Sask.-based Indigenous Sports Academy continues to grow in its 3rd year

It was only the second exhibition game of the season, but the Indigenous Sports Academy (ISA) Eagles took flight with a 10-1 win over the Notre Dame Hounds.

The ISA, which is located in Saskatoon and is nwo in its third year, is part of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) in the U-17 division. The CSSHL has 70 teams in multiple age divisions from 19 'sport schools' across Canada and the United States.

Courage Bear, director of hockey operations and one of the founders of the ISA, said the school is a perfect fit for young Indigenous athletes.

"First and foremost it allows kids to pursue their outside passion, but it also combines education with academics," Bear said.

The majority of ISA's players come from Saskatchewan, but there are some from Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. All are Indigenous. Not only does that make the school unique, it's a point of pride.

Chancy Jack is a second-year goaltender from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, located 80 kilometres east of Regina.

"Being able to represent my people and, like, the native culture, and being able to represent is really what I like," said Jack. "You never hear of an Indigenous sports academy."

The life of a student athlete is busy. With a limited amount of ice time in Saskatoon, their academic schedule is adapted to practices and games.

The players attend Estey School in Saskatoon. Daine Thomas, a third-year forward from Ochapowace First Nation, said it can get hectic.

"We usually go to school in the morning, but if we have morning practice then we are on the ice at eight and done by nine, then we go to class," said Thomas. "So I just switch back and forth."

Bear said life outside of hockey and school is just as important at ISA. 

"There's a cultural