Blyth Academy Burlington and SHIELD Athletics Launch Integrated Academic and High-Performance Hockey Program

BURLINGTON, Ontario - Blyth Academy Burlington and SHIELD Athletics have announced a new partnership to launch an integrated academic and athletic program designed for student-athletes in Grades 4 through 12. 

The Academic and Athletic Excellence Program combines Blyth Academy Burlington’s personalized, small-classroom learning environment with SHIELD Athletics’ high-performance hockey training and athlete-development services. Through a coordinated morning-and-afternoon schedule, students can pursue their academic and athletic goals while maintaining a structured and balanced school day. 

The program responds to a growing need among families seeking private school with a hockey development program that supports demanding training schedules while providing enhanced academic learning, personalized support or student wellbeing. 

“We are excited to partner with SHIELD Athletics and Sports Medicine to create a program that supports students both inside and outside the classroom,” said Taylor Kitchen, Principal of Blyth Academy Burlington. “By combining personalized education with high-quality athletic development, we can provide students with a coordinated experience that supports their academic achievement, athletic ambitions and personal growth.” 

“We are committed to helping athletes develop the skills, discipline, confidence and habits required for long-term success,” said Brandon Coccimiglio, Director at SHIELD Athletics. “This partnership gives student-athletes access to professional training and performance support while ensuring their education remains a central part of their daily development.” 

A Coordinated Academic and Athletic Schedule

Students will complete their academic programming during the morning at Blyth Academy Burlington before transitioning to afternoon training at SHIELD Athletics. 

Morning Academic Programming

• Education for students in Grades 4 through 12 

• Small classes, with an average of approximately 12 students 

• Personalized guidance and daily support from teachers 

• A focused and flexible learning environment 

• Academic scheduling designed to accommodate student-athlete development 

Afternoon Athletic Development

• High-performance on-ice hockey training 

• Off-ice strength and conditioning 

• Movement, recovery and injury-prevention support 

• Mindset and performance coaching 

• Technical skill development and game intelligence 

Supporting Athletes at Every Stage 

The program is designed for students across a range of athletic levels, from those pursuing competitive and high-performance hockey pathways to students seeking to build confidence, discipline, strength and healthy habits through structured training. 

By bringing academics and athletics together within a coordinated schedule, the partnership reduces the logistical pressures often experienced by student-athletes and their families. It also gives students the opportunity to develop as learners, athletes and individuals within two supportive professional environments: a private school with athletics programs and a dedicated high-performance training facility. 

About Blyth Academy Burlington

Blyth Academy Burlington is a private school in Burlington providing personalized education for students in Grades 4 through 12. Through small class sizes, individualized academic support and flexible learning pathways, the school helps students work toward their academic goals in an engaging and supportive environment. 

The Burlington campus is located at 422 Pearl Street in downtown Burlington.

About SHIELD Athletics  

SHIELD Athletics supports the development of complete athletes through technical skill development, game intelligence, strength and movement training, performance coaching and recovery support. 

Athletes train in a professional facility featuring an on-site rink, gym and integrated performance services designed to support long-term athletic development.

Families interested in learning more about the Academic and Athletic Excellence Program can visit blytheducation.com/burlington/hockey.  

Media Contacts 

Blyth Academy Burlington 
Jennifer Romano, Senior Marketing Manager (Email)

SHIELD Athletics 
Katie William, Head of Social Media and Marketing (Email)