First Shift initiative provides opportunity to bring hockey to all
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.