Thousands of children across Ontario will have the chance to fall in love with hockey this season thanks to the First Shift program. A number of programs will be held across OMHA centres over the fall and winter in the upcoming season.

First introduced in 2014 as a pilot project, the First Shift program is a learn-to-play hockey program designed for kids aged 6-10 who are new to the game. To-date, more than 15,500 Canadian boys and girls have been introduced to Canada’s game through the First Shift, with many programs filling up on the first day of registration.

With an emphasis on fun, the First Shift allows participants to easily try hockey for $199, which includes enrollment for a six-week, on-ice curriculum and head-to-toe Bauer Hockey equipment that each child can keep.

Playing hockey allows kids to learn teamwork and leadership skills, inspire hard work and dedication and the experience of being involved in a community. The core values and lessons taught help to develop good citizens and healthy athletes.

The First Shift covers a vast area of routines, games and activities that will be beneficial to the participant’s enjoyment of the program and experience as a hockey player. All drills are run in small groups and focus on a variety of skills throughout each session.

A number of OMHA Centres, from St. Catharines to Belle River to Owen Sound to Loyalist, are hosting programs this season. The complete list of host OMHA Centres is included below.