Scarborough Strong opens doors for young hockey players

For many young people, stepping onto the ice for the first time can be intimidating. At the Scarborough Strong hockey camp, however, those initial nerves soon give way to confidence, friendships and an enthusiasm for the game.

Organized by 43 Division’s Neighbourhood Community Officers, the free two-week summer camp introduces young people from underserved communities to skating and hockey. Many participants are newcomers to Canada experiencing the sport for the first time.

Now in its fourth year, the program provides participants with equipment and instruction in fundamental skating and hockey skills. It concludes with a game that allows the young players to demonstrate their progress.

With support from Constable Leigh Simpson, Constable Kevin Taylor has overseen the program for the past two years, securing support after its original funding ended.

“Hockey is a very expensive sport, and it costs approximately $800 to equip a child from head to toe,” he said. “Giving them the equipment, teaching them how to play and then helping them move into house-league hockey is an amazing opportunity.”

Funding from ProAction Cops & Kids and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, along with equipment support from the NHL Players’ Association Goals & Dreams program, removes a significant financial barrier for participating families. Those who want to continue playing receive help with registration costs and can keep their equipment.

Taylor said several former participants are still playing hockey, and officers have attended some of their games to show their support.

“It is rewarding to see that we introduced them to the sport and they have continued playing,” he said. “We also run into them in the community a year or two later, and they call out, ‘Hi, Officer Taylor.’ Those relationships continue long after the camp has ended.”

Constable Scott Dellavedova, who has been involved with Scarborough Strong since its inception, said officers created the program after recognizing that hockey presented financial and logistical barriers not commonly associated with more accessible sports such as basketball and soccer.

Dellavedova played hockey at the university, Ontario Hockey League and professional levels and taught for eight years before joining the Toronto Police Service.

“We wanted to bring hockey to young people who had not been exposed to it, particularly first-generation Canadians,” he said. “The biggest thing is giving them an opportunity to put on the equipment, step onto the ice and decide whether it is something they enjoy.”

Dellavedova said nearly every child who has completed the program has chosen to continue playing for at least another year.

“We now see young people who started with us four years ago still playing hockey, which is very rewarding,” he added. “Programs like this give them something positive to do during the summer while allowing us to build relationships with their families.”

Joan Njenge learned about the camp after meeting Taylor at a Scarborough Village skating rink. She enrolled her two sons and was impressed by their development over the two weeks.

“I have seen them transition from learning how to hold a hockey stick and handle the puck to being able to coordinate their movements on the ice,” she said. “I watched them skating backwards. It looked like they were dancing, but they were doing well.”

Njenge also appreciated the opportunity for her sons to make friends and interact with police officers in an informal environment.

“It makes us see police officers as people,” she said. “The children get to engage with them, and the discipline they are taught is a good thing.”

With equipment and registration costs covered, Njenge said her family decided the boys would continue playing house-league hockey.

“We all know hockey is expensive,” she said. “The fact that everything is covered, from the helmet down to the skates, makes it easier on the pocket. The practices may be at different times because my boys are in different age groups, but we will show up.”

The young players have embraced the experience.

First-time participant Wadaana Khattack admitted she was nervous when she initially stepped onto the ice.

“At first, it was scary, but it got better the more I played,” she said. “I just want to say thank you. It was a lot of fun.”

Returning participant William Hardat could not skate when he first attended the camp. This year, he came back to demonstrate drills and help beginners.

“Just a week ago, some of these kids couldn’t skate, and now you can see them skating,” he said. “The program really gives you a head start in hockey.”

Hardat credits Scarborough Strong with introducing him to a sport he now enjoys and providing an opportunity to support others.

“I wouldn’t be skating, earning volunteer hours or even know how to play hockey if it wasn’t for them,” he said. “I would just like to say thank you.”