31 Champions Win at Let's Learn Hockey Program Donations needed to keep event alive By Kevin Boston Kingston , ON – Today marked the fourth Let's Learn Hockey Program organized by the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario. The Let's Learn Hockey Program provides boys and girls from the ages of seven to twelve with a set of brand new CCM hockey equipment, a one-day skills camp and subsidizes their minor hockey registration fees for the following season. Children are selected from Children's Aid Societies and Big Brothers & Big Sisters agencies across Ontario. The Cataraqui Arena in Kingston was the location of the event this year. Each of the 31 participants submitted their CCM equipment-sizing chart prior to the event and received a brand new set of hockey equipment upon their arrival at the camp. After a welcome from the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario President, John Archibald, the children, case workers, guardians, parents and volunteers received a breakfast supplied by Maple Lodge Farms and Minute Maid. “Today is a special day for everyone involved. I would like to thank everyone for being a part of this program,” said Archibald. “The key thing to remember today is to have FUN!” Volunteers from the surrounding minor hockey associations in Kingston helped size the children with their new equipment while certified hockey trainers were on site to assist with the equipment. Once each child was properly equipped, they took to the ice for a basic introductory practice with qualified Initiation Program instructors and coaches. After lunch, the participants had fun with the off-ice shooting games provided by the Union Energy Events Team followed by another on-ice session of mini-hockey games. Instructors divided up the ice into three sections to make three mini-hockey rinks. OHLer Luke Pither joined the kids on the ice to help teach the kids some skills and sign autographs. The day was capped off with excitement and drama as the players took part in a penalty shot contest against the Maple Lodge Farms' mascot, ROCK, and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association's mascot, Chuck the Puck. Today's event would not have happened if it were not for the hard work and dedication by the volunteers. Special thanks goes to Tim Nash and his volunteers from District “K”; the organizing committee of John Archibald, Kevin Boston, Ben Craig, Mark Ellis, Jim Kinkley, Chris McPhail, Richard Ropchan, Kevin Sheridan and David Rogers; training staff of Gary, Scott and Andrew Fisch, David and Jesse Hargreaves, Paul and Clayton Robson, and Jonothan Geddes. Thank you to the sponsors of this program that include The Hockey Company, Baron Insignias, Maple Lodge Farms, Bell, Tom Moxam, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Ltd., and Canadian Tire. Despite the success of this event over the past few years, the event will not continue beyond next season if funds are not available. To make a donation to the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario, please contact Kevin Boston at 905-780-6642 x231 or email info@hockeyfoundation.ca . To learn more about the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario, visit www.hockeyfoundation.ca . About the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario In 2000 the Minor Hockey Foundation Ontario (MHF) was created to support minor hockey players in the Province of Ontario . The Foundation assists players seeking post-secondary education, players who require financial assistance in order to play minor hockey, and the Let's Learn Hockey Program. |