To register for Winter 2019, please visit the First Shift website

Introducing THE FIRST SHIFT

Designed to help your child fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear, our six-week learn to play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills.  Equipment is included with registration, which is only $199.

We expect the Fall program to include an equipment distribution in early October. The ice times will be once a week, starting in late October.

 

 

How is The First Shift different from other learn-to-play programs?

The 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.

What is a Welcome Event?

The First Shift kicks off with a Welcome Event which is our opportunity to welcome you into our hockey community.  We will introduce kids and parents to 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 demonstrate “how to get dressed”.  After the 30-minute information session, each child is individually fitted for the equipment he/she will collect and take home- ready to start the first session!

If my child is older, will he/she skate with the younger kids?

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.

How many kids will be on the ice at one time?

The First Shift program is limited to 45 skaters.

What is the ratio of instructors to skaters?

The ratio of instructors to skaters is 1:4 which allows instructors to create smaller groups within each session, and provide maximum individual attention.

What will my child learn over the course of the 6-week program?

Your son or daughter 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.

What kind of follow-on programs will be available for my child after The First Shift ends?

Our goal is to create a path forward for each child that participates in The First Shift, with programming that continues to be accessible, affordable and fun.  We offer a transition program with similar program parameters in terms of the length of the program, consistent timing of sessions, and cost.  Information on the transition program will be available over the course of The First Shift program.  We believe hockey is a wonderful sport to be enjoyed at the recreational level, for life, and we hope The First Shift is the first step in that direction.

Enrollment

Who is eligible to enrol?

The First Shift is open to boys and girls ages 6-10, who have not previously registered for hockey.

Does my child need any equipment to enrol?

Your child does not need any equipment to enrol.  Each participant will be expertly fit at our Welcome Event, and will take home all the equipment ready to start The First Shift program.

Can I enrol more than one child in the program?

The 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 your son (s)/daughter (s) are between the ages of 6-10, and have never previously registered to play hockey.

What does the $199 registration fee cover? 

The $199 registration fee covers the 6-week program, as well as head-to-toe hockey equipment.

Equipment - When do we get the equipment for our child?

You will receive an invitation from us for The First Shift Welcome Event, generally 1-2 weeks prior to your child’s first on-ice session.  At the Welcome Event your child will be expertly fit, and will bring home all the equipment required to play hockey. 

What is included in the equipment my child receives?

Head to toe Bauer gear including:
  • Helmet Combo including Facemask
  • Shoulder & Elbow Pads
  • Base Layer Top w/Neck Guard
  • Jersey, Pants, Socks
  • Shin Guards
  • Jock/Jill Under Protective Shorts (for boys & girls)
  • Gloves, Stick & Skates
  • Hockey bag

How do I know my child is getting the proper equipment he/she needs to play safely?

At The 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, your child will be expertly fit for each piece of equipment to ensure the proper fit.  Once your child has been fit head-to-toe, he/she will take all the equipment home in preparation for The First Shift on-ice session.

Do we get to keep the equipment after the program is complete?

Yes.  Once you complete The First Shift program, you keep the equipment.

Communication & Resources - Will I receive any updates on what the kids are learning over the course of the 6 weeks?

Yes.  We will send out a weekly newsletter with information on the program objectives for the session, what your child learned, along with highlights and maybe a few photographs capturing your kids in action.

On-ice Sessions:

Date Time Arena