Host a NHL/NHLPA First Shift Hockey Program in Your Community

The application process for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2023-24 is closed.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

PROGRAM RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

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.

Logo For Hosts

People are the key to success!

Key Attributes:

  • Positive
  • Energetic
  • Organized
  • Patient
  • Passionate

Experience in teaching hockey is not necessary for everyone, but must possess a desire to work with children.

There are three key roles:

  • Program Administrator (x1)
  • On-Ice Lead (x1)
  • Instructors (x9) (to ensure 4:1 ratio)

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

  • Responsible for overseeing the implementation and delivery for the NHL/NHLPA First Shift (Welcome Event, 6-week On-Ice Trial & Transition Program)
  • Reports directly to the Minor Hockey Association; required to work closely with the On-Ice Lead and NHL/NHLPA First Shift contacts and Hockey Canada
  • Possess an understanding of the fundamental elements and goals of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program
  • Possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively with various individuals including other volunteers, board members, administrators, instructors and parents
  • Shows enthusiasm working with kids
  • Ability to provide adequate time (8-10 hrs./week) to the delivery of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program
  • Serve as the face of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program within the Association and the community
  • Act as the main point of contact in planning/executing the Welcome Event
  • Communicate with your NHL/NHLPA First Shift program to coordinate and manage Welcome event execution and equipment logistics
  • Input all relevant information on your online management portal
  • Secure an appropriate venue for the Welcome Event
  • Kit and distribute equipment that is ‘backfilled’ following the Welcome Event
  • Secure required ice time for On-Ice Trial and Transition Programs
  • Prepare and implement recruitment procedures for program instructors
  • Coordinate and execute pre-program promotion
  • Liaise with the minor hockey association’s board, On-Ice Lead, On-Ice instructors and the parents of the participants
  • Information on the association’s Instructor training session, enrolment rates, participant profiles, and participant evaluations
  • Provide weekly communication to parents
  • Prepare and distribute communication re: year 2 program opportunities

ON-ICE LEAD

  • Responsible for the facilitation of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift on-ice curriculum.
  • 6 Weeks On-Ice Trial & Transition Program
  • Minor Hockey Associations must ensure that the on-ice lead possess Coach Level I, their Respect in Sport Leader Activity (or Speak Out) certification and have undergone a criminal record check and vulnerable persons check
  • Commitment to the goals and philosophy of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program
  • Minimum commitment of 1 season (including on-ice trial, and Transition Program)
  • Possess a hockey background and coaching experience
  • Experience working with young children
  • Possess strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Participate in the Welcome Event, engaging with families and assisting with facilitation of the on-site experience as needed
  • Facilitate delivery of on-ice curriculum as provided by Hockey Canada
  • Manage on-ice Instructors and any additional on-ice volunteers
  • Ensure appropriate tools are available for on-ice sessions
  • Arrive at the ice rink approximately 20 minutes prior to each on-ice session (30 on week #1), and stay approximately 20 minutes after to assist with questions, provide feedback to parents, etc
  • Demonstrate effective leadership on and off the ice
  • Demonstrate necessary risk management skills at all times
  • Serve as program lead for parents

ON-ICE INSTRUCTOR

  • Responsible for the delivery of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift on-ice curriculum
  • 6-week On-Ice Trial & Transition Program
  • Minor Hockey Associations must ensure that all instructors possess their Respect in Sport Leader Activity (or Speak Out) certification and have undergone a criminal record check and vulnerable persons check
  • Commitment to the goals and philosophy of the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program
  • Minimum commitment of 1 season (including on-ice trial, and Transition Program)
  • Possess a hockey/ coaching background and/or a strong desire to learn instructional techniques in the delivery of fundamental ice hockey drills
  • Experience or a desire to work with young children
  • Strong communication skills, patience, and passion for the program
  • Successfully complete the instructor’s training program and any supplementary training sessions as coordinated by the association
  • Participate in the Welcome Event, engaging with families and assisting with facilitation of the on-site experience as needed
  • Successfully deliver on-ice curriculum as provided by Hockey Canada. Provide instruction in a manner that motivates and challenges the participants while respecting each individual
  • Arrive at the ice rink approximately 20 minutes prior to each on-ice session (30 on week #1), and stay approximately 20 minutes after to assist with questions, provide feedback to parents, etc
  • Demonstrate effective leadership on and off the ice
  • Teach and model respectful behavior, fairness and good sportsmanship
  • Age 13-17 who is currently registered with Hockey Canada
  • Must always be under the supervision of an Instructor

ON-ICE ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS

  • Solicit current players from within the community at the Bantam or Midget level to act as on-ice Assistants for the duration of a 6-week session
  • This role should be positioned as an honor, and should be represented by individuals who reflect the values of the Association and the NHL/NHLPA First Shift
  • Age 13-17 who is currently registered with Hockey Canada
  • Must always be under the supervision of an Instructor

PROGRAM PARAMETERS

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.

  • A Program = 45 participants (10 instructors maximum)
  • B Program = 30 participants (7 instructors maximum)
  • Make arrangements for ice rental
    • MHA to cover cost of ice

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].