The First Shift program is an initiative from Bauer Hockey Inc. and Hockey Canada that started in 2013 as part of their Grow the Game partnership. The goal of the program is to bring 1,000,000 new families into the sport over the next 10 years. “The First Shift program will be a great asset in our continued attempts to grow and improve hockey in Yarmouth. This is a great way to introduce boys and girls to the hockey in a fun, and affordable environment,” said YCMHA past president Sonya Breton.
A welcome event will be scheduled for the middle of October, with the first practice beginning one week after the welcome session. Click here to pre-register for The First Shift program or visit www.YarmouthMariners.com.
The program aims to deliver a positive experience to new hockey families and break down the barriers that may exist. The program will be delivered by the Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners coaching staff and Mariners players will be instructors.
“We are very excited for the opportunity to introduce kids to the game of hockey. This is a great chance for our staff and players to give back to the game that has been so good to us,” said TJ Smith, Yarmouth Mariners Head Coach and General Manager.
Designed to help children fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear, the six-week learn-to-play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills. Equipment is included with registration, which is $199.
The program runs for six weeks, with one hour of ice per week. x “It is very important for the Jr A Mariners to partner with the YCMHA, and believe that Hockey Canada’s First Shift program will be a win-win,” says Mariners president Mitch Bonnar. “Yarmouth area kids will be introduced to hockey by players who have a genuine love for the game. We are proud to be the first Jr A team to partner on delivering the First Shift program with our local minor hockey association.”
A welcome event will be scheduled for the middle of October, with the first practice beginning one week after the welcome session. Click here to pre-register for The First Shift program.
For more information on The First Shift, please visit www.thefirstshift.ca/.
