NBCHS announces hockey program, classes for next school year

The class is divided into three levels; Hockey 10, 20, and 30 and covers a wide range of topics related to the game.

“Sportsmanship, nutrition, leadership, all the way to looking at a Live Barn of their own games, breaking down their own plays,” said Rafuse.

Using Live Barn, a service that streams games from arenas, students can review their own play and analyze details such as power plays, penalty kills, and both individual and team performance.

Students will also learn logistical aspects of hockey, including planning tournaments and building scouting reports. Refereeing is another component of the course.

“It goes in-depth into everything and anything you can think of hockey-related.”

Rafuse said the course was inspired by a similar program at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox.

“They’ve sent me what they have, and I’ve kind of built some of my own stuff. It all started for me two years ago and that was new to me, so, it’s exciting for me to offer it again this year.”

In addition to analyzing student gameplay, the class will study professional athletes.

“Breaking down their shots, talk about anatomy and mechanics and all that stuff,” said Rafuse.

The course is offered as a single class, is free of charge, and is separate from the paid on-ice program.

On-ice program

The on-ice program will run during the first semester and be led by Owen Lamb, with possible support from North Stars players.

Students will participate in one-hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, replacing their regular gym classes.

“It is not a learn to skate program, it is developing existing skills. So, we do require that people have their own hockey equipment and have played hockey to some extent in the past,” said Rafuse.

While scrimmaging will be limited, Lamb said the focus is on skill development.

“It’s more of an opportunity to exercise more puck touches, work up some skills like shooting, passing, skating, all those types of things,” Lamb said. “We’re trying to round out the game and help these athletes get to the teams they want to, whether it’s a AA team or AAA team.”

The program is open to goalies and may include one-on-one coaching.

“If there’s a goalie in the session too, I bring in the North Star goalie who worked one-on-one with the goalie,” said Lamb. “I thought our North Stars did a great job of working with them, and just the development they had throughout this year was incredible.”

Although the $1,100 fee may seem high to some, much of it goes toward ice rental for the semester. Lamb said the added ice time is valuable.

“The biggest thing is kids at this age, the more ice time they get, the better it is for them. The reps and repetitions are honestly one of the best things for them,” he said. “With North Battleford and all the ice shortages and having to travel 20-30 minutes just to practice, having an opportunity to get some extra ice time during school is really valuable.”

Both the on-ice program and off-ice class will run during the first semester of the 2026–27 school year.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

NBCHS announces hockey program, classes for next school year

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