RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna has been officially approved by BC Hockey to operate a second Female U18 Prep Team beginning in the 2026-27 season.
This expansion brings our female program capacity to approximately 40 athletes in grades 9-12. The addition mirrors the structure of our male program, allowing more athletes to train daily, stay within one development environment, and progress year over year without being forced to move programs to advance.
"This approval reflects the work being done in Kelowna and our commitment to creating long-term opportunities for female student-athletes," said Ryan Cyr, Executive of RINK Hockey Corp. "RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna continues to set the standard within the academy model."
Since launching our female program in 2008-09 as Pursuit of Excellence, we have built a track record of results on and off the ice. Our female team has won four consecutive league championships, with 100% of last year's graduating class earning scholarships to NCAA Division I or U SPORTS programs. Over the past few seasons, multiple athletes have represented Canada on the U18 Women's National Team.
With approval in place, we will begin identifying and recruiting Female U18 student-athletes for the 2026-27 season. Our goal is to build two competitive teams that uphold our standards while providing a development-to-graduation pathway. The academy will be hiring two additional full-time coaches—a Head Coach and Assistant Coach—to support the program. League placement approval is currently being finalized and will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested families are encouraged to apply early as roster spots are limited.
"Just like our male program, this allows more female athletes to commit to a long-term plan," said Maco Balkovec, Executive Director of RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna. "Families want stability. Athletes need time. This gives players the chance to grow, mature, and graduate from our program without rushing development."
Female Prep student-athletes train on and off the ice four to five times per week, with competition on weekends and at showcase events. All athletes attend George Elliot Secondary School. The focus is on daily habits, skill development, and preparing athletes for the next level academically, athletically, and personally.
Interested in joining and playing for the RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna?