Budding goalies saving grace

Minor hockey associations in Pelham and West Lincoln are among 40 in the province that will help the parents of budding goaltenders offset the cost of equipment.

Children aged five to seven who have dreams of playing between the pipes can borrow equipment under the Goalie Assist Program that the Ontario Minor Hockey is introducing for the 2017-18 season.

Minor hockey’s governing body is providing 40 organizations with a new set of CCM goalie equipment that they can loan to youth who are giving goaltending a try and who have yet to commit to playing the position.

OHMA executive Ian Taylor said retaining the equipment and making it available in subsequent seasons continues the “positive cycle” of introducing new goalies.

“We’re proud to give back and re-invest in our associations through a program like Goalie Assist,” he said. “Hockey is a late-specialization sport and the Goalie Assist Program is a great wat to introduce the position to players who may not have otherwise had the opportunity.

“The equipment gives every player a chance to try being a goaltender without making the financial commitment.”

Interest in the equipment-loaning initiative was widespread. Applications were received from more than 170 minor hockey associations in the province.

Breaking down some of the barriers that may exist for new goalies prompted the program.

“Being a netminder is a very unique position in hockey and requires specific equipment that may not always be readily available,” the association said in a news release. “A player who wants to be a goalie should not be discouraged for any reason and this program helps alleviate some of those worries.”

Founded in 1935, the OMHA has grown to become an umbrella organization overseeing 225 minor hockey associations in 28 leagues. Its participant base numbers 300,000 when players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents are included.