I enjoy passing stories and interesting initiatives along to my readers who, for various reasons, might otherwise miss them. Here is one that meets that criteria.
In an effort to support kids who have dreams of becoming a hockey goaltender, once again the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Goalie Assist Program is providing a new set of CCM goalie equipment for select associations to loan to 5-7 year old players interested in trying out the position.
Now in its 7th year, the OMHA Goalie Assist Program has provided 330 full sets of goalie equipment. This season, there were more than 140 applications received from OMHA-member associations, with 40 sets being distributed across the province. While there is a formal application process, selection of recipients basically operates on a rotating basis.
Among the local associations in my area (Grey, Bruce and Huron counties) that were recipients of the program this year were Bruce Peninsula, Listowel, Lucknow, South Bruce and South Huron.
“The idea is to continue the positive cycle of introducing new goalies to the position,” says OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. “Hockey is a late-specialization sport and the Goalie Assist Program helps introduce the position to players who may not have otherwise had the opportunity. The equipment helps give every player a chance to try being a goaltender without families making the financial commitment.”
Each set of equipment will be retained by the local minor hockey associations at the conclusion of the hockey season to loan to players in following years, all in order to continue the positive cycle of introducing new goalies to the position.
The OMHA believes this program helps break down some of the barriers that may exist for new goalies. Being a netminder is a very unique position in hockey and requires specific equipment that may not always be readily available.
“A player who wants to be a goalie should not be discouraged for any reason and this program helps alleviate some of those worries,” adds Taylor. “The Goalie Assist Program could be the first time a player is able to try out net-minding.”
Each kit is equipped with a set of CCM youth pads, catcher/blocker, stick, chest protector and bag. Catching hands and sticks are available with common left/right combinations.
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association, founded in 1935, is a leader in community sport and oversees a participant base of more than 300,000, consisting of players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents across the province. The OMHA works with its 223 local minor hockey
associations and annually coordinates 28 leagues to create the best minor hockey experience in Canada.
The OMHA believes this program helps break down some of the barriers that may exist for new goalies. Being a netminder is a very unique position in hockey and requires specific equipment that may not always be readily available.
“A player who wants to be a goalie should not be discouraged for any reason and this program helps alleviate some of those worries,” adds Taylor. “The Goalie Assist Program could be the first time a player is able to try out net-minding.”
Each kit is equipped with a set of CCM youth pads, catcher/blocker, stick, chest protector and bag. Catching hands and sticks are available with common left/right combinations.
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association, founded in 1935, is a leader in community sport and oversees a participant base of more than 300,000, consisting of players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents across the province. The OMHA works with its 223 local minor hockey
associations and annually coordinates 28 leagues to create the best minor hockey experience in Canada.
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