Northern Elite Sports is launching a new six-week training camp this summer in Sault Ste. Marie. The program is specifically designed for women aged 21 and older to help them refine their hockey skills before the next season begins.

A ten-year legacy of female-led hockey in the Sault

Northern Elite Sports has been a fixture in the Sault Ste. Marie athletic community for over a decade. The organization has traditionally focused on seasonal programs for children, including spring,summer, and fall sessions. However, a defining characteristic of the business is its leadership; founder Brianne Shunock operates the only female-led and instructed hockey program in the Sault.

This unique positioning has allowed the organization to build a specialized environment for all-girls and all-women hockey camps. By leveraging this decade of experience, the program is now expanding its reach to include more mature athletes, moving beyond its historical focus on local youth.

Six weeks of drills for women aged 21 and up

The upcoming summer initiative is a six-week development camp tailored for women who have some experience , such as playing a few recreational seasons. According to the report, the curriculum will focus on technical fundamentals including stopping, crossovers, and shooting.

Beyond physical mechanics, the camp aims to provide a holistic athletic experience. The program will incorporate mindset work, nutrition, and teamwork, as well as instruction on "recruiting in live hockey." This comprehensive approach is intended to build both the skill sets and the confidence required for competitive play.

How Brianne Shunock is addressing adult player demand

The decision to introduce this adult-focused camp is a direct response to a growing interest among female players in the region. Brianne Shunock stated that the program was created to meet this increased demand from adult female hockey players.

As local teams prepare for upcoming seasons, the timing of this camp provides a strategic window for skill acquisition. This shift suggests a maturing market in Sault Ste . Marie, where adult women are seeking more structured, high-qulity instruction to supplement their recreational play.

What is the nature of the 2026 expansion?

While the summer camp is a significant addition, several details about the organization's future remain unclear. The report mentions that Northern Elite Sports is gearing up for an all-new program for 2026, but it does not specify what this new offering will be.

Additionally, while the camp is designed for women aged 21 and above, it is not yet clear how the program will differentiate between those who have played multiple seasons and those who have only skated a few times. The source does not provide information on capacity limits or whether the program will expand to other age groups in the near future.