Stefani Mcloud, November 9, 2023, VOL. 5 ISSUE 5

Introducing Crystal Beach (Hockey) Academy- (CBA) – a local prep hockey Academy, which opened its doors to 38 local and international student-athletes and coaches on September 4th, 2023. 

Crystal Beach Academy was proud to announce its grand opening in September 2023, providing an exciting opportunity for hockey enthusiasts in the Crystal Beach community and from across the Globe. In two of their athletes’ words: “These coaches not only care about hockey, but they care about us!”

Living in the heart of Crystal Beach, the student-athletes live in student houses, as well as with billet families in the community while attending Greater Fort Erie Secondary School in Fort Erie. Crystal Beach Academy will serve as a hub for aspiring young hockey players to play elite-level hockey against top Prep Schools in both Canada and the United States with the goal of reaching the next level. The academy is committed to fostering a deep passion for hockey and nurturing the talents of the next generation of hockey players and promises to be a game-changer in the world of youth hockey development in Ontario.

Key Highlights of the Crystal Beach Academy:

• Comprehensive Training Programs: CBA currently has a boys 16U and Prep (19U) team with the goal of expanding to a girls team for the 2024-2025 season. Their program includes skill development, 4-5 practices per week, daily strength and conditioning workouts, one on one and team video analysis, sports psychology and a deep appreciation for mental health education and life away from hockey.
• Elite Coaching Staff: The academy boasts a team of highly experienced and certified coaches with an extensive background in professional and amateur hockey. They are dedicated to providing top-tier training, personal attention, and mentorship to each player. The dedicated core staff and volunteers provide a loving home environment and support to the kids living away from home. The culinary team provides healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals to make sure they are properly fueled to achieve their goals of moving on to junior hockey and the NCAA.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Crystal Beach Hockey Academy uses the well-equipped fitness center at the Boys and Girls Club in Fort Erie located across from the Greater Fort Erie Secondary School and the Leisureplex Arena for their team practices and home games.
• Game Schedule: Both teams play a 50-60 game schedule including league games in the NAPHL as well as games with some of the most prestige academies in North America such as Gilmour Academy, Shady Side Academy, Lake Forest Academy, and St. Andrews Academy; just to name a few.
• Youth Development and Character Building: Beyond hockey skills, the academy emphasizes values such as discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and leadership. It aims to instill life skills that will serve players well in their current life, but most importantly in life after hockey.
• Community Engagement: The academy is deeply committed to being an active member of the Crystal Beach/Ridgeway community. It will regularly organize events, fundraisers and give back to the local community. This already started on Halloween night just last week. The student-athletes, coaches and volunteers trick or treated on Halloween night in Crystal Beach and Ridgeway to collect canned and dried goods and gently used clothing. The items collected will be donated to Crystal Beach Community Church and St Vincent Du Paul at St George’s Church.
• Pathway to Excellence: Crystal Beach Academy coaches also provide guidance to help move players on to the next level while building relationships with every individual that will last a lifetime. The coaching staff has helped develop many players such as Tanner Jeannot, Alex Tuch, Braden Schneider, and more.

“We are thrilled to open Crystal Beach Academy (CBA), and we believe it will be a game-changer for young hockey players,” said Kevin Rawlick, Program Director. “Our mission is to provide a world-class hockey training experience that not only elevates players’ skills but also instills values that will benefit them throughout their lives. This is one of the most exciting things I have done. Building something we are all passionate about and trying to do it right, is important to all of us at CBA. We have an amazing team of staff and volunteers that support us wholeheartedly; surrounding ourselves with good people that care for our kids is most important and if we can help them achieve their ultimate goal, then that would be the icing on the cake. We invite the entire community to join us in this exciting journey.”

For further information on our program please visit www.crytsalbeachacademy.com or email info@crystalbeachacademy,com

About Crystal Beach Hockey Academy:

The Crystal Beach Hockey Academy is a premier hockey development center located in the heart of Crystal Beach, Ontario. With a team of dedicated coaches, top-notch facilities, and a commitment to community engagement and youth development. https://crystalbeachacademy.com/