Hockey Buds (2025) Inc.

NXT GEN ACADEMY is a 12-week ball hockey program geared towards kids from 8-Under to and including 14-Under, providing kids and their families the best of what youth sports can be: having fun, staying active, making friends, and creating great memories.

NXT GEN Academy is designed for young Athletes 8U – 14U.

Having various youth ages learn hockey together provides a unique, highly collaborative dynamic that benefits both younger and older participants. Learn more of the benefits of the program further down this page.

"Building skills, confidence, and a love of the game from first stride to elite play."

Day: Sundays

Time: 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM, can’t make it at 11AM then come at 12PM and Vice versa.

Duration: approx. 55 mins per session.

Dates: March 28 to and including June 20, 2027 [12-weeks]          

8-Undeer - 2nd - 3rd grade

10-Under - 3rd - 5th grade

12- Under - 5th - 7th grade

14-Under - 7th - 9th grade

During our 12-week program, our athletes will go over advance stick handling, passing, shooting and the technical aspects of the sport.

Athletes will also complete endurance and conditioning training each week. Athletes will get to apply such skill development in a game atmosphere at the end of each session with bonus games during the season of "Beat the Coaches" and Beat the Parents". Special elimination hockey challenge will also occur during various dates with prizes available to win!

With a strong emphasis on team building, respect and kindness towards others while athletes stride to elite play!

Payments options and discounts

• • Receive a 10% discount off for every sibling after the original enrollment.
  • Downpayment Payment option where you can pay a set downpayment and pay the remaining balance at a later set date.
  • We accept online [payment card].
  • We also offer our Assist-A-Kid program thus no kid is left out due to expenses. Enquire at administrative.director@hockeybuds.ca

PLAYER EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION

ALL PLAYERS GEAR [Mandatory except where noted]

• Hockey stick
• Gloves
• Helmet with cage
• Athletic shoes
• Shin Guards [ball hockey or soccer]
• NXT GEN Academy Ball Hockey Program T-Shirt*
• Water Bottle

*One (1) T-Shirt w/logo will be provided with enrollment.

NOT REQUIRED, BUT PERMITTED IF DESIRED

• Elbow Pads [soft]
• Knee pads [soft]

WHAT'S INCLUDED

NXT GEN Ball Hockey Program Package

• NXT GEN Academy T-Shirts w/Logo

• 1 free Hockey Card w/Top Loader with option to purchase more.
• Personalize certificate with child’s photo embedded.
• Prize package* [including Drink, Goldfish Crackers, Fruit Candy, book and McDonald’s Happy Meal Coupon.]
• Access to any pictures/video taken.

*Contents of prize package subject to change depending on supplies.

Benefits of the NXT GEN Academy program:

Accelerated Skill & Cognitive Development

Rapid observational learning:

Younger players naturally mimic the advanced stickhandling, shooting mechanics, and positioning of older players.

Elevated hockey IQ:

Mixed-age games force older youth to slow down and think strategically, while younger players must adapt to a faster mental pace.

Controlled physical play:

Because of the age gap, older players instinctively focus on body positioning and stick checking rather than relying on pure size or collision, teaching everyone cleaner defensive habits.

Social Growth & Mentorship

Built-in leadership roles: The 12U and 14U players step into mentorship roles, which builds their confidence, communication skills, and emotional maturity.

Boosted confidence for younger players:

Playing alongside "big kids" makes younger athletes players feel valued, accelerating their social comfort and belonging in the sport.

Stronger community culture:

Blending ages breaks down social cliques, creating a tight-knit environment where everyone supports one another.

Practical & Logistical Advantages

Simpler family schedules:

Parents with multiple kids in different age brackets can handle drop-offs, practices, and games all at the same time and place.

Lower cost of entry:

Ball hockey already requires minimal gear compared to ice hockey. Mixed-age groups make it even easier to pass down outgrown equipment right on the spot.

Easier roster management:

Helps maintain consistent, viable program/game numbers without worrying about low registration in a single age bracket thus keeping costs down and lest of a chance of cancelling programs/leagues that would negatively impact the athletes that want to participate. 

NXT GEN Academy Highlight Schedule

Sunday, January 3, 2027 – NXT GEN Academy T-Shirts handed out and picture day.

Sunday, January 24, 2027 – NXT GEN Academy elimination challenge.

Sunday, February 14, 2027 – NXT GEN Academy Valentine special event.

Sunday, March 14, 2027 – Beat the Coaches

Sunday, March 21, 2027 – NXT GEN Academy Athletes vs. The Parents. 

You may have to check your junk mail for confirmation of enrollment and payment.

Email would be from NXT GEN Academy Ball Hockey Program c/o noreply@corsizio.com

Do not reply to this email instead send any questions/concerns to administrative.director@hockeybuds.ca