Maple Leaf Public School Kids Get Chance to Try Hockey with Community Support

27 kids from Maple Leaf Public School are getting 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 longtime hockey enthusiast and Maple Leaf Public School teacher, the Learn to Play Hockey program has been a resounding success.

With the help of volunteers and a grant from Hockey Canada, Maor and his team have been teaching the kids the ins and outs of the sport over a six-week program. The impact has been significant, with Maor noting a boost in the kids’ self-confidence and a noticeable improvement in their social and academic skills.

The program aims to provide opportunities for kids from marginalized communities who may not have had the chance to play hockey otherwise. Through the support of local businesses and the Town of Newmarket, the program has been able to provide ice time and equipment for the kids.

Volunteer Tracee Chambers emphasized the importance of having enthusiastic adults in the kids’ lives, encouraging them to participate in sports and other activities. The program has been a blessing for many of the kids involved, who have expressed excitement about coming back each week.

As the program wraps up, Maor and his team are looking to secure corporate sponsors to help cover costs for next season. They hope to continue providing opportunities for kids to play hockey and learn valuable life skills through the sport.

The program will culminate in a wrap-up event at the Magna Centre on April 27, where the kids will play their first full game with player introductions. The event is open to the public, and the program is hoping for a crowd to cheer the kids on as they showcase their newfound skills. For those interested in sponsoring the program, they can email learntoplayhockey@protonmail.com.