In Langenburg, Cheryl Haas believes hockey can open the door of opportunity; but, life skills, culture, responsibility, and community are what truly shape young men.
Haas, founder and executive director of The Emerge Academy, is preparing to launch a 10-month residential hockey and life development program designed for 26 Indigenous and Métis boys under the age of 15. Based in Langenburg, the academy combines elite hockey training with academics, cultural teachings, leadership development, and practical hands-on learning.
The Emerge Academy lays the foundation for future success for the participants, not only in hockey but by building a safety net for them after their hockey is finished. The students are provided an introduction to the skilled trades, and they will learn there are alternative paths in demand that will provide a high standard of living.
For Haas, the vision behind the academy has been years in the making.
“I always felt that my building in Langenburg was built with more in mind,” she explained. “Something to give back to the community.”
The property, which includes a large garage and residential space, was always intended to become something bigger than a rental or meeting facility. Haas said she imagined classes, workshops, and community use long before the academy formally took shape.
Then she began to see a growing need.
A 32-year employee of Mosaic Potash, Haas says years spent working in industrial environments helped shape her perspective on youth development. While she praises young people and enjoys working with them, she believes many are missing opportunities to build practical problem-solving skills and confidence through hands-on experiences.
“I’m seeing that critical thinking isn’t there in some youth,” she said. “Not because kids aren’t capable, but because they haven’t had the opportunities to build those skills or troubleshoot problems.”
That belief became the foundation for Emerge Academy’s “four pillars” approach: hockey, education, culture, and life skills.
The hockey side of the program will see players compete in the Premier Hockey League, travelling once per month to showcase weekends, primarily in Alberta, where teams currently compete. During each showcase weekend, the Guardians will play four games before returning home.
While hockey is the attraction, Haas is clear it is only one part of the program.
“Hockey is what’s going to get them there, but while they are here, we’re going to set them up with life skills.”
Those life skills form a major part of the academy’s daily structure. According to Haas, mornings will begin early, with alarms sounding at 5:30 A.M. Students will start the day quietly with journaling, positive thinking, and goal setting before heading to the rink for two hours of on-ice training.
After practice and breakfast, the students move into academics through Saskatchewan’s Flex Ed framework, with curriculum-aligned studies supported by tutors and facilitators. Lessons will incorporate practical, hands-on applications connected to science, social studies, health, and trades education.
The afternoons and evenings continue with off-ice conditioning, household responsibilities, study hall, and cultural education.
There are no meals eaten on couches, Haas noted that students will eat together as a family.
Once a month, groups of boys will also take responsibility for meal planning and cooking for approximately 30 people at a time. That includes budgeting for groceries, reviewing flyers, planning recipes, organizing preparation schedules, and cleaning afterward.
“It’s learning how to see the bigger picture,” Haas said. “Time management, responsibility, teamwork, all of it.”
Phones will also be heavily restricted. Students will have designated times to use them, but devices will otherwise remain stored in a mailbox area downstairs while the boys focus on school, hockey, and activities.
“These are growing young men,” Haas said. “Their brains need rest. Their bodies need rest.”
The academy also plans to immerse students in practical trades and workplace skills. Haas wants players learning construction basics, wiring under supervision, small engine repair, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and workplace readiness.
The boys will also receive certifications in areas such as St. John Ambulance first aid, food safe handling, and hunter safety. Local businesses and community organizations have already expressed interest in providing job shadowing and hands-on experiences.
“There’s a construction company that said, ‘Bring the kids out, we’ll show them what it’s like to be on a site”, Haas said. “We’ll have our own beehive. The boys will learn about farming, mechanics, and land-based education. We’ll be in the bush.”
The cultural side of the academy is equally important.
Traditional Knowledge Keeper Wendall Starblanket is the academy’s Indigenous Cultural Advisor. The academy will incorporate land-based learning, storytelling, ceremony, and cultural teachings throughout the year. House mothers with Indigenous or Métis backgrounds will help teach sewing, beading, quilling, regalia work, cooking, and traditional skills.
Haas currently has four house mothers involved in the program, with more potentially joining.
“The house mothers are the solid piece,” she said. “They’re the face of the family away from home.”
The women will live in a separate section of the academy residence while helping provide structure, mentorship, care, and daily support for students.
The academy’s emphasis on family atmosphere and community connection extends beyond the building itself. Haas wants students actively involved in Langenburg, volunteering during public skating sessions, helping with community projects, and learning the importance of small-town participation.
“In a small town, everybody has to grab a stick and get in the game,” she said.
That philosophy includes teaching students to respect public spaces and contribute positively wherever they go.
“When our rink opens, these boys are going to learn what’s involved in getting it ready,” Haas said. “If they see garbage laying around, they pick it up. If they see somebody being destructive, they say something.”
Haas hopes graduates leave not only as stronger hockey players, but as dependable young men employers and communities can count on.
“When the stuff hits the fan, these are the kids you want in your corner,” she said.
Funding the ambitious program remains one of the academy’s biggest challenges.
Haas explained the financial model involves multiple layers including family contributions, support from First Nations bands, government funding, grants and bursaries, and corporate sponsorships.
Corporate sponsorships are currently being pursued, and Haas noted that even personal donations pledged before May 31 can be matched through government grant programs.
Local businesses are asked to reach out to Cheryl if they are interested in assisting the program.
The academy has also assembled an experienced leadership team, including former professional and junior hockey executive Ed Zawatsky as Director of Hockey, former NHL player Jeff Odgers as Hockey Advisor, educational consultant Patricia Wyand, business advisor Jason Dagenais, and administration lead Olivia Fata.
Haas credits Dagenais, Fata and the growing team with helping transform her original vision into a structured, professional organization.
“I had no idea how to do a business plan,” she admitted. “I didn’t know how to budget or put together sponsorship packages. I had the vision, but I needed the people.”
Students attending the academy can come from anywhere in Canada, though they will reside in Saskatchewan during the program year. The academy plans to keep enrollment capped at 26 boys to ensure no student “falls through the cracks.”
Parents are encouraged to stay involved, and Haas says communication will remain open throughout the year through updates, social media posts, and direct contact.
“If parents want to come visit, come have a meal with us,” she said. “You’re welcome.”
Ultimately, Haas sees The Emerge Academy as more than a sports program. To her, it is an investment in young people, rural values, and future leadership.
“I see a need for our young boys, especially our young men,” she said. “Everybody says, ‘You’re going to be a leader.’ But how do you become one?”
For Haas, the answer is simple: show up on time, work hard, care for others, learn practical skills, and contribute to your community.
“That’s what we’re trying to build here,” she said. “Good young men.”
Contact Cheryl for corporate sponsorship possibilities and those interested in personally pledging to the program can send them in as well. Every letter of intent will be matched through a government grant if sent in by May 31st. Pledges even in the form of letter of intent can be matched by May 31.
Visit https://www.theemergeacademy.ca/ for more information.