The Shift Forward is an enhanced education program that was created following an extensive consultation process with stakeholders in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs to understand how education and training can better support participants and the key objective of changing unhealthy behaviours in the game.

For the 2025-26 season, Hockey Canada is excited to partner with five of its Member Branches to introduce the program’s content to new coaches, rostered staff and officials: Hockey New Brunswick, Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey PEI, Hockey Newfoundland & Labrador and Hockey North.

As part of the response from the national Training Needs Analysis conducted by Hockey Canada, there was overwhelming feedback that national education and training courses should be age-appropriate, modernized, engaging, specific to the how participants engage with hockey, and be progressive as they go through their hockey journey, with content that seeks to change unhealthy behaviours on and off the ice.

Moving forward, our education and training will also prioritize hockey-specific content that is relevant and effective for those participating in the game, which supports Hockey Canada’s commitment with our Members to create safe, inclusive and welcoming environments across all levels of participation.

In an effort to support a successful transition to The Shift Forward, Hockey Canada will continue to recognise existing training as an equivalent as part of a multi-year phase before all participants engaging with hockey will be required to participate in the national education and training courses.

To ensure that the new content is achieving its desired impact, Hockey Canada is committed to working with our Members and their membership to evaluate The Shift Forward through surveys and other participant-driven methods of feedback.

Hockey Canada has also launched a Frequently Asked Questions document that will live on our website to answer any questions you may have about the transition to this new national platform.

The evolution to The Shift Forward reflects our proactive aspirations to shape a healthier hockey for all involved in our National Winter Sport, and we look forward to this new era in education and training for hockey participants.