One of the objectives identified in Hockey Canada’s Growth & Retention Strategy is to create a framework for hockey association support and development. 

Deliverables of the Growth & Retention Strategy include exploring opportunities to execute pilots to provide support and development opportunities for our Members and their Associations working towards sustainable growth and increased retention.

Hockey Canada is proud to have successfully obtained funding from the IIHF to support to development of sustainable opportunities for “Try Hockey / Grow the Game” programing – moving forward these pilots will be called IIHF/Hockey Canada Try Hockey Pilots (IIHF HCTHP).

The objectives of the IIHF/Hockey Canada Try Hockey Pilots are to:

• Provide turn-key and sustainable opportunities for Local Hockey Associations to execute “Try Hockey / Grow the Game” programs outside of their traditional offerings.
• Develop a comprehensive approach to offering hockey opportunities, working in partnership with the groups/communities that will be hosting the programs.
• Understand the different values that each community have – to shape the pilots to be flexible and reflect those values.
• Share the learnings of these pilots with all Members and Local Hockey Associations, enabling them to develop their own ‘’Grow the Game ‘’ plan.

Pilots must be:

• Innovative - We are looking for new and exciting ideas to grow the game. 
• Flexible 
• Provide no barriers to registration
• Make it easy for families to register
• Outside of regular minor hockey offerings provided. 
• Connected with the local community. 
• Inclusive and diverse. 

To apply to host a pilot, Hockey Association will be able to fill out an application form until Dec. 6, 2023  by CLICKING HERE.

For more information the program, see the attached document from Hockey Canada.