Myra Kettles putting in the work on the ice at Peak Ringette Academy.

 

One of my favourite ways to cool down during a hot summer is by improving my skills at Peak Ringette Academy. Peak offers experiences to ringette players who are just starting out, through the AA level. I reached out to Paige Lanteigne, (Paige Nosal in the ringette community), who, along with her sisters Sam and Sydney started Peak Ringette Academy together. Paige is the Strength Coach and Camp Director.

 

How are the summer camps made to be enjoyable, and fun for those of all ages?

 

“Peak seeks to provide a fun and enjoyable environment for all ages and levels of play. On the ice, we have accomplished this by developing numerous drills on a graded system where, in the earlier years, you develop a strong foundation with more advanced skills and techniques."

 

"Off the ice, we fill the days with team building activities, crafts, classroom sessions, and fitness and each activity is designed specifically for the groups based on age and level of play as a way to challenge and grow their cognitive, physical, and social skills.”

 

Peak’s summer camps are created, and targeted for each age group to make them fun and enjoyable for all participants. Age and level-specific drills and activities for the participants are fun, geared towards their development, and deliver results which makes the athletes want to come back year after year.

 

What do you want your athletes to take away from their time both on and off the ice at Peak?

 

“Peak wants its athletes to leave camp having learned something new whether that be a physical skill or movement mechanics, or creative ways to execute a play through a classroom session."

 

"We want athletes to be able to refine, or progress in skill and/or character trait through the activities on and off the ice; for instance, developing leadership skills with a new set of teammates. Finally, we want all of our athletes to leave camp knowing that they gave it their all and had fun while doing it.”

 

There are a lot of ways to develop and learn at Peak's summer camps, from on-ice skills to theory and classroom sessions. Developing leadership skills and creating possible lifelong friendships is bound to happen during the sessions and are added perks of the program..

 

There is a lot to learn and to focus on at Peak no matter how old you are, nor your level of skill. 

 

Where are the academies offered in the summer?

 

“Peak offers summer camps across Southern Ontario. In the past years camps have been held in Kitchener, Cambridge, Burlington, Mississauga, Markham, Stouffville, Dorchester, and St. Marys. Peak also offers team and small group training upon request and power skating for various associations.”

 

Not only does Peak do camps, but they are also available to work with teams and associations throughout the season as well. Peak Academies exist in a variety of different cities which makes it easily accessible to players from associations all over Southern Ontario.

 

This availability means players will make new friends, and play alongside players not normally encountered in regular season play.. At times, super star players will be on the ice--you may even learn with some of Team Canada’s athletes.

 

How are you able to adapt and teach all of those ages and skill levels?

 

“As mentioned under the first question, Peak has developed a program that is adapted for each age and skill level, and the Peak instructors are well equipped to modify and evolve the drills and activities throughout the camps. As well, in each division there is always something new--whether that be a on-ice skill or drill or classroom activity that the athletes get to look forward to in following years at camp.”

 

Each year, Peak is looking to bring a new athlete experience to their camps. This innovation keeps the athletes interested and comes back year after year.

As an enthusiastic participant in Peak Ringette Academy for the past four summers, I enjoy the changes and the challenges Peak presents..I have also met new people (some life-long friends), gained leadership skills and confidence because of Peak. Peak Ringette Academy is a cool way to heat up your on-ice skills this summer.