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Program

Participant Registration Open for 2025-26 First Shift Program

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 06/05/25, 11:15AM EDT

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Introducing new faces to hockey across the province through local Associations

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 associations 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 Associations is included below. If you are interested in registering, please contact the host Association. You can find more program information and FAQs here.

 

LOCATION/HOST ASSOCIATION WELCOME DATE REGISTRATION LINK
Markham September 6, 2025 CLICK HERE
St. Catharines - Fall September 13, 2025 CLICK HERE
St. Catharines - Winter September 13, 2025 CLICK HERE
Tavistock September 17, 2025 CLICK HERE
Whitby September 20, 2025 CLICK HERE
Oshawa CHL September 21, 2025 CLICK HERE
Milton October 15, 2025 CLICK HERE
Brampton October 16, 2025 CLICK HERE
Kingston - Church Athletic League October 19, 2025 CLICK HERE
Kingston Area October 19, 2025 CLICK HERE
Halton Hills October 23, 2025 CLICK HERE
Listowel October 27, 2025 CLICK HERE
Richmond Hill October 27, 2025 CLICK HERE
Kincardine October 28, 2025 CLICK HERE
Bradford October 29, 2025 CLICK HERE
Grand Valley November 1, 2025 CLICK HERE
Belle River November 2, 2025 CLICK HERE
Georgian Bay November 4, 2025 CLICK HERE
South Muskoka November 8, 2025 CLICK HERE
Coldwater November 9, 2025 CLICK HERE
Quinte West November 17, 2025 CLICK HERE
Belleville November 18, 2025 CLICK HERE
Lake Erie November 21, 2025 CLICK HERE
Windsor November 24, 2025 CLICK HERE
Northumberland November 25, 2025 CLICK HERE
Simcoe November 26, 2025 CLICK HERE
Bancroft November 27, 2025 CLICK HERE
East Gwillimbury November 29, 2025 CLICK HERE
Newmarket November 29, 2025 CLICK HERE
Clarington December 2, 2025 CLICK HERE
Clearview December 2, 2025 CLICK HERE
Lambeth December 2, 2025 CLICK HERE
Richmond Hill January 15, 2026 CLICK HERE
North Durham January 17, 2026 CLICK HERE
Caledon January 19, 2026 CLICK HERE
Milton January 23, 2026 CLICK HERE
Guelph January 26, 2026 CLICK HERE
Glanbrook January 29, 2026 CLICK HERE
Thorold February 2, 2026 CLICK HERE
Loyalist Township February 6, 2026 CLICK HERE
Prince Edward County February 8, 2026 CLICK HERE
Lake Erie February 9, 2026 CLICK HERE
Whitby February 13, 2026 CLICK HERE
Brampton February 17, 2026 CLICK HERE
Essa February 17, 2026 CLICK HERE
South Grey February 18, 2026 CLICK HERE
Erin-Hillsburgh February 20, 2026 CLICK HERE
Woolwich March 9, 2026 CLICK HERE
Milton March 10, 2026 CLICK HERE
Brampton March 12, 2026 CLICK HERE