Hockey isn’t just a sport in Canada - it's a passion deeply woven into the nation’s culture. However, for many children and their parents, the high cost of equipment, registration fees, and ice time makes it an unattainable dream. Thanks to a meaningful initiative by a local organization, that dream is now a reality for dozens of kids.
Opening Doors to the Ice
Sun Youth, a long-standing community organization committed to supporting youth and families in Montreal and surrounding areas, launched the Hockey Development Program to introduce first-generation Canadian children and recent immigrants to the sport while helping them integrate into Canadian culture.
The program runs for one hour every weekend out of the Sportplexe Pierrefonds arena, welcoming up to 45 children per session aged 5 to 12. The hockey program includes children from PCPWI, a community-driven group aiding vulnerable West Island families with social, academic, and emotional support. Sun Youth equips the children with basic gear and jerseys, ensuring they have everything they need to step onto the ice with confidence.
A Big-League Opportunity
Sun Youth’s dedication to making hockey more accessible caught the attention of some of the sport’s biggest organizations. Rogers, alongside the NHL, the NHLPA, and La Fondation des Canadiens pour l’enfance, selected Sun Youth as the recipient of the 4 Nations Face-Off 50/50 jackpot. The proceeds from the raffle will directly support Sun Youth’s Hockey Development Program, creating an unforgettable experience for these young players.
A 4-Nations Face-Off Week to Remember
Throughout the week, the Sun Youth children participated in a series of exciting events. They were picked up in the West Island and taken to the Bell Centre, where they had the opportunity to practice with hockey legend Teemu Selänne. The excitement continued as they traveled to the CN Training Centre to watch Team Canada in action. To their delight, none other than Connor McDavid greeted them, signed their jerseys, and delivered the ultimate surprise - eight Sun Youth skaters from the group would be attending the Canada vs. USA Saturday night game.
That evening, the young players stepped onto the ice during the national anthem and had the opportunity to meet one of hockey’s biggest legends - Carey Price.
A Community Effort with a Lasting Impact
Sun Youth’s Hockey Development Program is a testament to the power of community support and the impact of making sports more accessible to children. Beyond learning how to play hockey, the program instills confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging while fostering lifelong memories and friendships. Thanks to Sun Youth’s dedication, the next generation of hockey players is being inspired in the heart of Montreal - one skate at a time.
To learn more about Sun Youth’s Hockey Development Program and how you can help, visit the link below: https://sunyouth.org/hockey-development/
PCPWI: https://www.pcpwi.ca/
Photos by MW Media Management
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