By Amber Lesage, Coordinator of Female Hockey /

Females of all ages are lacing up their skates. Hockey is fun, safe, focused on fair play, and a fantastic exercise, and it’s a great way to make new and lifelong friendships.
The Esso Fun Day program is unique to female hockey players because it introduces the basic fundamental skills and rules of the game to first-time female participants of all ages at no cost.  
Through female hockey, players experience passion, exhilaration and excitement. They are given opportunities to learn and improve technical skills, challenge themselves, and have fun.
The objectives of the Esso Fun Day program are to ensure that every participant has a great experience, to introduce and highlight the basic skills of hockey and to attract participants to sign up and play hockey.

How Esso Fun Day address development:
Establishing and developing skills for the players
Ensuring activities and games are challenging yet not overly complex
Variety: changing locations on the ice, various drills and games that will develop the participants and will keep their attention
Ensuring instructors are trained on giving short, clear explanations
Focusing on positive comments, constructive criticism and fun
Breaking down skills into small steps

HOSTING AN ESSO FUN DAY
Community lead – what do I need to do?
Submit an application to your branch or female hockey representative to secure program material, promotional material, jerseys and financial support for this event
Establish a plan and provide leadership, direction and guidance to execute
Identify and recruit volunteers (lead for on/off-ice instructor(s), safety person, registration and runners)
Advertise your event: location, registration information, schedule, posters
Utilize supplied program materials: posters, Hockey Canada item, jerseys
Utilize resources related to your organization: local registration procedures, league contacts, team contacts, volunteer opportunities
Ensure the post-event wrap-up report is submitted to your branch or female hockey representative no later than one month after your event

More information on hosting, as well as obtaining an Esso Fun Day Operations Manual can be provided by contacting your provincial branch or female hockey representative, or by visiting the female hockey page in the Minor Hockey section on the Hockey Canada website: www.hockeycanada.ca.

PARTICIPATING IN AN ESSO FUN DAY
Participating in an Esso Fun Day is fun and easy to do. You do not need any previous knowledge of hockey to take part. All you need to do is bring hockey equipment, which can be borrowed from a family member or friend who already plays hockey, or purchased new or used from a sporting goods store. Be prepared to participate in fun and informative on-ice sessions and off-ice team-building sessions with other female participants. And remember to always have fun.
To find an Esso Fun Day in your area, visit your provincial branch website for a listing of Esso Fun Day events around your province. For a complete listing of all Esso Fun Day events taking place across Canada, visit the female hockey page in the Minor Hockey section on the Hockey Canada website.