Welcome to Play: First Hockey Moments

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (7).webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi.webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (1).webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (2).webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (3).webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (3).webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (4).webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (5).webp

Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the wi (6).webp

Some of our favourite moments at Free Play for Kids come when our Welcome to Play program helps newcomers adapt to life in Canada through sport and social activities. Last Tuesday, these kiddos got to see and play hockey for the very first time. Imagine seeing hockey for the first time, in your first week in Canada, in the middle of the winter, coming from a desert climate!

In quick succession, the intro to hockey went from confusion and fear into ear-to-ear smiles on all their faces. Even with the wrong-handed stick or without skates, these kiddos are instantly having fun and learning about Canadian culture at the deepest of levels — play.

A big thank you to the Government of Alberta for their support in making experiences like this possible!