Churchill Hockey Academy
My path to the Western Hockey League (WHL) has been a mix of hard work, dedication, and learning from great coaches and teammates. A big part of my development as a player came from my time at Churchill Hockey High School, where I went from Grade 7 to Grade 9. Looking back, I can definitely say that it helped set the foundation for my hockey career and ultimately played a big role in getting me to the WHL.
At Churchill, I had the chance to focus on both school and hockey in a way that made sense for someone who wanted to play at a higher level. The school was designed to help athletes like me balance academics with serious hockey training, and that made all the difference. I was able to improve my skills on the ice while still keeping up with my schoolwork, which helped me develop a strong work ethic and good time-management skills that are important for anyone looking to play junior hockey.
The coaching at Churchill was top-notch. Being around coaches such as Larry Woo and Matt Varnes, who really understood the game, gave me a lot of opportunities to improve. I learned a lot about the technical side of hockey, like how to make smarter plays and work better as a team. More than just skills, the coaches taught me what it takes to be mentally strong and focused, which is something that’s really important when you’re trying to make it to the WHL.
Another thing I loved about Churchill was being surrounded by other players who were just as serious about hockey as I was, such as Owen Martin (Spokane Chiefs, WHL) and Carter Bear (Everett Silvertips, WHL). ** Fun fact: I met my girlfriend at Churchill Hockey Academy, Linnea Misner, who is committed to Division 1 hockey at RMU (Robert Morris University). She is a great hockey player. We have been dating for 5 years.
Looking back, I realize that going to Churchill gave me the chance to develop not only as a hockey player but also as a person. It helped me build confidence in my abilities and gave me the skills I needed to succeed in the WHL. The lessons I learned at Churchill, both in hockey and life, definitely gave me a head start on my journey to the Prince George Cougars, and I’m grateful for everything that experience gave me.
Jett Lajoie
