PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION STATEMENT

“At BioSteel Sports Academy, our mission is to develop high-level athletes and exceptional individuals through a holistic approach that integrates rigorous athletic training with comprehensive academic programs. We believe in fostering a supportive and real-world learning environment where every student, regardless of their future in professional sports, emerges as a confident, well-rounded, and principled person ready to excel in all facets of life. Our commitment extends beyond the rink, shaping leaders who embody integrity, resilience, and a passion for lifelong growth.”

• Eric Palazzolo, Director of Athletics

“Our vision is to inspire greatness. With the launch of BioSteel Sports Academy, partnership with PowerTech and our renewed focus on grassroots initiatives and influencer marketing, we’re taking that vision to new heights. We’re not just shaping athletes; we’re shaping futures.”

• Dan Crosby, CEO of BioSteel Sports

The objectives of BioSteel Sports Academy are designed to implement our development model effectively and foster a secure yet challenging environment. Our primary aim is to provide players in southwestern Ontario and beyond with a unique opportunity to excel in both athletics and academics and develop players to advance to the next level. Additionally, we are committed to leaving a lasting and positive imprint on each player who walks through our doors. Our intention is to nurture traits and qualities that will prove invaluable, irrespective of the path they choose in post-secondary education or their professional endeavors. We envision graduates of our academy carrying these attributes forward into their careers and lives, all the while, enjoying the proximity of their families and friends.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

• STUDY-TRAIN-PLAY
  • Full academics, hockey development, and rostered on an academy team 
• STUDY-TRAIN
  • Full academics and hockey (or other sport) development
• STUDY-ONLY
  • Full academics only

LIST OF PREP HOCKEY TEAMS 

• 14U BOYS AAA (2010)
• 16U BOYS AAA (2008)
• 18U BOYS AAA (2007/06)

*INQUIRE ABOUT GIRLS U18 PREP PROGRAM 2025-26 SEASON

LOCATION 

BioSteel Sports Academy is located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Windsor is 2 km from Detroit, Michigan through the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel or over the Ambassador Bridge. Central Park Athletics, which hosts our Academy, is located 20 km from the nearest Highway 401 onramp. The City of Windsor boasts a large population and uncharted territory for Hockey Canada to introduce their HCAS model to an area that has previously forced players and families to separate at a very early age.The BioSteel Sports Academy development program will continue to deliver the valuable criteria expected by Hockey Canada while allowing kids to stay home during some of their most important years of growth.

EDUCATION

• Biosteel Sports Academy through A21 Academy Inc is an accredited private school recognized by the Ministry of Ontario, adhering to the highest standards of education.
• Hockey Canada Accredited School offering on-site grades 6-12 university prep level Ontario Private School courses.
• Audited by the Ontario Ministry of Education. 
• All credits contribute to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
• We maintain rigorous compliance with Ministry regulations, ensuring that our academic program aligns with official guidelines.
• All courses are academic level taught in the classroom by teachers with the appropriate specialization. 

What are some of the things your program does to provide educational support?

• A low teacher-to-student ratio enables personalized attention, fostering academic growth.
• Our academic delivery model is designed to cater to the unique needs of student athletes. We understand that rigorous training and competition schedules can vary, so we offer flexible learning options.
• Our University-style Learning Management System (LMS) empowers students to access coursework remotely, facilitating learning while traveling for games and events.
• Constant communication between students, teachers, and coaches through the LMS promotes a collaborative approach to education.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

• Do you offer a billeting program or a dormitory for non-local student athletes?

• • Non-local student athletes stay with a local billet family

SCHEDULE

• What does the daily schedule look like for a student athlete in your program? (2023)

• • 08:20AM | Arrive
  • 08:30AM | Training – Sport
  • 09:45AM | Training – Sport
  • 11:00AM | Academics
  • 01:15PM | Lunch
  • 01:45PM | Academics
  • 04:00PM | Depart
  • Sport specific training will include:

• On-Ice Skills Sessions
• Team Practice
• Off-Ice Strength and Conditioning
• Mobilization and Injury Prevention Sessions
• Nutrition and Recovery Lectures
• Game Reviews and Video Analysis
• Leadership and Mental Performance Coaching
• Multisport development

• How many games can your teams expect to play?

• • • We will play a 50-60 game schedule. This will include Tier 1 Elite league games, playoffs, exhibition games and major showcases/tournaments.
    • These will be sanctioned games under Hockey Canada and USA Hockey

• How long does your program run? 

• • The BioSteel Sports Academy hockey program runs 10 months from September to June. 
  • Our full developmental model continues past the traditional ‘season’ through May and June

KEY STAFF AND CONTACT INFO

Director of Hockey: Eric Palazzolo, eric@biosteelsportsacsdemy.com

General Manager: Justin Solcz 

18U (2007/06) Head Coach: Eric Palazzolo

16U (2008) Head Coach: Myles Doan

15U (2010) Head Coach: Kyle Makaric 

Director of Academics: Kristi Spidalieri

Principal: Amy Brevet

CONTACT

• What is the best way to contact the program?

• Website: www.biosteelsportsacademy.com

• Email: eric@biosteelsportsacademy.com

• Social media: @biosteesportsacademy