GTHL Community Outreach Programs

GTHL Community Outreach initiatives aim to increase participation in minor hockey programs while promoting an active lifestyle, teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Please contact if you would like to learn more about GTHL outreach initiatives.

GTHL TRY HOCKEY

The Try Hockey program is designed for students in Grades 2–5 who may not have had the opportunity to play the sport due to barriers such as financial hardship or cultural background. In line with our mandate, priority is given to schools and communities in low-income neighbourhoods and areas with a high population of newcomers to Canada.

As part of Try Hockey Day at your school, participants take part in a 50-minute session led by GTHL instructors. Students are divided into small groups to learn and practice the fundamentals of the game, including stick-handling, passing, and shooting. Throughout the program, instructors emphasize the positive life skills hockey can teach — teamwork, resilience, and giving a championship effort both on and off the ice.

Objectives of Try Hockey:

Provide a comprehensive introduction to the sport of hockey by teaching the fundamental skills of passing, stick handling, and shooting.
Creates an opportunity for participants to develop new skills and abilities that encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
Key focus areas include physical literacy, safety, respect, teamwork, and fair play.
Provide a memorable first hockey experience that will last a lifetime.
Forge partnerships with local communities and minor hockey associations to provide future opportunities for Try Hockey participants to continue playing the game.
Promote the FUN of the game!

Try Hockey’s Core Values

Try Hockey is founded and delivered through five core values that are important not only as hockey players, but also as students in classrooms and people in our communities. These values are consistently demonstrated and instilled in all who experience the Try Hockey program.

FRIENDSHIP: We believe the best friend you can have is made on the ice.
TEAMWORK: We put the needs of our teammates ahead of our own.
LEADERSHIP: We take the initiative and lead by example.
WORK ETHIC: We give our best effort in everything we do.
ACCEPTANCE: We welcome anyone and everyone into the hockey family.

For more information and to schedule your GTHL Try Hockey Day, please click HERE.

“Our school had a great time with the GTHL. The coaches took the time to learn students’ names and provided personalized coaching and encouragement. I noticed that students of all skill levels were having fun and felt increasingly comfortable with the sport and the guest coaches. This was in part due to the focus on drills that have different points of entry, focused on safety and/or are focused on game-based skill development. My classes had a blast playing against the coaches – who were modeling joy for the game and building positive relationships with the kids. Many students left the gym saying they wanted to play hockey and some even surprised the coaches with hugs on their way back to class.”

“I wanted to thank you for selecting our school for the Try Hockey program. The students had a wonderful day and enjoyed learning their hockey skills while reinforcing the character development benefits of engaging in organized sports such as friendship, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and acceptance. The benefits of learning go far beyond the gym and will certainly contribute to their future success in the classroom and life.”

In 2024-25, the GTHL:

Operated 34 Try Hockey events
Visited 32 different schools
Introduced the game of hockey to just under 5000 students

In 2023-24, the GTHL:

Operating 15 Try Hockey events
Visited 14 diffeerent schools
Introduced the game of hockey to just under 2000 students

NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT

See below for all First Shift programs hosted by GTHL Clubs.

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift program is all about making hockey a fun, easy, and positive first experience for families who are new to the game.

Open to Canadian children ages 6–10 who have never been registered in minor hockey, First Shift takes the stress out of getting started. From providing equipment to introducing the basic rules, the program is designed to remove the intimidation and worries that can sometimes come with trying a new sport.

Most importantly, First Shift focuses on creating memories and building confidence — helping kids fall in love with the game and encouraging families to continue their hockey journey beyond their very first shift.

For $299, participants receive a full set of Bauer equipment that they can keep, and six on-ice sessions that include fun drills and activities.