FIRST SHIFT
2023 First Shift Program
THE NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT HOCKEY PROGRAM
THE FUN STARTS HERE
The NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT program is designed to ensure a positive experience for new-to-hockey families. We want families to 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. We want to take away any intimidation 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.
OUR GOAL
We believe in all hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities. We designed the NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT to facilitate entry into hockey by offering a program that is ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, SAFE, and most importantly, FUN! We cannot wait to help your kids fall in love with hockey.
THE NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT MAKES HOCKEY;
- Affordable
- Manageable (time commitment)
- Safe
- Fun!
PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FEE OF $299 INCLUDES:
- BAUER Equipment (Head-to-Toe)
- Welcome Event
- Equipment fitting demonstration
- Expert fit session and equipment distribution
PROGRAM CAPACITY
- A Program Maximum Capacity: 45 participants, 10 on ice instructors
- B Program Maximum Capacity: 30 participants, 7 on ice instructors
ON-ICE EXPERIENCE INCLUDING;
- 6 Weeks, 1 session/week, 1 hour on a consistent day and time
- Focus on Fun and Learn to Play
- Insurance for participants
HOCKEY CANADA ON-ICE CURRICULUM
Hockey Canada has created a fun curriculum that focuses on:
- Small areas games and skills stations active
- Wide variety of skating skills, puck handling, passing and shooting exercises
- Discovering the sport through variety of basic motor movement patterns
- Fun games to ensure participants enjoy a full range of hockey experiences
Praise and encouragement will serve as the foundation of the instructor’s approach to working with all participants.
WHAT IS NEXT?
The Transition Program
The Transition Program is intended to provide families a path forward to ensure continued participation in hockey. Following the initial 6-week On-Ice Trial, families will have the opportunity to participate in a program hosted by the Minor Hockey Association. Details will vary slightly from location to location and program to program, but the parameters of every offering will fall in line with the key principles of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift. The Hockey Canada on-ice curriculum is progressive; moving from a Learn to Play, through the fundamentals of skating and hockey skills, on to a 3 on 3 play environment.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL?
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift is open to boys and girls ages 6-10*, who have not previously registered for hockey. The MHA registrar will check each name against the Hockey Canada Registry.
*To be eligible to participate, children must be born between January 1, 2012 and March 1, 2017.
WHAT DOES THE $299 ENROLLMENT FEE COVER?
The $229 registration fee covers the 6 week program, player insurance, as well as head-to-toe hockey Bauer equipment.
WHERE DO I REGISTER?
Click here to register ( link will open new window to Hockey Canada - Calgary Flames First Shift - Lethbridge Minor Hockey registration page )
On ice dates
November 20
November 27
December 4
December 11
December 18
January 8
CALGARY FLAMES FIRST SHIFT
