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 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 $299, which includes enrollment for a six-week, on-ice curriculum and head-to-toe equipment that each child can keep.
The NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT program is designed to ensure a positive experience for new-to-hockey families. Families can experience the game at its best — to understand why so many Canadians feel an inherent love for the sport, and to stimulate a desire for continued participation. Any concerns are removed as it relates to equipment requirements, and/or rules of the game, remove potential safety concerns, and most importantly, provide an experience that is memorable and fun.
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.
The complete list of host OMHA Centres is included below. If you are interested in registering, please contact the host Association.
LOCATION/HOST ASSOCIATION | DATE | REGISTRATION LINK |
Markham Waxers | September 8, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
St. Catharines CYO (Fall) | September 10, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
St. Catharines CYO (Winter) | September 10, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Milton | October 11, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Oshawa NASC | October 12, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Brampton | October 15, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Northumberland | October 21, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Quinte West | October 22, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Halton Hills | October 25, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Kingston Area | October 25, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Church Athletic League of Kingston | October 26, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Tavistock | October 28, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Belle River | November 3, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Essex | November 4, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Wainfleet | November 9, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Central Perth (Girls only) | November 15, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Listowel | November 16, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Grand Valley | November 18, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Orangeville | November 19, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Bradford | November 24, 2023 | CLICK HERE |
Guelph | January 5, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Oshawa Community Hockey League | January 6, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Markham Waxers | January 12, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
TNT (Alliston) | January 14, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Coldwater | January 18, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
South Muskoka | January 20, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Glanbrook | January 27, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Newmarket | February 3, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Thorold | February 4, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Port Dover | February 6, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Whitby | February 6, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
St. Thomas | February 7, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
North Durham | February 8, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Erie North Shore | February 9, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Windsor | February 10, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Belleville | February 12, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Woolwich | February 12, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Lindsay | February 17, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
Ayr | March 27, 2024 | CLICK HERE |
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