There’s no getting around it, hockey is an expensive sport and the cost of ice time and equipment continues to rise.
As a result, more and more kids and their families can’t afford to play and they’re dropping out of a game they love.
That troubling observation has not gone unnoticed by the folks at Hockey Canada. The country’s governing body for hockey is making it possible for kids to keep playing the game they love.
The Hockey Canada Foundation and its $1 million Assist Fund will provide up to $500 to help cover the registration cost for a young player registered with a Hockey Canada-sanctioned association. The program will especially help families whose incomes have been reduced through job loses or reduced working hours due to the pandemic.
The program is open to players whose parents or guardians who have been receiving the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, now known as the Canadian Recovery Benefit, and/or the Canadian Child Benefit.
“As a prominent national sports organization in the country, it’s Hockey Canada’s mission to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences,” said Tom Renney, chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “It’s a goal that’s more important than ever, as COVID-19 has had a challenging impact on so many young people from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”
Applicants can submit funding requests even if the player is already registered with Hockey Canada in their local hockey association program. If approved, the funds would be made available within two-four weeks.
Donors can contribute to the Assist Fund and will receive a tax receipt for any donation that exceeds $20.
Former NHL forward Jarome Iginla, Canadian national women’s team captain Marie-Phillip Poulin and Canadian National Para Hockey team veteran Greg Westlake are among a host of hockey heroes who have lent their support to the Hockey Canada Foundation.
“With job losses and reduced incomes affecting so many, young Canadians need our help more than ever to get back into hockey,” said Donna Iampieri, executive director of the Hockey Canada Foundation. “Our Assist Fund and the support of our amazing athletes and sponsors represents our combined ongoing commitment to providing access to the game.”
More information is available at hockeycanadafoundation.ca.
