Try Hockey Without the Full Commitment: Inside the NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program

If your child has been curious about hockey but you're not ready to dive into a full season (or invest in full gear), the NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program is built for exactly that. Created by Bauer Hockey with Hockey Canada and delivered nationally in partnership with the NHL and NHLPA, First Shift is a six-week, learn-to-play program designed to be accessible, affordable, and fun for brand-new players ages 6–10. Each cohort meets once a week on the same day/time to make it easy for busy family schedules, and starts with a Welcome Event that walks parents and kids through gear, safety, and what to expect on the ice.

The value proposition is straightforward: $299 covers the full program plus head-to-toe Bauer equipment, properly fitted at the Welcome Event, that your child brings home the same day. That fee also includes player insurance. The on-ice ratio targets roughly 1 instructor for every 4 skaters, so beginners get lots of hands-on help learning the basics in a low-pressure environment.

Nationally, First Shift has introduced tens of thousands of Canadian kids to the game since launching as a pilot in 2014, and many programs fill quickly when registration opens each season. Hockey Canada and provincial members continue to expand offerings (including para and girls-only cohorts in some markets), reflecting the program's role as an easy on-ramp amid rising costs across youth sports.

There are several options for First Shift within Belleville and Quinte West, as well as across Ontario. Families can browse all provincial locations and dates on First Shift's Ontario website, https://www.firstshift.ca/locations/on/. At time of writing, Belleville's local programs are showing a waitlist for the 2025-26 season.