By Bob Pipe.
Luke Pawlowski isn’t sure who his favorite hockey player is yet, but he knows he likes to skate and play with his brother and his friends.
The six-year-old Pawlowski and his older brother Jacob are getting their first taste of Canada’s national winter sport by taking part in the Canadian Tire First Shift Program offered by West Ferris Minor Hockey Association (WFMHA).
While the Pawlowski boys are in it for the fun, their mother, Dianne, cites more important reasons for enrolling them in the program.
“This is a great introduction to hockey,” said Dianne, a teacher working in North Bay. “I definitely see the value in playing the sport. It provides a fantastic outlet for kids to get exercise and play together with friends while making new friends and learning important life skills about teamwork, leadership, and commitment. It’s also a bonus that my two boys can play together as part of this program.”
The First Shift Program provides a fun and affordable introduction to hockey for kids aged 6-10.
Families appreciate the low cost; for $199 registrants are fitted and fully equipped in new Bauer equipment from skates to stick, and receive six on-ice sessions run by registered coaches. The relatively light commitment is attractive to families as well, the six-week program allows kids to try the sport and see if they like it. For kids who decide they want more hockey after First Shift, WFMHA offers reduced registration costs in Tyke and Novice hockey for the remainder of the season.
“This is such an affordable program, I wish it was around when my older kids started out in hockey,” said Angie Boulet, whose six-year-old step-son, Jasper, is hitting the ice with First Shift after cheering on his step-brothers who both play at the Bantam level.
“Jasper can’t wait to get aggressive in a real game,” Boulet laughs. “He got really excited when he was fitted for his equipment and got a stick.”
Introduced in North Bay by WFMHA last year, the program has been an unbridled success. The inaugural session quickly reached capacity with 30 kids registered and another 10 on the waiting list.
A second session was added which also reached capacity. The program filled up quickly again this year with 45 kids on board and a waiting list starting. WFMHA and the Canadian Tire First Shift are considering adding a second session this season. The program is also open to boys and girls from Astorville, Powassan and Sturgeon Falls.
While the sessions have been full, the true measure of success is evidenced by the number of players who fall in love with the sport and continue to play. Check that box as well; registrations for WFMHA’s Tyke, Novice and Atom programs increased by 20 kids after First Shift was introduced. There was also a strong presence of girls in the program who continue to play with the North Bay Ice Boltz program.
Time will tell if Luke, Jacob, Jasper and the other kids lacing up their skates for First Shift will stick with the game through minor hockey and into their golden “beer-league” years. For now, they sure are having fun learning a new sport.
