Next Gen Kids Sign One-Day Contract With Peterborough Petes

Kids of the Peterborough Petes Next Gen program have signed one-day contracts as staff members for various positions ahead of a matinee game against the Barrie Colts on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Callan “Coach Cal” Perks, Next Gen General Manager; Michael Oke, Petes General Manager; Chase Savage, Next Gen Head Coach; Khaiden Kidd, Next Gen Radio Broadcaster; Emerson Malloy Next Gen PA Announcer and Ella Perks, Next Gen In-Game Host. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Next Gen game allows children to shadow staffing roles such as general manager, public address announcer, a new role as a radio broadcaster and many others.

“I think this is a type of event that gives everybody an opportunity to be involved,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “Whether you are someone that is a strong player or somebody that doesn't play as all but wants to be a fan and enjoy the various aspects, it gives everybody a chance to be involved and participate.”

The Petes accepted applications and auditions from the public earlier this month for the Family Day game. Essays and/or videos were accepted as entries.

The following is a list of the Petes Next Gen staff:

• Callan Perks, General Manager

• Chase Savage, Head Coach

• Abby Docherty, Assistant Coach (not present)

• Emerson Malloy Next Gen PA Announcer

• Ella Perks, Next Gen In-Game Host

• Khaiden Kidd, Next Gen Radio Broadcaster

Coach Cal went viral in a pre-game speech that went viral in November. His twin sister Ella (far right) was the Next Gen In-Game Host for Feb. 21 game. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Callan “Coach Cal” Perks became a viral sensation with a pre-game speech for the Petes in late November as part of the Next Gen game. Oke says this program is meant to help develop younger generations with several life skills on and off the ice.

“We may be developing future players for the National Hockey League but we're definitely developing future members of our community,” he said. “I think this is a perfect example of an event like this in a special game like this allows us to work with young people and help development for life but not only on the ice but off the ice as well.

The Peterborough Petes defeated the Barrie Colts 4-3. Emmett Sproule, Jax Dubois, Chase Stillman and J. R. Avon were the Petes goal scorers.

Stillman and Spoule were the first and second stars respectively with Declan McDonnell of the Colts as the third.

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"Coach Cal" Opens Hockey Night in Canada With Pre-Game Speech

Seven-year-old Callan “Coach Cal” Perks gets the spotlight for Hockey Night in Canada as he starred in the opening video on Saturday Night.

The show opened with a clip of Perks with his first viral speech then encouraging kids to remain strong during the temporary closure of hockey.

He previewed all the matchups of all the Canadian teams playing that night including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames and his favourite team, the Edmonton Oilers.

Perks also gave a motivating speech for the hosts of Hockey Night in Canada in Ron MacLean, Kelly Hrudey, Jennifer Botterill, David Amber and Elliotte Friedman.

Perks is a student at Lakefield District Public School. His favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers with Connor McDavid as his favourite player. Photo courtesy of Lara Perks.

Perks first became viral from a pre-game speech with the Peterborough Petes on Nov. 28.

The second-grader has made appearances on other popular shows such as ABC’s Good Morning America, The Ellen Degeneres Show and Fox Los Angeles.

Perks wants to be an NHL player when he gets older. After his playing career, he wants to be a hockey coach or general manager.

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