About Us
Citadel Hockey Academy is a high-performance hockey development academy based in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), Nova Scotia, dedicated to developing skilled, confident, and competitive hockey players. Founded by experienced coaches Ryan Nickerson and Jeff Whiteway, the academy was built to provide structured, professional-level training for athletes seeking more than standard team practices.
Originally established to address gaps in early skill development, Citadel Hockey Academy has evolved into a year-round hockey training facility and development program serving players across HRM and Atlantic Canada. We specialize in individual skill progression, small-group training, and advanced development pathways for athletes committed to long-term growth and performance.
Our philosophy is simple: deliberate training produces elite results. Every session is purpose-driven, detail-oriented, and designed to maximize repetitions, efficiency, and skill transfer to game situations. All programs are led by Hockey Canada-trained coaches who bring structure, accountability, and high standards to every athlete we work with.
Training for All Ages and Stages
Citadel Hockey Academy delivers progressive hockey development programs that evolve with the athlete — from foundational skills to elite performance training.
Foundational Development (U7–U11)
Younger athletes are introduced to proper skating mechanics, puck control, shooting fundamentals, and spatial awareness in a high-engagement environment. These programs emphasize confidence, coordination, and skill acquisition while instilling strong habits that support long-term athletic development.
High-Performance Training for Older Players (U13 and Up)
Our advanced programs are designed for competitive athletes preparing for rep hockey, AAA pathways, high-level tournaments, and future opportunities. Training focuses on:
- Explosive skating mechanics and edge efficiency
- Shot velocity, accuracy, and release deception
- Game-specific decision making and situational awareness
- Compete level, pace, and professional practice habits
These sessions demand focus, effort, and accountability — replicating the expectations of higher levels of hockey.
Elite Indoor Hockey Training Facility – HRM, Nova Scotia
Our indoor hockey training facility in HRM allows for year-round, controlled, high-performance development. The facility is equipped to support both on-ice skill replication and off-ice athletic development, including:
- Skating treadmill training for stride efficiency, power output, balance, and acceleration
- Synthetic ice training for shooting mechanics, puck handling, and small-area skill execution
- Small-group and individual skill stations to maximize repetitions and technical feedback
- Strength, conditioning, and movement training designed specifically for hockey athletes
The skating treadmill is a cornerstone of our development model, allowing athletes to isolate and correct stride mechanics, improve endurance, and build explosive skating power in ways not possible during traditional team practices.
Camps, Clinics & Seasonal Programs
We offer elite summer hockey camps, preseason preparation programs, power skating clinics, and specialty skill sessions throughout the year. These programs are ideal for athletes looking to gain an edge during the offseason and enter the competitive season prepared, confident, and physically ready.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be the leading hockey development academy in HRM and Nova Scotia, delivering professional-level training that prepares athletes for the demands of modern hockey. We are committed to developing complete players — technically skilled, mentally resilient, and driven to excel.
At Citadel Hockey Academy, development is not rushed, shortcuts are not taken, and standards are not compromised. We train athletes who are serious about their game — and provide the environment, coaching, and resources to help them reach their highest potential.