Hockey isn’t just a sport for us – it’s a way of life! Both of my boys play competitive hockey, and while our schedules are insane during the school season, we wouldn’t change it for anything.

Hockey has taught my kids about teamwork, discipline, setting and achieving goals, working hard, and striving to excel.  Hockey builds confidence, resilience and inner strength. School and hockey go hand in hand – when kids excel in school, they also do well in hockey and vice versa.

Our hockey journey has been an amazing one so far. My son’s team made it to the provincial finals, and also won the International Silver Stick in their division, which is like the Stanley Cup for minor hockey!

They’ve met Walter Gretzky who came ready with a pen in hand to sign their jerseys. They had a rare opportunity to meet Mike Kitchen and snap pics with the Stanley Cup. My son and I had the privilege of attending a World Cup of Hockey game and meeting superstar Connor McDavid!

Under Armour and Sport Check are on the search for the next 2018 Team UA NEXT athletes! Young athletes aged 7 to 12 can apply to become the face of Under Armour in a brand campaign at Sport Chek stores across Canada. The winning boy and girl will join the elite roster of Under Armour athletes, and serve as a youth ambassador for the brand. In addition to being featured in the brand campaign, winners will receive exclusive access to Under Armour gear.

How to enter? Submit a video before August 31, 2017 of your child participating in sports on www.teamuanext.ca, showcasing his/her passion and athletic ability! Your young athlete can show Team UA Next exactly why he or she be the next Under Armour athlete.

To find out more about TEAM UA NEXT Canada powered by Sport Chek, visit http://teamUAnext.ca. Be sure to visit @sportchek on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #TAKEYOURSPOT and #UANEXTCANADA.