Cultivating Excellence in Sport & Life
Our Philosophy
Our Core Belief
At SDR Academy, we believe in building complete athletes through a holistic approach to development. Our programs focus on more than just hockey skills, they nurture physical literacy, confidence, and a lifelong love of sport. Based in Calgary, we are dedicated to creating an environment where youth athletes thrive both on and off the ice. Under the leadership of our founder, Becky McGee, SDR Academy has grown into a community that values personal growth as much as athletic excellence. Every player’s journey is supported by a curriculum designed to inspire, challenge, and prepare them for success in hockey and in life.
A Different Approach to Training
At SDR Academy, winning is not the only goal. We place the focus on the journey, the process of learning, practising, and mastering the skills and habits that build lasting confidence and drive continuous improvement. Our training environment is built on encouragement and growth. Mistakes are not setbacks; they are opportunities to learn. By embracing this approach, athletes are free to push their limits, take risks, and discover their full potential without fear.
Understanding Physical Literacy
Physical literacy is at the heart of everything we do at SDR Academy. But what does that mean? Simply put, physical literacy is the development of core movement skills, running, jumping, throwing, catching, balance, and coordination. These skills are the building blocks of every sport, and they shape not only great athletes but confident, active individuals. At SDR Academy, we focus on nurturing these abilities off the ice, giving our players the foundation they need to feel strong, capable, and ready to take on challenges in hockey and in life. This confidence extends far beyond the rink, supporting a lifelong passion for physical activity and personal growth.
The SDR Training Blend
The SDR Academy experience is designed to prepare athletes both physically and mentally. Every program balances demanding training with recovery and restoration, creating an environment where players are challenged yet supported. This approach keeps athletes engaged, motivated, and excited about their journey. By blending intensity with balance, we help them build not only skill and strength but also a lasting passion for the game.
Our Coaches
At the heart of SDR Academy is our coaching team, a group of dedicated professionals who bring both expertise and passion to the rink. Our coaches are more than instructors. They are mentors, role models, and advocates who genuinely care about each player’s growth.
With a commitment to teaching, guiding, and inspiring, they support athletes through every step of their development, helping them build skills, confidence, and character that last well beyond the game.
Madison Pinel
Program Coordinator & Lead Recruiter
Madison Pinel joins SDR Academy as Program Coordinator and Lead Recruiter. She played defence for Liberty University from 2011 to 2016, helped the Flames win the 2015 national championship and earned All-Tournament honours. At SDR she leads recruitment and delivers one-on-one coaching with monthly video analysis to support personalized player development.
Dylan Anderson
Coach
Dylan brings 16 years of high-performance playing experience, from standout roles in BC to leadership in the WHL and NCAA. As SDR’s High-Performance Coach, he combines elite insight with a player-first approach to help athletes sharpen skills, elevate hockey IQ, and embrace every challenge.
Alex Young
Coach
Alex, a 2020 NHL draft pick of the San Jose Sharks with experience in the AJHL, NCAA Division I, and the ECHL, brings elite insight to SDR Academy. His passion for teaching helps athletes build confidence, sharpen fundamentals, and embrace every challenge on the path to becoming complete players.
Abby Laporte
Coach
Abby has been coaching since age 14, starting as a goalie specialist and now serving as Head Coach of the Airdrie Lightning U18AA and Assistant Coach for Team Alberta South Grey. With HP1 and Hockey Canada certifications, her player-first philosophy builds a supportive environment where athletes thrive through discipline, trust, and purposeful practice.
Evelyn Lawrence
Coach
Evelyn is a seasoned competitor with 14 years of experience who currently plays for the University of Calgary Dinos women’s team. She coaches SDR’s spring program and youth power-skating sessions, bringing a fun and patient approach that helps U9–U16 athletes build skills and confidence.
Lauren Pritchett
Coach
Lauren, a former goaltender with over a decade of playing experience, has turned her focus to mentoring the next generation of athletes. Since 2019, she has coached in the First Shift program, helping U7, U9, and U13 players build fundamentals while fostering a love for the game.
Sophy Aldred
Coach
Sophy has been skating since age four, rising from pond hockey in Bragg Creek to U18 AAA with the Calgary Fire and now competing with Queen’s University in USPORTS. She coaches U7, U9, and U15 athletes with a dynamic, player-focused approach that helps each athlete discover and build on their strengths.
Tara Quinney
Coach
Tara holds Hockey Alberta Coach 1 and 2 certifications and has coached U9–U13 athletes through Wheatland Wranglers camps and team programs. She blends technical expertise with sports-psychology insights to create a fun, supportive environment where players feel valued and motivated to learn.
