Registration to host an Esso Fun Day is now open! Esso Fun Day programs provide new-to-hockey girls and women of all ages with a free, fun introduction to Canada’s game. The program originated in 1998 and has grown to become one of Hockey Canada’s largest recruitment tool for girls and women. This unique program was designed to help first-time players step on the ice and start their hockey journeys.
Esso Fun Day programs are designed to familiarize beginners to hockey with basic skills in a fun, positive and welcoming environment at no cost to the first-time participant. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, experience team spirit, develop self-confidence and experience a sense of achievement.
Programs can be delivered to girls and women of all ages, including the Hockey Canada Timbits U7 Program, so players can experience the sport early and enjoy the game for a lifetime.
There are four Esso Fun Day formats available:
- One-day on-ice:
- One on-ice session with a focus on basic skills and concepts (60-90 minutes), led by certified instructors.
- One off-ice session with a focus on team-building, icebreakers and an introduction to the basic rules and terminology of hockey.
- One-day off-ice:
- One off-ice session with a focus on basic skills and hockey concepts (60-90 minutes), led by certified instructors.
- One off-ice session with a focus on team-building, icebreakers and an introduction to the basic rules and terminology of hockey.
- Six-week on-ice sessions:
- An introductory first day, as outlined above in (1), followed by five additional weekly on-ice sessions.
- Six-week programs create greater on-ice confidence, increasing the likelihood of continued participation.
- Six-week limited ice sessions:
- An introductory first day, as outlined above in (1) or (2), followed by additional weekly sessions which may be either on-ice, off-ice of any combination of the two.
- Six-week programs create greater on-ice confidence, increasing the likelihood of continued participation.
Hosts must be affiliated with a local hockey association in good standing with Hockey Alberta. Hosts should fill out the online application at least four weeks prior to their proposed program date. Host associations determine which program format suits their goals and resources. Reimbursement amounts are applicable for each version to off-set the costs of hosting the program.