Young hockey enthusiasts in Regina are lacing up their skates with renewed excitement as the NHL Players' Association's celebrated First Shift program makes its debut in the Queen City. This groundbreaking initiative is transforming the financial landscape of youth hockey by providing complete equipment packages to children at an astonishingly affordable price.
Breaking Down Financial Barriers
For just $249, participating families receive a full set of top-quality Bauer hockey gear, valued at nearly $900. The program specifically targets children aged 6 to 10 who are new to organized hockey, ensuring that cost doesn't prevent talented young athletes from discovering their passion for Canada's beloved winter sport.
More Than Just Equipment
The First Shift experience extends far beyond simply handing out gear. Each enrolled child receives:
- A complete Bauer equipment package including skates, helmet, stick, and protective gear
- Six weeks of on-ice instruction from certified coaches
- An NHL-quality jersey for games and practices
- Fundamental skill development in a fun, pressure-free environment
Community Impact in Regina
Local hockey organizations and community centers are partnering with the NHLPA to bring this program to life at Regina's Co-operators Centre. The initiative addresses a critical need in the community, where rising equipment costs have increasingly become a barrier to participation in organized hockey.
"This program changes everything for families who thought hockey was out of reach financially," said one participating parent. "Seeing the excitement on my child's face when they received their own professional-quality gear was priceless."
A National Success Story
Since its inception, the First Shift program has introduced over 60,000 Canadian children to hockey nationwide. The program's success stems from its unique approach of providing not just equipment, but a comprehensive introduction to the sport that emphasizes fun and skill development over competition.
The NHLPA's commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level demonstrates how professional athletes are giving back to communities and ensuring hockey remains accessible to all children, regardless of their family's financial situation.
