MEDIA ADVISORY
October 17, 2014
For Immediate Release
HOCKEY CALGARY TO HOST NEW LEARN-TO-PLAY PROGRAM
The First Shift Program Designed to Ease New-To-Hockey Families Into The Game
Calgary, Alta –Hockey Calgary is pleased to host 90 kids taking part in the Bauer First Shift Program, a new learn-to-play hockey program designed to introduce kids and families to the game of hockey. The Welcome Event kicks off Monday, Oct 20 at WinSport followed by the second group on Oct. 21.
“We’re excited to offer The First Shift because now kids and families have a fun and practical way to try this great game at an affordable price,” said Kevin Davis, president and chief executive officer, Performance Sports Group, the parent company of Bauer Hockey. “I’m excited that parents and kids who have never played the game feel welcomed and have fun at these events. As we look to expand this program even further, we’ll add thousands of new families to the game this season.”
The First Shift is a 12-week program for kids ages 6–10 who have never played hockey. The cost per child was $199, which includes equipment and enrollment, but thanks to KidSport Calgary, families only had to pay $99.
“We want to really focus on growing the game of hockey in Calgary and this Program allows us to do just that,” said Kevin Kobelka, executive director, Hockey Calgary. “These kids are going to be learning new skills on and off the ice and we hope this Program encourages them to sign up for community hockey in the 2015-2016 season.”
When: Oct. 20 (first group of 45) and Oct. 21 (second group of 45)
Where: Hockey Canada Hall of Champions / Team Canada dressing room (WinSport, Markin MacPhail Centre)
Time: Both evenings will run from 6pm-9pm
What: At the Welcome Event, participants will receive their gear, learn how to put it on and find out more about the program’s on-ice goals.
In attendance:
Hockey Canada
Hockey Calgary
Bauer
KidSport
45 kids and their families (per night)
“It is so exciting to work with Bauer Hockey to take The First Shift across Canada and introduce the game to even more Canadians,” said Tom Renney, president and chief executive officer, Hockey Canada. “Hockey Canada has committed itself to making hockey accessible to as many Canadians as possible, and with the tremendous support of Bauer Hockey, this program is a big step in the right direction. Hockey truly is Canada’s game, and the more Canadians that get an opportunity to lace up their skates, the better.”
On-ice sessions start next week on Wednesday, Oct. 22 for the first group. Sessions are taking place at Ernie Starr Arena from 4:30-5:30 p.m. every Wednesday for the next six weeks. The second group starts their on-ice sessions on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Joe Kryczka Arena from 9-10 a.m..
The next six sessions will start back up in January, 2015.
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For more information, please contact:
Christina Rogers
Manager, Communications, Marketing & Events
P: 403.245.5773 ext 203
C: 403.354.4407
E: christina.rogers@hockeycalgary.com