36 Dreams Become A RealityFor Immediate Release April 26, 2004 Georgetown , ON – On Saturday April 24, 36 children aged eight to twelve from across Ontario participated in the second Let's Learn Hockey Program hosted by the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario (MHF). Each child was selected through Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Canada, Family and Children Services and the Town of Halton Hills . The Program provided every participant a full set of new hockey equipment, attend a one-day skills clinic and subsidized funding for registration fees for the 2004-2005 season. After breakfast was provided by Post Shreddies cereal and Neilson's Dairy, each child picked up their bag of new hockey equipment. Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) trainers and volunteers from Georgetown Minor Hockey Association helped these young athletes fit their equipment. Adjustments were made and it was not too long until they took to the ice for the first time. Basic instruction by certified instructors allowed the children to learn how to the play hockey. “[My child] learned to skate backwards today and is very excited at the prospect of playing on a "real " hockey team,” explained one of the caseworkers. “Without the assistance of the MHF, your sponsors and all of your caring volunteers, this day wouldn't have been a reality for him. Thanks to your organization, hockey in the fall will be a reality for him.” A healthy Maple Lodge Farms lunch was served and then children participated in off-ice activities. The next on-ice session was mini-games with referees then the day closed with a shootout. ROCK, the Maple Lodge Farms mascot was the goalie that had to face 36 skaters. Recently retired NHL Referee, Brian Lewis was the guest official for the shootout. The day closed with Toronto Maple Leafs' legendary goalie Johnny Bower to help the children with some hockey tips and sign autographs. “The smiles, the laughter, the kids, the parents and everything about the day have left a unbelievable feeling in me and our volunteers that will last a life time. This event was truly priceless!!!!!” said Instructor Dennis Norton. This program could not have been possible without the funding and support from our sponsors. A special thanks to Post Shreddies, Neilson's Dairy, Baron Insignias, OMHA Charity Golf Classic, National Sports, CCM, Canadian Tire, NHL Alumni, Kool-Aid, the Town of Halton Hills , Cindy and Johnny Bower and Georgetown MHA. Since it was established in 1999, the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario (MHF), the OMHA's charity of choice, has been focused on giving kids who would otherwise not be able to play, a chance to play hockey and assist current minor hockey players with financial assistance for their post-secondary education. For more information, contact : or visit |