Champions On and Off the Ice

Welcome to the Western Canada Hockey Academy

The Western Canada Hockey Academy (WCHA) is proud to be a comprehensive hockey academy serving the Brandon and Westman Region, combining top-tier private education with elite hockey development.

2025/2026 Academy Registration now open. Apply Now!

Our Story

Cultivating talent, fostering growth in hockey and education

At the Western Canada Hockey Academy, our journey began with a vision: to create an environment in Westman where young athletes could excel both in the classroom and on the ice. We believe that every individual has the potential to achieve greatness, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock that potential.

Since our inception, we’ve been committed to offering a unique blend of hockey development and high-quality education. Our approach combines expert coaching, cutting-edge training techniques, and a flexible academic program to support student-athletes in reaching their goals, whether they’re aspiring to play at the highest levels of hockey or pursue excellence in their studies.

Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to fostering an environment where athletes not only improve their skills, but also grow as individuals—developing leadership, confidence, and resilience along the way. At the WCHA, we’re not just building hockey players; we’re helping shape young people to thrive in all aspects of life.

Our vision

Developing Champions On and Off the Ice

Our vision is to be a recognized leader in hockey development and education, inspiring athletes to reach their full potential both in sport and in life. We strive to innovate, empower, and create lasting impact by providing opportunities for student-athletes to excel academically, athletically, and personally. We aspire to cultivate the next generation of leaders and high-performance athletes who are prepared to make a lasting impact in their communities, beyond the rink.

Our mission

Driving Excellence in Hockey and Education

Our mission is to cultivate excellence in both hockey development and education. We are dedicated to providing high-quality training, personalized education, and unwavering support that empower our athletes to reach their full potential. By fostering a positive, inclusive environment, we aim to create lasting impact—helping individuals build a strong foundation for their futures.

Class of 2025

Meet the dedicated students of the WCHA’s Grades 5/6 class

Class of 2025

Meet the dedicated students of the WCHA’s Grades 7/8 class!

Meet the wcha staff

The WCHA is powered by a passionate and diverse team of professionals dedicated to supporting our student-athletes every step of the way. Our staff includes educators, Hockey Canada-certified development coaches, a strength coach, and a hockey operations manager—all with the same goal: helping athletes reach their full potential on and off the ice.

At the WCHA, our team works collaboratively to ensure that every student is thriving both in the classroom and on the ice. By combining expertise in education and hockey development, we create a supportive and dynamic environment where student-athletes can achieve their goals.

Lesley Taggart

Principal, Head Educator

Emma Ramsey

Educational Assistant

Tyler Dittmer

Director of Player Development & Mentorship

Ryan White

Development Coach

Tyler Plante

Director of Goalie Development

Paul Thompson

Strength & Conditioning Coach

What sets us apart

Academic Excellence and Flexibility

WCHA’s academic program keeps student-athletes focused in the classroom while training on the ice, offering a flexible curriculum that follows the Brandon School Division schedule with online options for high school students.

Elite Hockey Development

At WCHA, we provide world-class hockey training led by professional coaches who are dedicated to developing every player’s skills. With specialized programs for both skaters and goalies, our athletes receive personalized attention that pushes them to elevate their game. From on-ice training to strength and conditioning, we equip our players with the tools needed to compete.

Holistic Athlete Development

WCHA is more than just a hockey academy; we are dedicated to shaping well-rounded individuals. We focus on building character, leadership, and resilience in our athletes, helping them grow both as players and as people. By fostering a supportive and motivating environment, we encourage our athletes to excel not just on the ice, but in all aspects of their lives, preparing them for future success both in sports and beyond.

Come visit the campus

Spend a Day or Book a Facility Tour

Come see why our students love coming to school and never want to leave! Sign your child up for our “Spend a Day” program to experience life as a WCHA student-athlete, or book a tour of our incredible facilities. From our top-notch classroom to our NHL-sized rink, you’ll see firsthand what makes WCHA the perfect place for learning and hockey development.

Spend a day

Book a Tour