Applications now open for Junior X-Men spring development camps

ANTIGONISH, NS – X-Men hockey head coach Brad Peddle is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Junior X-Men spring development camps. The six-week camps will be available from April 3 to May 31, 2020 in novice, atom, pee wee, bantam and midget classifications.

The basic objective of the X-Men hockey development programs is to provide the opportunity for highly motivated players to prepare for advanced hockey programs. This is accomplished by bringing together a group of aspiring players who wish to focus on quality development under the direction of highly qualified and experienced coaches. 

"The success of our program over the past decade has been significant," comments Coach Peddle. "The Junior X-Men development model is a proven method of preparing young hockey players to play at the next level, focusing less on travel and tournament play and more on core skill and development. The basis of our program is in tune with the long-term player development model put out by national and international hockey programs."

Graduating athletes of the Junior X-Men development program include World Junior champion and NHL Ottawa Senators Drake Batherson, current AUS X-Men student-athletes Blade-Mann Dixon and Declan Smith; and current QMJHL players Colten Ellis, Jacob Hudson, Ryan MacLellan, Jacob Stewart, Sean Stewart and Logan Chisholm.

To ensure quality instruction and maintain a competitive level of play, the Junior X-Men development program utilizes an application process to ensure players are put in a position to be successful and get the most out of the program. We require players to have a good skill set and be competing on a rep team. Interested athletes are asked to submit an application form via their appropriate link located at www.goxgo.ca/juniorxmen. Successful candidates will be contacted in a timely fashion if accepted into the program. 

The Junior X-Men Novice (2012-2013) and Atom (2010-2011) development camps cost $650, with the Peewee (2008-2009) and Bantam (2006-2007) development camps costing $800 (HST included). Midget (2003-2004-2005) development camp costs $625 and begin April 11-12 weekend, going through until the end of May (exact schedule and training hours TBD in February).

Off-ice conditioning is mandatory for all age groups. Detailed schedules will follow, but the Novice, Atom, Peewee and Bantam development camps will run on six weekends including 36 hours (Novice/Atom), 45 hours (Peewee/Bantam) of on-ice training, along with 18 hours of off-ice training for all camps between April 3 and May 31, 2020. All programs will be under the direction and supervision of the X-Men Hockey staff, with on ice-mentoring by current X-Men athletes. 

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