The application period for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2026-27 is NOW OPEN!
A truly unique experience designed to help kids fall in love with hockey. The six-week learn to play program continues to focus on having fun while learning basic skills. Full head-to-toe Bauer equipment is included with registration.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community, and enroll their kids in our sport. Because of the program’s belief in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, the NHL/NHLPA First Shift was designed to make hockey accessible, affordable, safe and most importantly, fun!
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift partners are committed to ensuring the program and the sport of hockey welcomes participants, no matter the race, gender, religion, ability, or sexual orientation. A more inclusive future creates avenues for new players across all backgrounds the chance to inspire the next generations on and off the ice. We believe diversity makes us all stronger and want to ensure opportunities are available for everyone to be welcomed into the hockey community.
We encourage Local Hockey Associations to share their intentions for any equity, diversity and inclusion focused programming.
For more information on the program or to apply immediately to host an event, please go to https://www.firstshift.ca/for-hosts/
As in previous years, the NOHA will support host associations with the program.
The NOHA will be hosting our next All-Association Call on Wednesday, January 28th at 7:30PM.
This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If you have anything specific you would like us to go over, please send an email to Jason Marchand at jmarchand@noha-hockey.ca ahead of time.
Hockey wouldn't happen without our dedicated volunteers, and we want to reward them for all the early mornings, late nights, and long weekends spent toward making hockey the best sport for the children of Northern Ontario.
The NOHA is proud to partner with Nothers The Award Store to showcase how thankful we are with a special prize for a selected volunteer every month.
NOHA Executive Director Jason Marchand said, “We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with Nothers to be able to provide this gift of thanks to our volunteers. Hockey in Northern Ontario is only made possible by the thousands of volunteers who give their time, energy, and care to our sport, and we want to show them we couldn’t do it without them.”
"Hockey is built on community, and volunteers are at the heart of it all. From early mornings to long weekends, their commitment shapes the experience for players and families alike. Nothers is honoured to work alongside the NOHA in recognizing the incredible volunteers who strengthen minor hockey across Northern Ontario,” said Brendan Muir of Nothers.
The Nothers Volunteer of the Month will be selected from a pool of nominations, with one volunteer highlighted on the NOHA website and social media and sent a prize from Nothers.
We recognize how important our volunteers are for Minor Hockey, and we hope to shine a light on all the amazing work they do for the sport we call home.
To nominate a volunteer, click the button below.
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For more information:
Jacob Brown
Director of Hockey Operations
Northern Ontario Hockey Association
Brendan Muir
Business Development Manager
Nothers The Award Store
