North Bay’s youngest aspiring hockey players have a chance to lace up their skates and hit the ice with the return of the popular Hockey 4 Beginners (H4B) program. This initiative is designed to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for children aged 4 to 6, making their first steps into the world of hockey both fun and educational.
Paul McLean, the program coordinator, shared some insights about what families can expect from this season’s program. “The aim of Hockey 4 Beginners is to ensure a positive and fun experience for players in their first years of hockey,” McLean explained. “We want to create an environment where they can develop basic skills, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the game.”
H4B is specifically tailored for first-time hockey players born between 2019 and 2021. “We welcome all new players who are eager to learn the fundamentals of hockey,” said McLean. The program will take place at West Ferris Arena, with sessions scheduled twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
“Ice sessions will run on Tuesday evenings from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturday mornings from 7 am to 9 am,” McLean noted. “Each session will have three different time slots, each 35 minutes long. After registration, your child will be placed on a team and given a specific ice time slot, which will remain consistent throughout the season.”
The season itself includes 30 ice sessions plus a Jamboree, giving participants plenty of ice time to hone their skills.
McLean emphasized that the program aligns with Hockey Canada’s guidelines, focusing on making the sport accessible and enjoyable for beginners. “We teach them fundamental skills like balance, starting, stopping, forward skating, and striding. As they progress, we introduce more advanced techniques such as puck control, backward skating, crossovers, passing, and shooting.”
The goal, according to McLean, is to ensure that every child not only learns the basics but also gains the confidence to continue playing hockey in the future.
H4B is more than just an introduction to hockey; it’s a community effort. This year, the program is kicking off with a preseason information day at the North Bay Battalion Fan Fest on Sunday, September 28th. “Players will have a chance to feel like a celebrity while they take a walk down the red carpet!” McLean shared with enthusiasm. “It’s a great way to get the kids excited about the upcoming season.”
In addition to the Fan Fest, the program also benefits from the support of local hockey teams. “During our H4B season, we have North Bay Battalion and Nipissing Lakers Men’s Hockey team players out to help weekly with on-ice sessions,” McLean said. “We also have volunteers from North Bay Junior Lakers and North Bay Trappers. The kids really enjoy this aspect of the program and love the face-to-face time they have with these players.”
For those interested in getting involved, the program is actively seeking volunteers. “We’re looking for high school students who may want volunteer hours, as well as veteran hockey coaches interested in getting back into coaching youth,” McLean added.
Registration for Hockey 4 Beginners is open, and spots are filling up quickly. “You can register on our website, h4b.ca, where you’ll also find more information about the program,” McLean encouraged. As an added bonus, every registered player will receive a complimentary ticket to the Battalion’s final preseason game against the Owen Sound Attack on September 8, with the option to purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate.
Reach out for more information at [email protected].
