For some families, the cost of hockey can put the sport out of reach before a child ever steps onto the ice. But a Tillsonburg program is making sure money doesn't stand in the way of discovering a love for the game.
Hockey Is For Everyone is preparing for its 16th year of introducing elementary school children to hockey, providing equipment, ice time and instruction at absolutely no cost to families.
Kim Alexander, who runs the Club Oxford Hockey League, helped establish the program after recognizing that some youngsters wanted to try hockey but didn't have the equipment or financial resources to get started.
The idea grew out of the arena renovation project and Alexander's desire to continue supporting the community through hockey. He connected with teacher Dan Dubé, who was already helping bring children to the arena, and offered to cover the equipment and ice costs if volunteers could provide the instruction. What began as an effort to provide equipment has developed into a program that gives youngsters a chance to discover whether hockey is right for them without requiring their parents to make a significant financial commitment. Alexander says that's particularly important when a child is trying the sport for the first time. Families can face substantial costs for equipment and registration, only to discover a few months later that their youngster would rather pursue something else.
Hockey Is For Everyone eliminates that financial gamble. The program welcomes children who aren't already registered in minor hockey. Some arrive with very little experience, although a basic ability to skate is preferred. Instructors begin by assessing each child's skating ability, followed by drills and individual instruction designed to build skills and confidence.
The ultimate goal is to prepare participants to take part in a scrimmage.
Alexander credits current instructors Shane Balcomb and Cody Chute with creating an encouraging environment. Parents have reported significant improvements in their children's abilities, and some participants eventually move on to spring three-on-three hockey or regular minor hockey programs.
One former participant even returned to tell Alexander how much the experience had meant to him.
The boy had started hockey later than many of his friends and credited Hockey Is For Everyone with giving him the foundation he needed to join them in organized hockey. The program is made possible through financial and equipment donations, with VanQuaethem Farms serving as a major sponsor. The Club Oxford Hockey League also contributes funding for ice time when needed.
Equipment is provided through a combination of new and gently used donations, and everything given to a participating child is theirs to keep. Gloves, elbow pads and neck protectors are among the items most in need of replacement. The next session begins Thursday, January 7, 2027, and runs Thursday mornings through March at the Tillsonburg arena. Children are expected to be dressed and ready to take the ice by 7 a.m., with parents responsible for getting them to the arena and then to school afterward. Families interested in participating can pick up a permission-to-skate form at the arena. Dave Martin of Vern's Carpet One coordinates equipment fittings and will contact registered families in December.
Alexander says there's room to accommodate additional participants, with the possibility of expanding to a second ice session if demand warrants it. For parents who have always wanted to introduce their children to hockey but worried about the expense, his message is simple.
Hockey Is For Everyone is open to children in Grades 2 through 8 who are not currently enrolled in minor hockey.
Parents can pick up a "Permission to Skate" form at the Tillsonburg Arena. Once completed, they should text a photo of the form to Dave Martin at 519-842-1124 to arrange an equipment fitting before Christmas.
The free program begins Thursday, January 7th, with sessions running from 7 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. every Thursday through the end of March.
