7 Mellor Avenue, Unit 17 Phone: (902) 454-9400 Dartmouth, NS Fax: (902) 454-3883 B3B 0E8 Website: www.hockeynovascotia.ca

Black Youth Initiative

A program of Hockey in partnership with the Black Ice Hockey and Sport Hall of Fame Society, Sport Nova Scotia (Support 4 Sport) and Dalhousie University Men’s Hockey Team

The Program: Will consist of an 18-week program consisting of an 80 minute ice session and a 15-20 minute off-ice session each week. The on-ice session will be coordinated by fully certified HNS instructors along with community coaches who will be provided training and members of the Dalhousie University men’s hockey team when scheduling permits. The off-ice program will be coordinated by Dean Lee, a HRSB High School teacher and author of the “Hockey For All” leadership manual. The program will be a two-year pilot project in HRM. Participants may only take part in the program for one year and then must move into regular minor hockey in their area.

The program will supply all equipment and cover all registration and ice costs for participants for the first year.

Objectives: To provide boys and girls of African Canadian background, who may not normally have the chance, the opportunity to play ice hockey. Allow participants to learn the basic skills in a controlled, comfortable environment and experience a season of hockey with their peers of the same background and skill level (short term).

To encourage black youth who currently do not participate in hockey to consider hockey as an option and eventually fully register in hockey (medium term).

To increase the number of youth from under represented areas, backgrounds and cultures who participate in hockey by offering a program in various areas of the province and to other minority groups within Nova Scotia (long term).

Who can attend: 30 African Canadian boys and girls aged 5-10 who live in HRM, who do not currently play organized hockey. (No previous hockey or skating experience required).

What participants need: Parental consent, medical and registration forms and skates (if possible), HNS will supply all other required gear.

What will be provided: Full set of hockey equipment including jersey, 18 on and off-ice sessions with fully certified Hockey , community and volunteer coaches and a whole lot of fun!

Coaches: Certified Coaches who have completed Speakout, CAR and CRC, special guest coaches (Dalhousie men’s hockey team) and community role models. Community leaders will be recruited and trained as coaches to work with existing coaches.

When/Where: The program will start with a Parent and Player orientation and gear fitting at the HNS Offices in early October. The on ice program will start on Saturday, November 6 and continue every Saturday for the winter. Ice time will be 1:45-3:15pm at the new 4 Pad in Bedford (Rink C).

Fee: No charge