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Esso Fun Days

Hockey Manitoba, in cooperation with Hockey Canada, is pleased to announce the return of Esso Fun Days for the 2024 – 2025 season.

The aim of the Esso Fun Days program is to truly make hockey for everyone by providing a free, safe, inclusive and fun environment for new players to learn the basic skills and rules of the game, and for girls and women to gain the skills and confidence to register in a hockey program.  Esso Fun Days are a great introduction to the game of hockey and include both on-ice and off-ice instructional programs.

In Manitoba, Minor Hockey Associations can apply to host either a one-day or six-week program.  The programs are designed to familiarize beginners to hockey with basic skills at no cost to the first-time participant.

Hosting an Esso Fun Day

Hosts must be affiliated with a Minor Hockey Association in good standing with Hockey Manitoba. Hosts must fill out the online application at least 6 weeks prior to their proposed event date. Please apply to host your program early, even if you are planning for the end of the season and do not have the exact date secured.

APPLY TO HOST AN ESSO FUN DAY

One-day or six-week program

There are four Esso Fun Day formats available:

One-day on-ice:

  • One on-ice session with a focus on basic skills and hockey concepts (60-90 minutes), led by certified instructors.
  • One off-ice session with a focus on team-building, icebreakers and an introduction to the basic rules and terminology of hockey. 

One-day off-ice:

  • One off-ice session with a focus on basic skills and hockey concepts (60-90 minutes), led by certified instructors.
  • One off-ice session with a focus on team-building, icebreakers and an introduction to the basic rules and terminology of hockey.

Six-week on-ice sessions:

  • An introductory first day, as outlined above in (1), followed by five additional weekly on-ice sessions.
  • Six-week programs create greater on-ice confidence, increasing the likelihood of continued participation.

Six-week limited ice sessions:

  • An introductory first day, as outlined above in (1) or (2), followed by additional weekly sessions which may be either on-ice, off-ice of any combination of the two.
  • Six-week programs create greater on-ice confidence, increasing the likelihood of continued participation.

Host Minor Hockey Associations determine which program format suits their goals and resources. Reimbursement amounts are applicable for each version to off-set the costs of hosting the program.

CLICK HERE to find out more about how to host an Esso Fun Day in your community.

 

Players and parents FAQ

Question: Is there a cost to participate?

Answer: No! This program is offered free of charge to new hockey players.

Question: Do I need any equipment to participate?

Answer: Basic equipment is required to participate on-ice in an Esso Fun Day, including:

  • CSA-certified hockey helmet
  • BNQ-certified neck guard
  • hockey gloves
  • elbow protection
  • knee protection
  • skates
  • hockey stick

Additional optional equipment may include hockey pants, socks, shoulder pads and jill.

Off-ice programs will require the following equipment, at minimum, depending on the scheduled activities:

  • running shoes
  • athletic clothing
  • eye protection – helmet with cage or protective eyewear such as goggles
  • hockey gloves
  • hockey stick

All new-to-hockey players will receive Esso Fun Day jerseys as part of their registration in the program.

Question: Where can I get equipment if I do not have any equipment?

Answer: Options to find equipment to use include:

  • borrow from a sibling or friend
  • contact a local sports equipment bank
  • talk to the Esso Fun Day host about local resources available, or if equipment is available for the program

Question: What is the ratio of instructors to skaters?

Answer: Hockey Canada recommends a minimum instructor-to-participant ratio of 1:5 for the Esso Fun Day program. The ratio of instructors to skaters will be impacted by provincial health and safety guidelines with respect to allowable group sizes in each community. Group sizes for Esso Fun Days may vary across the country.

Question: What follow-up programs will be available for participants after the Esso Fun Day ends?

Answer: The goal is to create a path forward for each child that participates in the Esso Fun Day program, with programming that continues to be fun, safe and welcoming. Your local hockey association is encouraged to provide information towards registration in additional program opportunities or with a team.