First Shift initiative provides opportunity to bring hockey to all

Oct 11, 2018 | 3:00 PM

Canadian Tire is ushering in their First Shift Initiative once again this year. First Shift is a partnership between Canadian Tire stores all across Canada and Bauer Hockey to supply children with hockey equipment, and financial assistance to play Canada’s fastest game on ice, who under usual circumstances would not be able to afford the opportunity.

Brett Payne, Canadian Tire Store owner in the Battlefords, said First Shift is a great way to grow the game of hockey, and serve as a first glance for youth into the nation’s favorite pass-time.

“It’s basically an introduction to kids who have never played hockey before, ages six to 10, for them to get a look at hockey, and see what it’s all about,” Payne said. “It allows them to do all that while having some fun playing, and all at a low cost.”

That introduction includes the bare-bones of getting started in the sport, from receiving their first-ever equipment in many cases, to being shown, along with their parents how to put it on, and the importance of putting safety first.

The First Shift program is designed to ease kids and their families into the sport of hockey in a fun and friendly environment.

The Welcome Event to kick things off, underway in the Battlefords Oct. 11, offers information and activities to help build kids’ confidence and make them, and their parents, more comfortable in the hockey environment.

Giving families a great first impression on the game of hockey is the first step in nurturing that love of the game in future generations that has seen hockey registration in Canada stay secure atop the international rankings of registered players.

With Canadian Tire and Bauer’s First Shift program showing continued growth across the country in communities like the Battlefords; the future of hockey in the great white north looks to be in good hands.

 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1