The application period for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2022-23 is NOW OPEN!
A truly unique experience designed to help kids fall in love with hockey. The six-week learn to play program continues to focus on having fun while learning basic skills. Full head-to-toe Bauer equipment is included with registration.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community, and enroll their kids in our sport. Because of the program’s belief in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, the NHL/NHLPA First Shift was designed to make hockey accessible, affordable, safe and most importantly, fun!
The plan for 2022-23 is to host 160 programs (coed, all girls and para hockey) resulting in the potential registration of more the 6,000 participants, as well as the return of ‘’A programs’’ with 45 participants. The NHL/NHLPA First Shift partners are committed to ensuring the program and the sport of hockey welcomes participants, no matter the race, gender, religion, ability, or sexual orientation. A more inclusive future creates avenues for new players across all backgrounds the chance to inspire the next generations on and off the ice. We believe diversity makes us all stronger and want to ensure opportunities are available for everyone to be welcomed into the hockey community.
We encourage Local Hockey Associations to share their intentions for any equity, diversity and inclusion focused programming.
For more information on the program please go to www.firstshift.ca or apply immediately to host an event by CLICKING HERE.
The NOHA had the opportunity to sit down with Haileybury, Ontario's Dustin McCrank ahead of his journey to the Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
Watch Below:
Updated: Feb 15, 2022
NORTH BAY, ON – February 7th, 2022 – The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) and the Great North U18 League are proud to announce the Team NOHA Staff for the 2022 OHL Cup.
Anthony Miller currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds Under-14 AAA Team in addition to his duties as an Assistant Coach with the Soo Thunderbirds Junior A team. In the 2014- 15 season, Miller was named the captain of the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL), was named to Team NOJHL that competed at the Central Canada Cup, and most notably led his team to a berth at the National Junior-A Championship, formerly known as the RBC Cup. Miller is a registered NOHA Official in Sault Ste. Marie. This is Anthony’s second season with Team NOHA, having formerly been selected in 2019/2020 before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Sheldon Reasbeck is the Head Coach of the Kapuskasing Flyers U18 AAA team and an NOHA Learning Facilitator/Skills Instructor. He is the President of PowerPlay Hockey, a company dedicated to skill and skating development in Northern Ontario. Sheldon played his Junior hockey in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL), suiting up for the K&A 1st Nations Golden Hawks for two seasons, and the Thunder Bay Bearcats for one season. This will be Sheldon’s fourth season with Team NOHA.
Steve Polyblank has been coaching minor hockey at various levels for more than 30 years. He began coaching in Kirkland Lake and has since relocated to New Liskeard, where he is now in his 10th season as the Head Coach of the New Liskeard Cubs U18 AAA Team. Steve shares his coaching expertise with other local Coaches as an NOHA Facilitator and Development 1 on-ice Evaluator. In his playing days with the Kirkland Lake Blue Devils, he made an appearance in the OCAA final.
David Losier is the Head Trainer for the Kapuskasing Flyers of the Great North U18 League, a role he has held since the 1998 season. He is an HTCP Level III Trainer and previously served as an ambulance attendant. He has been a trainer in some capacity for over 36 years, collecting a 3M Award for Safety in 1994. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Tom Pashby Trainer of the Year Award for the NOHA. This will be David’s fourth season with Team NOHA.
“We are extremely pleased with the staff that we have assembled for the OHL Cup. The staff’s credentials speak for themselves, and we are sure they will bring out the best in the players selected for Team NOHA at the OHL Cup. The NOHA would like to thank all candidates who applied for these roles,” said NOHA President Sue Shepherdson.
Team NOHA will be made up of 2006-born players who reside within the NOHA’s boundaries and are eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Team NOHA will be announced on March 21st, 2022.
Team NOHA will compete at the 2022 OHL Cup on March 30th to April 4th, in Toronto.
For more information, please contact:
Jacob Brown
NOHA Technical Director
(705) 474-8851 Ext. 103
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