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 |