Alexandre Picard, a former hockey player and analyst, advocates for hockey accessibility after noticing financial barriers preventing children from participating. A Montreal initiative offers affordable training sessions for just $75, providing necessary equipment at no cost. The program fosters skill development in a non-competitive environment, welcoming children aged 4 to 13. With growing participation, plans for a girls’ section and organized matches are on the horizon, promoting teamwork and community engagement in hockey.
Alexandre Picard: A Voice for Hockey Accessibility
Alexandre Picard, a former Canadian hockey player and current analyst at TVA Sports, is not just passionate about the sport but also deeply invested as a father. He regularly takes his 11-year-old son to various arenas across the province. Recently, he penned an open letter highlighting a concerning trend: many children are being forced to step away from hockey, our beloved national pastime, due to financial constraints.
Efforts to Make Hockey More Affordable
To shed light on the financial challenges faced by families, Le Journal is providing a comprehensive series of articles focusing on the costs involved in playing hockey. These articles also highlight initiatives designed to support families struggling with the increasing cost of living.
For the past four years, a remarkable organization in the Saint-Michel neighborhood of Montreal has been offering a budget-friendly opportunity for young athletes eager to play hockey. For just $75, participants can enjoy 12 one-hour training sessions led by experienced coaches.
“We aimed to create a pathway for youth to engage in hockey without the burden of expensive equipment, which can be overwhelming for many families,” shares Alexandre Bonneau Boucher. In Saint-Michel, numerous parents find the costs prohibitive.
L’Archange de Saint-Michel, an initiative spearheaded by Bonneau Boucher in collaboration with local community recreation and financial partners, is leading the charge to make hockey accessible.
Comprehensive Equipment Provision
The program is open to children from Saint-Michel and its nearby communities. Thanks to generous contributions from partners like the LE BUT Foundation, all necessary equipment is provided free of charge.
“From skates to neck warmers, helmets, and sticks, we ensure every child is fully equipped,” explains Mr. Bonneau Boucher. Additionally, participants enjoy refreshments, including juice, granola bars, and cakes, before or after their practice sessions.
Parents are not left out either; they can indulge in coffee from a partnership with Keurig and even join their children on the ice, with complimentary helmets, skates, and sticks provided for them as well.
Initially, only four children signed up for the program. However, that number has surged to 30 this session, with expectations to reach 40 soon. “The interest has been phenomenal,” Bonneau Boucher expresses, noting that there’s already a waiting list.
In fact, siblings and friends of registered participants often join in, creating a lively atmosphere at the Saint-Michel arena, especially on Sundays when attendance can reach 60 or 70 aspiring young hockey players!
A Focus on Skill Development
A girls’ section is also in the works, but for now, boys and girls aged 4 to 13 train together in a supportive environment. Before each practice, equipment is neatly arranged in front of each child’s locker, and after their session, they leave everything at the arena. Bonneau Boucher personally ensures all items, including water bottles, are cleaned and ready for the next training.
The training sessions promote a non-competitive spirit, focusing on skill development with and without the puck. Each session culminates in a simulated game, fostering a sense of teamwork and enjoyment.
Looking ahead, Bonneau Boucher aspires to give these young athletes the opportunity to participate in organized matches with referees, potentially competing against teams from similar programs in neighboring areas.