Cultivating Excellence in Sport and 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.

Becky Mcgee

Head Coach

Coach Becky brings a strong vision for the game and a passion for developing complete athletes. As a certified Dale Carnegie trainer, she emphasises just-in-time coaching that builds confidence and growth on and off the ice.

Andy McCann

Coach

Andy McCann is a highly accomplished coach with a rich background as both a player and leader in the game. His proven success at every level brings experience and credibility that inspire SDR athletes to reach their potential.

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.

Benjamin Stang

Coach

Benjamin has competed in ball hockey since 2012 at Alberta Provincials, Western Challenge Cups, and multiple National Championships, and has been an NCCP-certified coach since 2017. He has guided athletes from U9 to U18 with a player-first approach that builds both development and enjoyment in the game.

Danielle Goyette

Danielle Goyette is a Canadian hockey legend and Olympic flag bearer who has built a career on perseverance and excellence. Her journey through barriers of language and gender continues to inspire SDR athletes to chase their dreams with confidence.

Connor Blake

Coach

Connor Blake brings talent, determination, and leadership to SDR Academy as he enters his fifth season with Mount Royal University, serving as a key defenseman for the Cougars. His experience and drive make him a strong role model for athletes striving to grow their game.

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.

Colton Newitt

Coach

Colton, a lifelong skater who played with the Blackfoot Chiefs through U17, brings nearly three years of coaching experience to SDR Academy. With NCCP certifications and a “better than yesterday” mindset, he creates sessions that challenge athletes to grow with confidence and purpose.

Dean Seymour

Dean Seymour grew up in Saskatoon, developing his game in the Flyer zone before advancing to play for the Saskatoon Contacts in the Midget AAA league. His experience in competitive hockey fuels his passion for guiding young athletes on their own developmental paths.

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.

Andrew Fyten

Coach

Andrew Fyten, a WHL champion with the Swift Current Broncos, brings a strong work ethic and power-forward mindset to SDR Academy. Drafted in the 5th round of the WHL in 2013, his playing experience and dedication help athletes develop grit, skill, and confidence.

Dane Hill

Coach

Dane, a former NWCAA standout at the U15, U16, and Junior B levels, now brings his experience to SDR Academy as a rising spring-program coach. He has led U9, U11, and U13 teams and creates a positive environment where players build strong fundamentals and embrace teamwork.

Ryley Lindgren

Coach

Ryley Lindgren is both a professional hockey player and a dedicated SDR Academy coach, bringing firsthand experience from the game’s highest levels. His knowledge and passion help athletes sharpen their skills while building the confidence to succeed.

Spencer Moe

Coach

Spencer, a product of Calgary’s Buffaloes system, went on to play five standout seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders and now skates with the Mount Royal Cougars. He adds coaching experience as an Assistant Coach for the 2012 HP men’s team and as Perfect Skating Lead Coach, guiding athletes from 2008 to 2014.

Zafir Rawji

Coach

Zafir Rawji is a highly accomplished player competing at elite levels of hockey and now shares his experience as a valued coach at SDR Academy. His knowledge of the game and passion for teaching make him a strong asset in guiding the next generation of athletes.

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.

Sam Cogan

Coach

Samantha Cogan, a standout member of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, brings elite-level experience to SDR Academy. Her proven expertise and accomplishments give athletes the tools and inspiration to elevate their game.

Kiley Hasenfratz

Coach

Kiley Hasenfratz is a lifelong student of the game whose fearless approach inspires athletes to push boundaries with confidence. As both a player and teacher, she creates an environment where athletes of all ages feel empowered to learn and grow.

Adam Oates

Coach

Adam Oates brings 20 years of competitive experience, including his time at Trinity Western University and three seasons leading skill camps with YYC Hockey Club and HDC. He is passionate about developing U9, U12, and U15 athletes, using a dynamic player-first approach that builds confidence, skill, and excitement for every challenge.

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.