The 67’s hosted The Canadian Tire First Shift Program with Hockey Eastern Ontario

On Wednesday, January 5, the Ottawa 67’s and TD Place hosted The Canadian Tire First Shift with Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) to help introduce kids and parents to the great game of hockey.

“We are here to find and get some new kids into the game and into minor hockey,” said Jim Cooke HEO’s Grassroots/Community Coordinator. The Canadian Tire First Shift Program strives to make the hockey experience accessible to everyone. They provide all equipment and necessities for the program, so all parents have to do is show up and get involved.

“We want to help parents who don’t know how minor hockey works, who are not sure how to go out and buy new equipment for their son or daughter,” said Cooke. The program included a seven station workshop and a demonstration where fit experts picked out the perfect equipment for each new hockey player.

HEO will also host six on-ice sessions over six weeks for the new hockey players teaching them how to shoot, pass, and skate. “We’ll also be working with the parents [to] help them understand how minor hockey works and how they register if they are interested,” said Cooke.

During the workshop at TD Place, some special guests were on hand to share in the experience. Carter Robertson and Kevin Bahl of the 67’s visited the kids as they were getting fit for their new equipment. Riley the Raccoon also made an appearance, getting into trouble wherever he could.

“Having it here at TD Place is awesome, it’s a great facility and the kids are excited to be here,” said Cooke.

“The Canadian Tire First Shift and HEO have one main goal, we just want to see smiling faces and attract new kids to the game.”

For more information about Hockey Eastern Ontario click here, or to find out more about Canadian Tire’s The First Shift click here.

The 67’s next game is against the Kingston Frontenacs on January 7 at the Arena at TD Place, puck drop is set for 2 p.m.

Tickets for all Ottawa 67’s home games are available by clicking here, calling 613.232.6767 X1, or in person at the Box Office at TD Place.

Click here for the complete 2016-17 Ottawa 67’s schedule.