A groundbreaking initiative in Ottawa is helping newcomer students embrace one of Canada's most beloved pastimes while building connections in their new community. Frank Ryan Catholic High School has launched a specialized program that teaches international students how to skate and play hockey, providing both athletic skills and cultural integration opportunities.
Building Community Through Canada's Game
The program, which began in late November 2025, brings together students from diverse backgrounds who share one common experience - they're all new to Canada and eager to learn about Canadian culture. For many participants, this marks their first time ever stepping onto ice skates or holding a hockey stick.
The initiative represents more than just sports training - it serves as a bridge between different cultures and helps combat the isolation that many newcomer students experience when adjusting to life in a new country. By learning hockey, these students gain not only athletic skills but also a deeper understanding of an important aspect of Canadian identity.
Program Structure and Student Response
According to reports from CTV's Camille Wilson, the program has been met with enthusiastic participation from Frank Ryan Catholic High School students. The sessions focus on fundamental skills including balance, skating technique, stick handling, and basic game rules.
Many students initially approached the ice with trepidation but quickly gained confidence through structured lessons and supportive instruction. The program's success demonstrates how sports can transcend language barriers and create common ground among students from various cultural backgrounds.
School administrators note that the hockey program has already shown positive effects beyond the rink, with participants reporting improved social connections and increased comfort in their new environment. The shared experience of learning a challenging new sport together has fostered camaraderie and mutual support among the students.
Broader Impact and Future Plans
This innovative approach to newcomer integration comes at a time when Canada continues to welcome significant numbers of immigrants and international students. Programs like this one address the important challenge of helping newcomers feel connected to Canadian culture while maintaining pride in their own heritage.
The timing of the program's launch in late November allows students to build their skills throughout the winter months, when outdoor rinks become community hubs across Ottawa. This seasonal alignment means participants can continue practicing and eventually join community games as their abilities improve.
Educators and community leaders are watching the program's progress with interest, considering it as a potential model for other schools and communities across Canada. The success at Frank Ryan Catholic High School suggests that similar initiatives could help bridge cultural divides in other regions with significant newcomer populations.
As the program continues, organizers hope to expand opportunities for participants, potentially including friendly matches with other school teams or community groups. The ultimate goal remains helping newcomer students feel at home in Canada through shared experiences and the universal language of sport.
