The Battlefords were selected as one of 30 communities to host The First Shift, a learn-to-play hockey program designed by Bauer and Hockey Canada.
"For us, it's huge as far as I'm concerned," said Battlefords Minor Hockey Association president Jason Teniuk.
He said the board of directors found out about The First Shift through the Saskatchewan Hockey Association. They filed the application along with an essay explaining the benefits the program could accomplish in the Battlefords.
"What this does is brings 45 new kids into the association that have never played hockey before for a relatively low cost and can likely continue as a member of our association and move forward from there," Teniuk said. "It's a matter of promoting hockey in the Battlefords, promoting hockey as a whole and getting new kids involved at a very reasonable cost."
The First Shift is a six-week program for up to 45 first-time hockey players from ages 6-10. For $199, kids will receive new equipment, learn how to properly put it on and be enrolled in an on-ice program. Enrolled players will receive a helmet with a facemask, shoulder and elbow pads, jersey, pants, socks, gloves, skates and a stick.
"We were a little worried about the cost. But as it turned out, within two weeks, we had 45 [kids] and I think we have another 45 on the waiting list to come in and we just couldn't take them. It went over way better than what I thought it would, that's for sure."
The on-ice schedule will focus on basic skating drills, fundamental hockey skills and having fun. At the end of the six-week period, the kids will be reassessed. Some may be placed onto teams while others may end up going through another six-week program depending on each player's development.
The program is part of Bauer Hockey's global "Grow the Game" initiative, which launched in 2012. The goal is to add one million new families to hockey by 2022.
"We're excited to offer The First Shift because now kids and families have a fun and practical way to try this great game at an affordable price," said Kevin Davis, president and CEO of Performance Sports Group, the parent company of Bauer Hockey in a press release."I'm excited that parents and kids who have never played the game feel welcomed and have fun at these events.As we look to expand this program even further, we'll add thousands of new families to the game this season."
The welcome event for the Battlefords is Saturday morning at the Civic Centre. It gets underway at 1 p.m. with representatives from Bauer and BMHA in attendance.
The on-ice portion of the program begins the following week. Teniuk said there is a one-week delay to ensure all equipment fits properly.
For more details of the program, head to www.thefirstshift.ca.
