Free road hockey program gives kids chance to play [Video]

A free road hockey program for kids that face barriers accessing registered sports has wrapped up its season at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities.

House of Hockey offers free road hockey for kids aged 9 to 12. It’s run by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, Justin Bieber and Tim Hortons. The program teamed up with Wilfrid Laurier University this summer to offer it for the first time outside of the Greater Toronto Area.

“This is a great way to get sticks in hands for kids, participate in hockey, get the understanding of the game, fall in love with the Canadian sport,” Nicole Vandermade, program manager, Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities, Wilfrid Laurier University said.

The eight-week program started in July, offering weekly games to 40 registered kids at Laurier’s Northdale Campus. Organizers said “it’s crazy” how the kids improved, not only in skill but also …