Newmarket Kids Get Chance to Try Hockey Thanks to Community Support

Twenty-seven kids from Newmarket school recently got a chance to try the sport of hockey, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of supporters across the community. Led by Newmarket resident Jay Maor, a Maple Leaf Public School teacher with a passion for hockey, the Learn to Play Hockey program aimed to inspire a love for the sport in children who may not have had the opportunity to play before.

With a grant from Hockey Canada, Maor and other volunteers worked tirelessly to teach the kids about the game and get them geared up to hit the ice. The six-week program wrapped up on April 27, leaving a lasting impact on the participants.

Maor emphasized the importance of instilling self-confidence in the kids through the program, noting that the ice provided a different environment where challenges in social and academic settings seemed to disappear. The grant specifically targeted kids from marginalized communities, providing them with the chance to experience the joy of playing hockey.

Brent Caddock, a longtime friend of Maor and co-runner of the program, highlighted the progress and perseverance shown by the children throughout the weeks. The support from the Town of Newmarket, local businesses, and volunteers like Tracee Chambers further enhanced the experience for the kids.

Looking ahead, Maor hopes to secure corporate sponsors to continue the program in the future, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to learn and grow through the sport of hockey. As he aptly put it, hockey emulates many situations in life, teaching valuable life skills along the way. For those interested in supporting the program, they can reach out via email at learntoplayhockey@protonmail.com.