One of Canada’s first accessible sledge hockey programs for youth was introduced this past year at Winnipeg’s hockey for all centre. Para First Shift, a program developed by Manitoba Possible and the team at hockey for all centre, helps remove barriers for youth to participate in sledge hockey.
“We’re really excited because it’s an entry-level to the sport for a lot of younger kids who typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to get involved,” said Jaylene Irwin, program manager of recreation, leisure, and accessible sport at Manitoba Possible, a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services to Manitobans with disabilities.
The idea was inspired by a phone call David Sattler, general manager of hockey for all centre, had about the First Shift program, which was created by the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) to make hockey more accessible, affordable, and fun for kids and families new to the sport. The First Shift program has been running since 2014 and has helped introduced the sport to many new families and participants.
“It was mentioned that in Atlantic Canada they had tried sledge hockey a few years ago, but it hadn’t picked up anywhere else,” said Sattler, who reached out to Irwin and the team at Manitoba Possible to explore expanding Winnipeg’s First Shift programming to include sledge hockey. Manitoba Possible was already connected to hockey for all centre, as they have operated sledge hockey programs at the arena since 2010.
“It’s really been the home of sledge hockey in the province,” said Irwin.
Para First Shift is different from other sledge hockey programs offered in Manitoba because the program’s costs, including equipment, are completely covered by True North Sports + Entertainment through generous support from Scotiabank and Jumpstart.
“Some families have said that as a single parent they never could have imagined getting their child involved in sport, and this has opened so many doors,” said Irwin.
Para First Shift had 13 youth between the ages of 5 and 20 in their fall program. One of those kids was 5-year-old Jayden Skowrenek, the youngest child to participate in one of Manitoba Possible’s sledge hockey programs.
“He likes watching dad play hockey and watching the Jets play hockey on TV, so we were excited when they offered the First Shift program to try sledge hockey,” said Jordan Skowronek, Jayden’s dad.
“Its important for kids to start at an early age to develop physical literacy and continue in sport throughout life,” said Irwin, who has coached sledge hockey for eight years. There are several coaches, parents and volunteers on the ice during Para First Shift sessions to make sure every participant is supported. There are also adjustments that can be made to help kids feel comfortable, like adding a back rest or push bar on a sled or eliminating sensory difficulties in the arena.
“Just having everyone fitted in their equipment was incredible to break down barriers for participating in sports,” said Irwin. “When we were doing the welcome event, a kid was putting on his jersey and gloves when he looked up at his mom and dad and said, ‘It’s been my dream to play hockey, thank you for the opportunity’ and that was special to hear.”
One of the greatest things Para First Shift has created is a sense of community among participants, their families, and coaches.
“A lot of families say it feels like a second family to them because we see each other weekly and you get quite close,” said Irwin. “It’s a special community, and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback and gratitude for the opportunity for their kids to be involved in the program.”
Sattler too has received emails from parents sharing how life-changing this opportunity has been. “Specifically for one kid who really likes sports, but for one reason or another hasn’t been able to participate, this has opened doors for him to be able to be included in ways he wasn’t able to before which has had a significant impact on his self-confidence.”
Irwin says participants’ confidence has grown during the six-week program, and their progress from sitting on the ice at the first session to now moving quickly and assuredly is exciting to see.
And hopefully this will only be the beginning of their growth. Once participants 13 and over complete Para First Shift, they can advance into higher levels of sledge. Several participants, including Jayden, have already used their skills outside of the sessions, participating in a holiday tournament against teams from Winkler, and Kenora, Ont.
“Manitoba has a thriving sledge hockey community. We have a couple players that play on the national team, and train here at hockey for all centre,” said Sattler, who purposely schedules the advanced sledge hockey programs after Para First Shift sessions. “I think its important for these kids to see older, more advanced athletes and understand that this isn’t just a six-week program, there’s an opportunity to play, grow and enjoy the sport.”
The future of sledge hockey in Manitoba is looking bright. Since the Para First Shift program started in September, more participants and their families have reached out to Manitoba Possible wanting to join.
“As long as there are kids who want to get involved in the sport, we’re here to support it and make sure they have the opportunity to play,” said Sattler. “These kids persevere through so much that getting the opportunity to take part in this, learn a new skill and connect with teammates is significantly beneficial for their development, allowing them to connect with the sport and become a fan.”
To learn more about sledge hockey in Manitoba, visit manitobapossible.ca/sledgehockey.
