Starting April 1, 2026, Hockey Canada is expanding The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture, a new national learning and development program built to support coaches, officials, rostered staff, and parents and guardians across the sport.

What is The Shift Forward?

The Shift Forward is Hockey Canada’s new home for national education and training. It was piloted with five Members during the 2025-26 season and will grow to 12 Members for 2026-27, rolling out courses tailored to new coaches, rostered staff, officials, and parents and guardians.

The program grew out of an extensive consultation process with stakeholders across Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. The goal: understand how education and training can better support everyone involved in the game, and address unhealthy behaviours that have no place in hockey.

Why the change

Hockey Canada’s national Training Needs Analysis surfaced clear, consistent feedback. Participants want education that’s:

  • Age-appropriate
  • Modernized and engaging
  • Specific to how people actually engage with the sport
  • Progressive, evolving as participants move through their hockey journey

The Shift Forward is Hockey Canada’s response, with content designed to shape a healthier culture both on and off the ice.

What this means for our members

Hockey Canada is taking a phased approach to the transition. Existing certifications, including Respect in Sport, will continue to be recognized as equivalent for now. All participants will be required to complete The Shift Forward starting in the 2028-29 season.

Hockey Canada will also work with all 13 Members through surveys and other feedback methods to evaluate the program as it rolls out, and has published a Frequently Asked Questions document to help answer common questions about the transition.

Have questions about how this affects your certification or upcoming season? Check the clinic registration page for details, or contact your board contact.

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