BEACHBURG — The first six sessions of the Canadian Tire First Shift Program for Whitewater Region has been completed and organizer Neil Nicholson said everyone had a tremendous time.
“The improvement in the kids has been huge and they all seem to love getting out on the ice and having fun,” he said. “Of the 33 kids in the program, we have 30 registered for the next set of six sessions that start in Jan, so we know it has been received very well.”
The First Shift, a program sponsored by Canadian Tire, Bauer and Hockey Canada, helps provide the opportunity for families across the country to enroll their children in hockey for the first time at no cost.
The Muskrat Minor Hockey Association was one of the organizations selected to participate in the program, recalled Mr. Nicholson. He explained that the association is responsible for administering the program, providing all the instructors and paying for the first six sessions.
The program is specifically aimed at children ages six to 10 who have never played minor hockey before, he said. Each child is professionally outfitted with Bauer equipment from head to toe, which is just under the $800 figure, Mr. Nicholson said.
Without the sponsors, this free program for children who want to learn to play hockey, would not be possible, Mr. Nicholson said.
Canadian Tire Pembroke, who has not only sponsored the program but has also provided a free skate sharpening to all families, he noted. Canadian Tire Jumpstart has been super helpful with the families as they start to navigate the world of hockey, he added.
Bauer has been super with the gear, and although there are still just a few items on backorder, the company is working to source them from other depots in the United States, Mr. Nicholson said.
Hockey Canada has also provided funds to cover the ice costs for the first six sessions with Muskrat Minor Hockey Association kicking in the funds to cover the next six sessions, Mr. Nicholson noted. The Beachburg Arena has also been super supportive, carving out consistent ice time for our sessions, he added.
“Great support from everyone to make this as low cost as possible for these new hockey families,” Mr. Nicholson stated.
“We couldn’t run this program though, without a great set of instructors,” he added. “Stan Keon and his team of dedicated instructors have been working hard to make every session one where the kids’ hockey and skating skills are developed in a fun, progressive and safe manner.”
There is an adult instructor for every four skaters, plus a pol of Bantam and Midget hockey player helpers, he said.
“Each child is getting helped, coached and encouraged at all times,” Mr. Nicholson said.
