THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
SDR ACADEMY
Cultivating Excellence in Sport and Life
Our Philosophy
Our Core Belief
At SDR Academy, we champion a holistic approach to athlete development, underpinned by the fundamental belief in fostering physical literacy and sports skills. Rooted in Calgary, our mission transcends the boundaries of the rink, aiming to instill a lifelong passion for athletics in each of our players. Guided by the visionary leadership of our founder, Becky McGee, we’ve created an environment where young athletes flourish, driven by a curriculum that prioritizes personal growth as much as athletic excellence.
A Different Approach to Training
While the ultimate goal of many sports programs is to win, at SDR Academy, we shift the focus to the journey — the process of learning, practicing, and mastering the skills and behaviors that foster confidence and facilitate continuous improvement. Our training environment is one where mistakes are not just allowed but embraced as opportunities for growth, encouraging our athletes to push their boundaries and explore their full potential without fear.
Understanding Physical Literacy
Physical literacy forms the cornerstone of our philosophy. But what exactly do we mean by this term?
Physical literacy is the development of fundamental movement skills that all athletes require to succeed: from running and hopping to throwing, catching, and jumping. It’s the essence of what makes not just great athletes, but active, confident individuals. At SDR Academy, we believe that nurturing these off-ice skills is crucial, providing our players with the foundational confidence needed to engage in physical activities and sports throughout their lives.
The SDR Training Blend
We’ve meticulously crafted the SDR Academy experience to physically and mentally prepare our athletes, offering a balanced blend of rigorous training and restorative practices. Our programs are designed to rejuvenate as well as challenge, ensuring that every athlete remains engaged, motivated, and passionate about their journey.
Our Coaches
Mentors & Guides
The heart of SDR Academy lies with our coaches, a team of esteemed professionals whose expertise is matched only by their passion for the game and dedication to mentorship. They’re not just coaches; they’re role models, teachers, and advocates for our athletes, committed to guiding each player through their developmental journey.
Sam Cogan
Coach
Want to be the best in hockey? Learn from the best. We’re thrilled to introduce Samantha Cogan, our esteemed SDR coach and a prominent member of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). With a storied career packed with incredible achievements, Coach Cogan’s expertise promises to catapult your hockey skills to new heights.
Spencer Moe
Coach
A product of Calgary’s Buffaloes system who went on to five standout seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders and is now in his fifth year with the Mount Royal Cougars, Spencer brings elite playing insight and recent experience as Assistant Coach for the 2012 HP men’s team and Perfect Skating Lead Coach to athletes born 2008–2014.
Andrew Fyten
Coach
Introducing Andrew Fyten, one of our highly skilled coaches.
With an impressive background in hockey, Andrew has had a successful career both on and off the ice. He is a power forward, hard-nosed hockey player with an exceptional work ethic, and is a WHL champion with the Swift Current Broncos. He was also drafted to the WHL in the 5th round, 108 overall in 2013, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
Colton Newitt
Coach
A lifelong skater who starred with the Blackfoot Chiefs through U17 before pivoting to coaching in his brother’s U18 program, Colton brings nearly three years of hands-on experience, NCCP Coach 1 & 2 certifications (including Checking Skills and Safety), and a relentless “better than yesterday” mindset to every session.
Danielle Goyette
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Danielle Goyette likely needs to no introduction. She was Canada’s Opening Ceremonies flag bearer at the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006, and has a reputation for rising above the odds. Despite many language and gender barriers in her early days of ice hockey, Danielle’s perseverance and success has inspired many girls to pursue dreams of their own – including our own SDR athletes.
Dane Hill
Coach
A former NWCAA standout—competing at U15, U16, and Junior B levels—and a rising SDR spring-program coach, Dane marries firsthand experience on the ice with a passion for player development. Having coached U9, U11, and U13 squads (and even worked as an official), he creates a positive, safe environment where athletes sharpen their fundamentals and embrace teamwork
Connor Blake
Coach
We bet you’re in for a surprise! Our Coach, Connor Blake, is a bundle of talent and tenacity that has left an indelible mark on the hockey world. Now, as he gears up for his fifth and final season at Mount Royal University (MRU), likely as captain of the Cougars, it’s time we delve into the inspiring journey of this MRU offensive defenseman.
Alex Young
Coach
As a 2020 NHL draft pick of the San Jose Sharks and seasons spent in the AJHL, NCAA Division I, and the ECHL, Alex combines elite-level insight with a genuine passion for teaching. He knows firsthand that true growth comes from embracing challenges, and he’s dedicated to building your confidence, sharpening your fundamentals, and guiding you through every success—and every setback—on the path to becoming a complete athlete.
Adam Oates
Coach
Meet Coach Adam Oates! With 20 years of competitive experience—from local Calgary rinks to starring at Trinity Western University—and three seasons running skill camps and team ice sessions for YYC Hockey Club and HDC, Adam combines elite-level insight with a genuine passion for guiding U9, U12, and U15 athletes. His dynamic, player-first approach ensures every skater leaves the ice more confident, more skilled, and more excited for the next challenge.
Evelyn Lawrence
Coach
A seasoned competitor with 14 years on the ice—currently starring for the University of Calgary Dinos women’s team—and experience coaching SDR’s spring program and youth power-skating sessions, Evelyn brings a fun, encouraging, and patient approach to her U9–U16 athletes, helping them grow their skills and confidence in a positive environment.
Dylan Anderson
Coach
Brings 16 years of high-performance playing experience—from Bantam standout in BC to leadership roles in the WHL and NCAA—and a passion for building strong fundamentals. As our High-Performance Coach, Dylan combines elite-level insight with a player-first mentality, guiding athletes to sharpen their skills, boost their hockey IQ, and embrace every challenge on the ice.
Abby Laporte
Coach
Has been coaching since age 14—starting as a goalie specialist and rising to head coach of the Airdrie Lightning U18AA and Assistant Coach for Team Alberta South Grey. Certified HP1 and Hockey Canada Level 1 & 2, Abby’s “players first” philosophy creates a trusting, supportive atmosphere where every athlete thrives through purposeful practice, daily discipline, and unwavering belief in themselves and their coaches.
Benjamin Stang
Coach
A seasoned ball-hockey competitor since 2012—competing at Alberta Provincials, Western Challenge Cups, and multiple National Championships—and a certified NCCP coach since 2017, Benjamin brings a wealth of high-level playing and coaching experience to SDR Academy. He’s guided athletes from U9 through U18 at city, provincial, and western championship levels, all with a player-first mentality that ensures everyone finds improvement and enjoyment in the sport.
Lauren Pritchett
Coach
A dedicated netminder turned mentor, Lauren spent a decade developing her skills before finding her true calling between the pipes—and behind the bench. Since 2019 she’s been shaping young athletes through the First Shift program, teaching U7, U9, and U13 players the fundamentals of skating, passing, and shooting while igniting their passion for the game.