New ways to get kids into the game

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Tim Smith / Brandon Sun archives A rise in minor hockey participation in Manitoba has coincided with the return of Winnipeg to the National Hockey League.

Sparked by the momentum of the Winnipeg Jets, Hockey Manitoba rolled out its Just Play program Friday, designed to bolster the recruitment and retention of young players in the sport.

The Jets' True North Foundation is a partner in the initiative and both groups say they are anticipating a continuation of last year's increase in hockey registrations in the province.

The province's governing body said the number of registered players was consistently near 24,000 in recent years but spiked to 28,070 in 2011-12, the season an NHL team returned to Winnipeg.

Hockey Canada had seen two straight years of declines, from 2009-2011, but saw an increase nationally of 44,000 to 617,107.

Hockey Manitoba's new Just Play launch mentions eight different programs that will be undertaken fairly simultaneously for the coming season.

"We feel great about this new package of programming designed to create opportunities within the game of hockey in our province," Hockey Manitoba president Bill Whitehead said in a release Friday. "It's been a couple years in the making, so we're very proud of what we have to offer and only hope to grow from this point on."

The bottom line is meaningful opportunities and enjoyable experiences for kids, Hockey Manitoba said Friday.

It's looking for a greater chance for participation for kids of all ages and backgrounds, including new Canadians.

Just Play

The eight programs:

Hockey Discovery Days

Three introductory sessions for kids 5-12, focusing on the fundamentals of the game in a safe, fun and positive setting. Safety and fun are stressed and each participant can look forward to getting new sticks, skates, gloves, helmets, neck guards, T-shirts and jerseys, and a healthy snack at each session.

First Strides Access Program

This is targeted more at those who might not otherwise encounter hockey -- underserved groups such as new Canadians, inner-city youth, remote communities and First Nations communities and other cultural and community groups. Again, basic game concepts for kids 5-12, stressing safety and fun, and with equipment perks.

Community Champions

Minor hockey associations and community clubs will be eligible to show their community hockey spirit with activities and events. The summaries can be uploaded to Hockey Manitoba's websites (via photos, stories and videos) and three winning entries annually will be be awarded grants of $10,000, $5,000 and $5,000 for facility upgrades or equipment.

In The Game Grants

Participants in either the Hockey Discovery Days or First Strides Access programs will be eligible to win one of 20 grants to cover all registration fees in a player's first year of organized hockey.

Breakfast Club Grants

Hockey Manitoba will follow the lead of the Coach Mentorship program, which has been conducting activities for skill development for kids prior to their school day, followed by a nutritious breakfast. Hockey Manitoba will make $250 grants to all associations or clubs establishing a new breakfast club and $100 to all previously established breakfast clubs.

Team Manitoba Kids

Minor hockey players and their parents will be able to connect with the provincial association to learn about programs and development opportunities as they progress through the age ranks. To be launched in the fall, parents will be able to register an email address with Hockey Manitoba to initiate the "informational conversation."

Legacy Funding Grants

A grant application process is now active for minor hockey associations, clubs, leagues or regions to create their own development initiatives that focus on recruitment or retention of players, coaches, officials and volunteers. Also, the 2007 World Women's legacy fund for female hockey projects will be associated with this program.

Esso Fun Days

An activity that's been running since 1998, the Hockey Canada-developed fun day for first-time female players is another avenue to introduce players to the basics of the game.

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 28, 2012 C6