First Shift hockey program at Ted Reeve Arena helps welcome new players to the game

By JESSICA SHACKLETON

A new hockey program called the First Shift recently began sessions at Ted Reeve Community Arena. 

The program is an initiative of the NHL/NHL Players’Association and is available across every province and territory in Canada.

The first day of the program, which runs on Tuesday evenings, welcomed 30 new players ages six to 10, some of whom had never stepped on the ice before.

The goal is to give them a first shot at learning about hockey and helping them move into house league and beyond. A lot of the instructors, including older players, are from the Ted Reeve Hockey Association.

Adrianne Johnstone is the president of Ted Reeve Thunder that has teams playing in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, and she helped bring the program to the East Toronto area.

“The idea is that it’s a really fun time for them, and it’s not high pressure. It’s about experiencing the game and learning to love the game in a really fun and positive environment,” said Johnstone.

The hefty price tag of hockey is often a barrier to entry for many families. With the First Shift, families pay a registration fee of $299, but the NHLPA provides the hockey equipment and Ted Reeve Community Arena provides ice time.  

“This is a great way to give the parents a bit of a break and give kids the opportunity to try hockey who might not have otherwise,” said Johnstone.

“It’s taken all the pressure off the parents as to how to put things together, what to buy, and how to engage them in the sport. It gives them a first shot at a reasonable price.”  

Hockey teaches positive life skills like teamwork, cooperation, and perseverance, she said. First Shift’s goal is for it to be accessible, affordable, safe, and fun.

Watching the kids try the sport for the first time and seeing them grow is something Johnstone loves to see.

“I was amazed at how far the kids came. There were some who had a bit of trepidation at the start, but every kid was smiling when they came off. So far it’s been really positive,” she said.

Ted Reeve Hockey just wrapped up its 71st year, and Ted Reeve Community Arena has been a staple in the East Toronto community at Main Street and Gerrard Street East since 1954.

“It’s important for the hockey organization to give back to the community. That’s why we’re doing this and putting the time and energy into getting new players in grassroots hockey. We’re not trying to make the next Connor McDavid necessarily, we just want kids to get exposed to a game they really love, and that will teach them many life skills,” said Johnstone.  

First Shift runs until the start of May at Ted Reeve and is in the works to run again next year.

For more on the First Shift program, please visit https://www.firstshift.ca/