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Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The North Bay & District Girls Hockey Association is proud to announce its intent to operate a U11AA High Performance Program (HPP) beginning in the 2026-27 season. This exciting addition represents a significant step forward in providing enhanced development opportunities for young athletes in the North Bay & District area and supports the continued growth of girls’ hockey within the association.
The U11AA team will serve as the entry point into high performance hockey. Designed to create a more structured, competitive, and development-focused environment, the program will introduce players to increased practice intensity, consistent feedback, and opportunities to build confidence through competitive gameplay.
The U11AA HPP is built around the principle that more opportunity leads to more development. Athletes participating in the program can expect on-ice development each week, including sessions focused on skating, shooting, and puck control.
At the U11 level, the program will emphasize both technical skill development and an introduction to understanding the game. Players will work on key foundational skills such as:
Players will also begin learning age-appropriate hockey IQ concepts, including how to support teammates, recognize game situations, and make effective decisions within the flow of play. The focus will remain on learning and growth rather than short-term outcomes, helping athletes build confidence and resilience as they develop.
Building a Long-Term Development Pathway
The U11AA program is the first step in the Junior Lakers High Performance Pathway, which is designed to support athletes as they progress through the sport.
This structured pathway ensures that players are supported at each stage of their development, preparing them for future success both within the Junior Lakers program and beyond.
Leadership and Coaching Excellence
The Junior Lakers are pleased to have Brodie Beard as the Head Coach for the U11AA High Performance Program.
Brodie brings a high-performance hockey background and a strong commitment to player development. A former OHL, university, and minor professional player, Brodie has coached at the AAA, U SPORTS, U7, U9, and U11 levels, with a strong focus on developing players at the grassroots level.
In addition to his team coaching experience, Brodie is passionate about providing on-ice skill development to young athletes and is dedicated to growing the game locally. He is driven to bring high-performance hockey opportunities to North Bay and emphasizes player development, accountability, and strong team culture to help athletes reach their full potential.
A Commitment to Player Confidence and Development
At the core of the U11AA HPP is a commitment to building confident, skilled players who understand the game. Athletes will be encouraged to take risks, make plays, and learn through both successes and mistakes. This process-driven approach supports long-term athlete development and fosters a love for the game that extends beyond the scoreboard.
The launch of the U11AA High Performance Program marks an exciting milestone for North Bay & District Girls Hockey and reflects the association’s commitment to providing meaningful development opportunities for female athletes.
The Junior Lakers look forward to welcoming athletes and families to this new chapter of high-performance girls’ hockey in North Bay.
For more information on tryouts and to register click here.