Learning to play hockey is more than just learning a game. More than skating, passing and stick-handling, hockey is about responsibility, respect and teamwork. As children learn the skills needed to succeed on the ice, they also build and solidify important character traits needed to succeed off the ice. With that in mind, the First Shift initiative was developed jointly by the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players’ Association and Bauer to offer more families a chance to experience everything that makes youth hockey so rewarding.

Developed with the help of experts from Hockey Canada, the First Shift initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. First Shift changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, free head-to-toe equipment, weekly sessions of age appropriate on-ice instruction and certified coaching, led by NHL Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere.

October to December

Cost: $229 incl. taxes

This program is designed for first-time players ages 6-10 only who reside in the South Surrey/White Rock area. Players who have already participated in minor hockey or those that are registering for the current minor hockey season are not eligible to participate in this program.

If your child does not know how to skate, we highly recommend you sign up first for a “Learn to Skate” class at a local rink prior to attending this program.

Head-to-toe equipment for registered participants. Each participant will receive the following new Bauer equipment to call their own, customized by the Vancouver Canucks:

• Ice Hockey Helmet with a cage

• Shoulder pads

• Elbow pads

• Hockey gloves

• Hockey pants

• Athletic supporter

• Shin guards

• Skates

• Jersey & socks

• Stick

• Equipment bag

Upon completion of the First Shift program, participants will be able to keep the equipment.