Hydro One and the Coaches Association of Ontario are once again teaming up for the Indigenous Hockey Coaching Grant, which will provide a number of grants worth $1,500 to coaches of Little NHL teams.
First launched in 2023, the grant aims to increase Indigenous representation in sports leadership by making hockey more affordable and accessible to coaches from Indigenous communities by providing them with up to $1,500 in funding for expenses such as equipment, travel and training.
Last year, the grant was awarded to 38 recipients representing more than 25 Indigenous communities across Ontario. The funding was used toward hockey essentials such as practice time at local rinks, various equipment and registration fees.
“Thanks to this funding from Hydro One and Coaches Association of Ontario, I’ve been able to take necessary training to help coach alongside my community members and be a bench support staff in the Little NHL tournament this year,” said Darryl Williams-Jones, a 2023 recipient of the Indigenous Hockey Coaching Grant and coach of the U7 Garden River First Nation team. “We purchased some equipment so our coaches could take to the ice and help guide our athletes one on one. It also helped to offset some on-ice time so our team can skate together and build relationships with each other.”
This announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Little NHL tournament, where a record-breaking 4,000 Indigenous youth hockey players and their coaches are participating in a week-long tournament in Markham.
Hydro One is a presenting sponsor for the tournament and was recently inducted into the Little NHL Hall of Fame as a ‘Friend of the Little NHL’ in recognition of a partnership that first began back in 2003.
"Coaches are important role models for athletes and communities, inspiring youth to participate and do their best,” said Hydro One vice president of Indigenous relations Penny Favel. "This grant will help more Indigenous coaches share the power of sport with their teams and communities. We're very proud to help make hockey more inclusive, safe, and accessible so more Canadians can enjoy the sport.”
The deadline to apply is March 25. More information on the Indigenous Hockey Coaching Grant and how to apply can be found here.
