Discussions

Looking for info / insight / feedback on the Canadian Tire First Shift hockey program for kids 6-10 that have never played hockey before.  
I see they are running another program this winter.  
 
Is it for kids that have never hardly SKATED?, or just havent played hockey.  
 
Thanks in advance

It's the perfect way if you want to get your kid into hockey, but don't have a clue in how and/or what they need. Everything is provided and fitted properly. Dollar value wise... It's cheaper than trying to buy everything on your own. Plus, the ice time and lessons is a free bonus. Saying that... it's not really skating lessons. They do need to be able to skate (getting up, balance, starting/stopping). If the kid is still "shuffling", can't stop and takes five minutes to either get up or get to the blue line... wait another year. They don't need to be perfect or fast, but they need to be able to skate enough to manage themselves. Because it does involve some drills and puck handling, and that can't be easily done if they keep falling down or not keeping up with the group.  
 
What I did with my three kids was that I signed each one up with the programs available at the Sportsplex or Keystone (Canskate). First Shift wasn't available for my older two, but the third did take it after learning to skate from the other programs from the previous years. (I'm not a "hockey dad" and couldn't skate well enough to teach them properly) The main reason I signed him up was for the great deal on the equipment and to "test the waters" with him, before committing him to a league.  
 
So, to answer the question... It's not skating lessons. But, it's a great cost effective introduction into hockey for kids who want to try.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

The equipment is loaner equipment, right? Or do you keep it???  
 
I love that they have something for kids who are a little older and want a chance to try it out without having to put them in a league where some kids have been playing since they were 4. What a great way to get out there

We got to keep everything. Skates, helmet, pads, guards, stick, socks, everything in and including the bag. The only thing we had to buy was different color tape for the stick. (makes it easier for your kid to identify their stick with a unique pattern on it - a trick I learned when they get tossed together) That was last year. Should be the same this year.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

I signed my daughter up. She is excited

Might end up signing my boy up.  
He's 9 coming 10, so he'll be one of the older kids I'm sure.  
 
I agree with macbook, its tough throwing a 9yr old into league hockey with kids that have been skating for 4-5 years already.

My son plays Rec hockey in our community and we put him in First Shift this year for first time! He loved it. Head to toe brand new equipment that you get to keep! Even with the varying ages the kids he was with were split into 2 groups. The more advanced kids weren't held back by the less experienced kids and vice versa! The kids that could barely skate improved tremendously in the short time on the ice! I would highly recommend it for those on the fence whether their kids are going to like hockey!!

put your kids in this program! It is a wonderful program, and the guy that runs it is great. You can tell he likes kids and loves running this program. My little guy loved it, and I heard they are extending openings to 5 year olds. I was told by a parent registered, that they have openings, and to pass the word on to 5yr olds too.