The application process for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2021-22 is NOW OPEN! Application period is from March 1st to March 31st. Apply immediately to host an event by CLICKING HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Interested in bringing the NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program to your community?
There are a few key factors involved in organizing and hosting a NHL/NHLPA First Shift program. Finding the right people to coordinate and administer the program will help ensure a successful execution. The three key roles include: a Program Administrator, an On-Ice Lead and a group of On-Ice Instructors. Read the overview outlining expectations for each role within the NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program.
Key Attributes:
There are three key roles:
Minor Hockey Associations are able to apply for either an A program or a B program. Having a sense of the size of your community, the interest in trying hockey, and the number of instructors you can gather are all points to consider when applying.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift is a program designed to ease kids and their families into the sport of hockey in a fun and friendly environment. We begin with a Welcome Event offering information and activities to help build kids’ confidence and make them, and their parents, more comfortable in the hockey environment. There are 6 sessions – one per week on the same day, at the same time to make it convenient for parents to schedule. The focus of the on ice sessions is fun, teaching kids basic skating and fundamental hockey skills through play.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift kicks off with a Welcome Event which is our opportunity to welcome new participants into our hockey community. We will introduce kids and parents to the local program administrators, and coaches, provide an overview of the 6 week program, and offer important information about proper fit and maintenance of equipment, as well as a demonstration on “how to get dressed”. After the 15 minute information session, each child is individually fitted for the equipment he/she will collect and take home- ready to start the first session!
All skaters are on the ice together at one time. However, the instructor/skater ratio of 1:4 ensures participants will be divided into small groups according to age and skating experience level.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift program is split into two segments depending on your Minor Hockey Association’s program application. The limit will either be 45 or 30 skaters depending on which the association has chosen.
The ratio of instructors to skaters is 1:4 which allows instructors to create smaller groups within each session, and provide maximum individual attention.
Participants will have fun! In addition, participants will move at their own pace, through fundamental skating and hockey skills. The program runs 6 sessions, which allows kids time to build confidence and improve in order to experience a sense of achievement.
Our goal is to create a path forward for each child that participates in the NHL/NHLPA First Shift, with programming that continues to be accessible, affordable and fun. Your local minor hockey association is encouraged to offer a Transition Program with similar program parameters in terms of the length of the program, consistent timing of sessions, and cost.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift is open to boys and girls ages 6-10, who have not previously registered for hockey. Your registrar will need to verify each name against the Hockey Canada Registry.
Participants do not need any equipment to enroll. Each participant will be expertly fitted at our Welcome Event, and will take home all the equipment ready to start the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program.
To find out the location of programs available, families can visit www.firstshift.ca and click on LOCATIONS to see if there is a program in their area. If so, they can contact the local program administrator for additional information or simply click REGISTER.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift program is offered on a first come, first serve basis. However, we understand the logistical challenge parents face juggling kids activities. Therefore, we do try to accommodate siblings for the program as long as the siblings are between the ages of 6-10, and have never previously registered to play hockey.
The registration fee covers the 6 week program, player insurance, as well as head-to-toe hockey Bauer equipment.
Equipment is distributed at the Welcome Event, generally 2 weeks prior to the first on ice session. At the Welcome Event participants will be expertly fit, and will bring home all the equipment required to play hockey.
At the NHL/NHLPA First Shift Welcome event we provide important information on proper fit and maintenance of equipment, including a demonstration on “how to get dressed”. Following the information session participants will be expertly fitted for each piece of equipment to ensure the proper fit. Once participants have been fitted head-to-toe, he/she will take all the equipment home in preparation for the NHL/NHLPA First Shift on-ice session.
Yes. Once participant complete the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program, they keep the equipment.
Yes. Your local minor hockey association is encouraged to send out a weekly newsletter with information on the program objectives for the session, what participants learned, along with highlights and maybe a few photographs capturing participants in action.
For any information on hosting the NHL/NHLPA First Shift, please email [email protected]
