Thanks to the SLAP program, more than a hundred kids caught hockey fever this year!

Hockey was one of the first team sports organized by Sun Youth. In the 1950’s, municipal arenas did not exist so the youngsters played hockey on an outdoor rink at Jeanne-Mance Park. No matter the weather, they were always there.

Still today, this passion is part of Sun Youth’s Sports & Recreation programs such as the SLAP Hockey program. It is through the collaboration of Park-Extension Youth Organization (PEYO), the Quebec Avalanche Hockey Club and Sun Youth Organization that the program was established in 2005. Its mission is to introduce children, aged between 5 and 13 years old, to the fundamentals of the sport. The participants are first taught basic skating skills and eventually progress to proficiency in team concepts while focusing on their education.

This year, 70 young players registered to the Parc-Extension program which is held at the Howie-Morenz Arena. Through this hockey development program which runs from September to April, those young players have two training session a week, during which they compete in intra-team matches. The objective is to provide them with a positive, enjoyable and safe experience in a structured and non stressful environment under the supervision of volunteer coaches. Since October 22th, 2016, in collaboration with the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough, the SLAP program has expanded and is now available to young residents aged between 5 and 11 years old. Thirty sessions were held during which 35 kids laced up their skates and jumped on the ice of the Sportplexe this season.

Sun Youth wishes to convey its gratitude to all the donors and volunteers who offer the organization their support in helping underprivileged children to catch hockey fever at a very affordable price. You can give a boost throughout the year by giving gently used hockey equipment.