NHL/NHLPA First Shift
NHL and NHLPA beginner hockey programme, developed with Hockey Canada, introducing children to skating and on-ice skills at locations across multiple Canadian provinces.
Quick facts
About NHL/NHLPA First Shift
Developed jointly by the NHL, NHLPA, and Hockey Canada, the First Shift programme provides a structured entry point into hockey for children new to the sport. Sessions cover skating fundamentals, shooting, and stickhandling in a beginner-friendly format, with programmes running across fall, winter, and spring.
First Shift operates at rinks across Alberta and beyond, with listed locations including Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Canmore, Chestermere, Cochrane, Crossfield, Tsuut'ina, and Ardrossan. Dedicated streams exist for girls, BIPOC participants, co-ed groups, and para hockey players.
The programme is aimed at U7 and U8–U13 age groups and is designed to lower barriers to entry for families who are new to the sport.
Where they train
Serves Toronto, Toronto (GTA Core).
