'Part of a great family': program teaches Muslim kids how to play hockey

Two months ago, most of the kids in the "Try Hockey" program had never even tried on a pair of skates. Now, they're hockey players.

Twenty boys and girls from ages seven to 10 spent the 10-week program learning everything from holding a stick to skating drills. Many of them loved it so much they say they'll sign up for minor hockey programs in the fall.

Some of the kids are newcomers and others grew up in the community. 

Dana Eldlk is one of the players.

Before she laced up her skates for the first time, she did gymnastics. But she said hockey is now her favourite sport after completing the program.

"I feel like hockey is really unique because I really love it and it's better than anything [else]," she said. "My parents said they were really proud of me."

The program was organized by the Ummah Masjid mosque in Halifax in partnership with the Halifax Hawks Minor Hockey Association.

It was meant to remove barriers that could keep some kids from getting the chance to play.

"Most people, when they play hockey, they have their fathers and grandfathers to rely on," said Ahmad Hussein, the chair of the board of the Ummah mosque.

"But for newcomers, they struggle with the concepts of how to buy the gear, how to register, why skating is important, not just the game of hockey."

The program was free thanks to sponsorships from national organizations like Jumpstart and Hockey Canada, as well as local donations and a discount from the Hawks' equipment provider.

A Halifax Hawks coach designed the program, and local players signed up to help coach and tie skates.

Hussein said the response from the wider community has been "very warm."

He said he wants Muslim kids to be able to talk about hockey with their peers and feel like they're part of something bigger.