No hockey equipment? No hockey experience? No problem!

Hockey Nova Scotia is excited to announce that registration for the 2025-26 NHL/NHLPA First Shift program is now open! We’re inviting families across the province to join us on the ice this season.

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift is all about ensuring a positive first experience for families new to hockey by making the game accessible, affordable, safe, and—most importantly—fun.

The program is open to all Canadian children between the ages of 6 and 10 who have never previously been registered in hockey.

Why Choose the First Shift?

* Affordable – At just $299, the registration fee includes a full set of head-to-toe Bauer equipment, a welcome event, professional equipment fitting, and six on-ice sessions.
* Accessible & Manageable – With one session per week for six weeks, families can enjoy an introduction to hockey without a heavy time commitment.
* Safe – Expert equipment fitting, proper instruction, and an emphasis on fun remove intimidation and safety concerns.
* Fun, Fun, Fun – From skating and puck skills to small-area games, the program is designed to build confidence and help kids fall in love with the sport.

On-Ice Experience:

* 6 Weeks of ice time (one session per week, one hour per session)

Learn-to-Play Curriculum featuring:

* Small areas games and skills stations active
* Wide variety of skating skills, puck handling, passing and shooting exercises
* Discovering the sport through variety of basic motor movement patterns
* Fun games to ensure participants enjoy a full range of hockey experiences

What’s Next?

After the six-week program, families are encouraged to continue their hockey journey through the Transition Program, where participants move into Minor Hockey Association programming with continued focus on fun, fundamentals, and progressive skill development.

Nova Scotia 2025–26 First Shift Locations

There are still spots available in First Shift programs hosted by the following associations:

* Metro East Inferno Female Hockey Association (Girls only) – Dartmouth – September 21, 2025
* Cape Breton Blizzard Female Hockey Association (Girls only) – Sydney – November 1, 2025
* Pictou County Minor Hockey Association (Coed) – New Glasgow – November 3, 2025
* South Colchester Minor Hockey Association (Coed) – Brookfield – November 4, 2025
* Metro West Female Hockey Association (Girls only) – Bedford – November 5, 2025
* Halifax Hawks Minor Hockey Association (Coed) – Halifax – November 9, 2025
* East Hants Minor Hockey Association (Coed) – Lantz – November 10, 2025
* Western Female Hockey Association (Girls only) – Bridgewater – November 12, 2025
* Bedford Minor Hockey Association (Coed) – Bedford – November 14, 2025
* Valley Wild Female Hockey Association (Girls only) – Kentville – November 15, 2025


Register Today!

Don’t miss out—spots fill quickly! To register or find more information about programs in Nova Scotia, click on the link below.

REGISTER NOW