The Algoma District School Board (ADSB) was proud to host an inspiring day of skill development for students enrolled in the Board’s Hockey Canada Skills Academy (HCSA). On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the outdoor rink at The Machine Shop, students spent four hours on the ice — two in the morning and two in the afternoon — honing their skills, strengthening team connections, and learning from accomplished role models.
During the day, students were joined by Denny Lambert — a Wawa-born member of the Batchewana First Nation and former NHL player with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, and Atlanta Thrashers. Lambert currently coaches the U16 AAA Greyhounds and also serves as a Northern Ontario scout for the Sudbury Wolves, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to hockey in local communities.
Joining Denny were NHL alumni Jeremy Stevenson and Jeff Toms both who continue to contribute to hockey development regionally. Jeremy played for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars. He previously coached the U18 AA Lady Hounds and now coaches the U18 AAA Greyhounds. Jeff Toms played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Florida Panthers, and ADSB is very grateful to have him return to the Hockey Canada Skills Academy as a valued instructor.
The three spoke to ADSB students about their respective journeys from local roots to the National Hockey League and took questions from students, offering their perspectives around perseverance, leadership, life in professional hockey and the importance of giving back. Their visit was part of ADSB’s ongoing commitment to enriching student experiences through the Hockey Canada Skills Academy.
As demonstrated by these three former NHL players, ADSB is proud to collaborate with a high-calibre team of partners and instructors who support the HCSA. The Academy is and has been led by accomplished educators, certified coaches, and former professional and collegiate players whose collective experience spans the NHL, OHL, NCAA, ECHL, and top European leagues—including national championship titles.
Meanwhile, student graduates of the ADSB’s HCSA have also advanced to high levels of competition, including the OHL, OUA, ACHA, and international play.
Alumni have joined teams such as the Saginaw Spirit, Windsor Spitfires, Sudbury Wolves, Flint Firebirds, and Oshawa Generals, as well as university programs at Guelph, Ontario Tech, Lake Superior State, and Carleton. Notably, Rylan Fellinger, a former HCSA participant and recent Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick, now plays for the Flint Firebirds. One alumnus also represents Argentina’s National Team.
Steve Caruso, Algoma District School Board’s Alliance Academy System Administrator shared, “What’s important to remember is that our HCSA students come from all experience levels — from those lacing up skates for the first time to others who have already played on organized teams. The goal of the HCSA is to help each student strengthen their individual skills and confidence on the ice. We’re thrilled to give our students the chance to learn from athletes who have not only reached the highest level of the game, but who also exemplify hard work, humility, and community pride. Our students, who represent every level of experience, are reminded through these opportunities that success – both on and off the ice – is built on determination, teamwork, and perseverance.”
Source: ADSB
