“Becoming Player X” is a transformative high school course where students gain access to world-class insights from accomplished NHL and Olympic players, as well as NHL executives and scouts. Through 26 candid and inspiring lessons, these mentors impart valuable wisdom and lessons learned from their own journeys to the pinnacle of the game. The course aims to equip anyone passionate about pursuing their dreams with life-changing knowledge1.
The course features an impressive roster of mentors, including:
- Willie Desjardins, former NHL Head Coach for the Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings.
- Glen Gulutzan, former NHL Head Coach for the Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames.
- Marc Crawford, NHL Coach with a wide experience across teams, currently Assistant Head Coach with the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Shawn Horcoff, former Captain of the Edmonton Oilers, currently a development coach for the Detroit Red Wings.
- Brandon Sutter, a player with the Vancouver Canucks who has also played for the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Brian Elliott, an NHL Goaltender who has played for multiple teams including the Ottawa Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Cassie Campbell, former Canadian Olympic player and current broadcaster for Sportsnet, recognized for her contributions to women’s hockey with an appointment to the Order of Canada1.
- Among others, from former NHL players and coaches to social media strategists and advocates for mental health & wellness.
Each day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday), students receive a lesson from one of these mentors at 8 am via the Telegram channel. Lessons can be completed at any point within the day, and students are encouraged to reflect on what they’ve learned and how it can apply to their own athletic journeys.
In Alberta, this course is worth up to 3 credits. It’s offered by The House of Leaders, a division of Prairie Rose and South Alberta High School. Eligible students must be residents of Alberta and currently in grades 10-12. Students move through the course as a group and the course work is graded by teachers at Prairie Rose, who are also available for assistance. The credits earned are included on high school transcripts and apply toward a diploma. The course is run in partnership with Hockey Alberta.
