For kids who want to learn how to play hockey like a pro, what better teacher is there than an Olympic gold medalist?
Marie-Philip Poulin, a forward for Les Canadiennes, has teamed up with The First Shift, Canadian Tire and Bauer to help teach the kids aged six to 10 how to play the sport.
“When they come and watch us play, they look at us with big eyes and smile,” Poulin said.
“I think that’s when you know we’re taking a step towards the right direction.”
READ MORE: Who is Marie-Philip Poulin?
It’s part of an effort to bring Canada’s national winter sport to young children.
The program covers any costs related to equipment and training.
READ MORE: Canada’s athletes in Sochi: Meet forward Marie-Philip Poulin
“They can try to play hockey and they can fall in love with hockey,” Poulin said.
“If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
The First Shift has a goal of introducing one million new families to hockey over the next 10 years.