First Shift Program Receiving Praise

With “The First Shift,” which launched in Chatham earlier this year, well underway, organizers are singing the praises of the new program, designed to allow Chatham-Kent youth try hockey in a fun and friendly environment.

“I feel the program has really identified there is a need for this type of program in Chatham-Kent and surrounding areas,” says Kent Minor Hockey Association executive member Derek Fitzmorris of the program that is being sponsored by Hockey Canada and Bauer Hockey.

“The program has also allowed the families to introduce the sport of hockey to their children without the extra burden of costs and the time associated to playing hockey and most importantly having fun learning new skills and meeting new friends.”

With Kent Minor Hockey recognizing the obvious benefits of the 15 week program, which started in October, the organization is looking at how to continue to grow the initiative in the future, as the benefits to youth are obvious.

“With the help of the On-ice Volunteers, Bauer and Hockey Canada we have been able to provide a number of kids the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of playing hockey in a non-competitive environment,” explains Fitzmorries, who has been a coordinator of The First Shift Chatham program. “To see how far they have developed since week 1 of the program has been incredible.”

The program, which runs Monday evenings at Memorial Arena in Chatham has reached dozens of girls and boys in the area, and helped them learn the game of hockey, and for their parents to experience the game as well.

For more information on the “First Shift” program, people are invited to email Fitzmorris at omharep@kentminorhockey.com.