Thousands of children across Ontario will have the chance to fall in love with hockey this season thanks to the Canadian Tire 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 Canadian Tire First Shift 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 Canadian Tire First Shift, with many programs filling up on the first day of registration.

“As we gear up for the fifth season of the Canadian Tire First Shift, we are delighted by the overwhelming response from minor hockey associations across the country wanting to host the program, as well as a new generation of hockey players beginning their journey into our sport,” said Ludovic Lord, manager of recruitment initiatives for Hockey Canada. “Once again, the efforts and hard work of minor hockey associations and their volunteers will result in more than 6,000 children trying hockey this upcoming season as part of the Canadian Tire First Shift.”

“Here at the OHF we believe hockey should be accessible and enjoyed by all –  the Canadian Tire First Shift Program helps Ontarians to do just that. We are so grateful to see this avenue help ignite the love of the game to so many new players,” said Tony Foresi, OHF President.

With an emphasis on fun, the Canadian Tire First Shift allows kids ages 6-10 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 Prince Edward County, are hosting programs this season. The complete list of host OMHA Centres is included below.