Netting a new chance for local future goalies: Three Haldimand minor hockey associations to receive free goalie equipment

By Kaitlyn Clark

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Outfitting any kid with hockey equipment can be an expensive endeavour, and for those kids that want to try out goaltending, the specialized gear can put that dream out of reach for some. The Cayuga, Caledonia, and Dunnville minor hockey associations have been awarded a new set of goalie equipment to loan to players aged 5 to 7 who are interested in checking out the position.

“Any time a parent or the association  doesn’t have to purchase hockey equipment, it is a win for everyone,” said Katherine Hedley, Convenor for Cayuga Minor Hockey. “Being a goalie is an expensive position which may deter some parents from wanting their children to try it.”

Now in its eighth year, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)’s Goalie Assist Program has provided 370 full sets of goalie equipment. This year there were 140 applications and 40 sets were distributed across the province. The OMHA release noted that while an application is required, the “selection of recipients basically operates on a rotating basis”.

This is the first year Cayuga Minor Hockey has received a set of equipment; they have about 40 kids within the age range to try the equipment this season.