The ES Lions were born out of Encounter Sports, believing that sport can and should be about more than just winning games.
It’s about developing the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
As part of Encounter Sports, the ES Lions operate under the same mission and values that define Encounter’s commitment to kids, youth and families.
We use hockey and basketball as tools to build courage, character, and purpose, qualities that last far beyond the final buzzer. The lessons learned through sport, discipline, humility, teamwork, and perseverance are deeply connected to the kind of people we become. That’s why the ES Lions don’t just train athletes; we develop leaders, teammates, and confident human beings who will impact both on and off the court or ice.
The ES Lions is a not-for-profit organization built to make high-level training and mentorship accessible to all families.
Every dollar is reinvested into the athlete experience, enhancing development opportunities, supporting families, and strengthening the overall community.
Working with Encounter Sports, the Lions provide structured competition, professional coaching, and holistic development opportunities for hockey and basketball players. Together, these programs form one connected pathway for athletes to grow in skill, confidence, and faith while staying grounded in what matters most.
Our goal is not just to produce strong athletes but to shape great people. We develop players who compete with courage, live with character, and play with purpose.
Through hockey and basketball, we teach discipline, leadership, and resilience, which extend into every part of life. Our programs are designed to challenge athletes physically, mentally, and spiritually, helping them build habits that lead to long-term success.
Our coaches do more than run drills. They mentor, listen, and lead with empathy. Each coach is chosen for skill and heart, committed to building relationships that strengthen confidence and character.
Players also benefit from peer mentorship, as older athletes support younger ones through leadership roles and team initiatives. This shared culture of encouragement creates teams that are unified, respectful, and deeply connected.
Athletes thrive in environments that balance competition with care.
The ES Lions provide structured, high-quality training while maintaining a positive, fun, and inclusive team atmosphere.
We emphasize growth over comparison and development over ego, because when players love the game and feel supported, their best performance naturally follows.
We believe true development happens when the whole person is growing.
Through integrated leadership sessions, workshops, and chaplaincy supports, we give athletes tools for navigating life beyond sport.
Our approach focuses on mental strength, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth, helping players discover who they are and who they’re becoming.
Optional team chapels and discussions are offered throughout the season, creating safe spaces for reflection, encouragement, and purpose-driven conversation.
We’re not just building teams; we’re building families.
The Lions are part of the larger Encounter Community, which includes Encounter Parents.
This collaboration means that support doesn’t end at the arena or gym. Families have access to workshops, mentoring, and resources that help them navigate the ups and downs of raising young athletes.
We also teach our players to give back. Whether serving at community events, volunteering together, or mentoring younger athletes, our Lions learn that success isn’t measured only by stats, but by the difference they make in the lives of others.
We believe that sport should build up, not break down.
That every player deserves a place where they are seen, supported, and valued.
And that the greatest victories come not from a scoreboard, but from growth, resilience, and unity.
At the ES Lions, we’re proud to stand for more than sport.
We stand for Courage. Character. Purpose.
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