Champions Hockey was founded in 2007 by Dax MacLean and Stacy Smallman. Both alumni and National Champions with the University of New Brunswick, their small group quickly grew and became sought after by athletes searching for the highest quality training.
Our Evolution
Champions Hockey is now recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier development programs, servicing players from all over the world. In 2012, they partnered with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL and became their head on ice instructors for all fall/winter development. Champions Hockey has become a household brand for many, offering private and semi-private sessions, high intensity skills camps and group development. In partnership with The Atlantic Canadian Sports Institute, Champions Hockey is able to provide training for junior, university, and professional athletes aiming to elevate their game.
OUR RESULTS – CHAMPIONS HOCKEY ALUMNI
Champions Hockey clients 2021-22 season
*Denotes NHL draft pick
- *Spencer Smallman – Colorado Avalanche – Carolina Hurricanes (fifth round, 2015)
- *Zack Phillips – Germany 2 – Minnesota Wild (first round, 2011)
- *Clark Bishop – Ottawa Senators (NHL)
- *Cole Huckins – Bathurst Titans (QMJHL) – Calgary Flames (third round, 2021)
- Matt Murphy – Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)
- Peter Reynolds – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
- Dawson Staris – Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
- Cam Thompson – Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
- Josh Lawrence – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
- Sam Mckinney – Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
- Ethan Dollement – Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
- Cam Critchlow – Manchester Storm (EIHL)
- Oliver Cooper – Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)
- Mitchell Vanderlaan – Carolina Stingrays (ECHL)
- John Harty – Maine Mariners (ECHL)
- Logan Johnston – Dalhousie Tigers (AUS)
- Will Thompson – St. Francis Xavier X-Men (AUS)
- Peyton Hoyt – Acadia Axemen (AUS)
- Adam Mccormick – UNB Reds (AUS)
- Noah Zilbert – St. Mary’s Huskies (AUS)
- Dave Comeau – Waterloo (OUA)
- Sam Cameron – Royal Military College (OUA)
- Jordan Spadafore – Nipissing (OUA)
- Ben Jennings – Rutgers (NCAA Division 2)
- Drew Toner – Norwich Academy
- Gus El Tahhan – Mount Academy (U18)
- Liam Travis – Mount Academy (U18)
- Landon Paul – Cardigan Mountain School (U18)
- Owen Underhill – Battlefords North Stars (SJHL)
- Andrew Gweon – Fredericton Red Wings (MHL)
- Noah Standing – Fredericton Red Wings (MHL)
- Kyle Foreman – Campbellton Tigers (MHL)
- Sam Dow – Summerside Capitals (MHL)
- Jake Tracey – Fredericton Red Wings (MHL)
- Salem Johnson – Fredericton Red Wings (MHL)
- Brendan Milson – Miramichi Timberwolves (MHL)
- Joel Walker – Campbellton Tigers (MHL)
- Xander Pierce – Fredericton Red Wings (MHL)
- Spencer Deveaux – Grand Falls Rapids (MHL)
- Tyler Guy – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
- Nicholas Brennan – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
- Sam MacFarlane – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
- Cole MacWilliam – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
- Ben Cross – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
- Sampson Mayo – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
- Carson Rideout – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
- Goalies
- Ethan Pearson – Princeton University (NCAA Division 1)
- Jack Grant – Hamilton College (NCAA Division 3)
- Will Hodgson – Fredericton Caps (U18 AAA)
OUR PEOPLE
Dax MacLean – Founder
A National Champion with the University of New Brunswick Reds, Dax was the team’s scoring leader, league MVP, Most Sportsmanlike, and All-Canadian First Team forward. In his final season, Dax became UNB’s all-time leading goal scorer; a record he still holds.
Dax started Champions Hockey with Stacy in 2007 with the goal of giving their sons, Brett and Spencer, more ice-time in the summer. Their group of skaters quickly grew, and Champions Hockey evolved from a hobby to a business to an elite hockey program.
Stacy Smallman – Founder
An ECHL veteran with the Pensacola Ice Pilots, Stacy is also a National Champion with the University of New Brunswick Reds and a Centennial Cup winner with the Summerside Western Capitals.
After starting Champions Hockey with Dax in 2007, Champions now has numerous groups catering to player’s ages 5-17. We also have prep camps and weekly training for professional, university and junior players in partnership with The Atlantic Canadian Sports Institute.
Jamie Morrison – Director of Operations
A Registered Nurse for 22 years and former MHL Jr. A team trainer, Jamie’s love of the sport led her to Champions Hockey where she currently manages the Miramichi division. She is dedicated to ensuring that every player’s involvement is comprised of quality experiences, and looks forward to serving the players and families of CHA.
Jonathan Harty – Team U16: Head Coach
After four successful years in the WHL, Jonathan went East to play for the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, winning a National Championship in 2010-11. After university, Jonathan embarked on a professional career that took him from Michigan in the ECHL to Europe, before retiring in 2019. Now settled in Fredericton with his wife and two boys, Jonathan also coaches his oldest son for the Champions Hounds spring hockey team.
Matt Wright – Team U16: Assistant Coach
Born and raised in Fredericton New Brunswick, a former U18 AAA MVP, Junior A and AUS St Thomas Tommie, Matt joined Champions Hockey as Program Coordinator in 2019. Currently Matt runs Champions Fredericton division as well as a head instructor of all on Ice Champions Hockey development programs. Following 2 years of coaching U13 AAA and one season of U15 AAA Matt is excited to shift his focus to the U16 Eagles this season
Chris Mahon – Skills Academy Head Coach & U16 Assistant Coach
A native of St. John’s, NL, Chris brings a unique energy to the rink every day. Chris has a knack for bringing out the best in his players with his drive, determination and mindset for growth. Chris comes with a diverse sports background and is very keen to see players reach their highest potential.
Kenny Morrison – Strength & Conditioning Coach
A Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Ken holds both a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Masters of Science and Exercise Sport Science from the University of New Brunswick. A decorated soccer player at the provincial, national and CIS levels, Ken has been the lead Strength & Conditioning coach for the Canadian Sport Center Atlantic in NB, and the UNB Reds program for the past 10 years.
Jenna Kennedy – Marketing & Media Manager
A native Nova Scotian and lifelong competitive baseball player, these days much of Jenna’s time is spent at the rink with her two children. Entering into the Marketing field after graduating from university, her work at CHA combines two of her passions – sport and marketing.
