New Learn-to-Play Program Continues National
Expansion to Change Way Hockey is offered to New Families

Grand Falls-Windsor, NL – Sept 22, 2015 – Bauer Hockey, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of ice hockey equipment, and Hockey Canada, announced today they will be hosting The First Shift, a new learn-to-play hockey program, in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.

WHO: Bauer Hockey, Hockey Canada and Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Hockey Association

WHAT: The First Shift, a new learn-to-play program allows kids to easily try the sport in a convenient, affordable and fun way. This six-week program is for kid’s ages 6-10 who have never played and is $199, which includes enrollment and head-to-toe BAUER equipment.

WHEN: Registered kids will participate in a welcome event on October 4, 2015. Bauer Hockey will provide important education and expertly fit the kids with head-to-toe gear. Parents and kids can learn more and sign up at www.TheFirstShift.ca.

WHERE: Welcome event at the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium, Grand-Falls-Windsor, NL
Bauer Hockey and Hockey Canada have partnered to launch this new national program designed to grow the game by welcoming families to the sport in a fun, convenient and affordable way. Administered by local minor hockey associations, The First Shift has been offered in approximately 40 markets across Canada. Each local welcome event provides new families and kids with a chance to learn about the game, receive their equipment and get properly fit by experts. Learn more at www.TheFirstShift.ca.

About Bauer Hockey
Bauer Hockey is the world’s most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer Hockey developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer Hockey has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful SUPREME®, VAPOR® and NEXUS® lines of products. Performance Sports Group Ltd., the parent company of Bauer Hockey, is a publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange whose affiliates market products under the BAUER, MISSION, MAVERIK, CASCADE, INARIA, COMBAT and EASTON brand names. For more information, visit Bauer Hockey’s website at www.BAUER.com.

About Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada is the governing body for hockey in Canada and a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), with a membership through its 13 provincial branch associations of over 700,000 players, coaches and officials. Hockey Canada is a not-for-profit organization that creates leading-edge hockey development programs for its members to deliver in communities across Canada, provides consistent rules and regulations and various other membership services from coast to coast, manages numerous regional, national and international hockey championships and events, and leads the operation of all teams that represent Canada in international hockey competition. Hockey Canada’s mission is to “lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences.”

Media Inquiries
Tonya Ryan
President, GFWMHA
709-486-9856
[email protected]

Bauer Hockey Contact
Tory Mazzola
Global Communications Manager
Bauer Hockey
Phone: 603-430-2111
[email protected]