The once distant dream of a Filipino minor hockey team in Winnipeg is now a burgeoning reality, thanks to Filipino youth hockey initiatives over the last year. The Winnipeg Jets’ 2nd Annual Filipino Heritage Night, building on the success of the inaugural event in November 2022, has been pivotal in introducing hockey to the Filipino community.
During the first intermission of the Jets-Flyers Filipino Heritage Night game, along with my two coaches – Ron Castres and Eric Lapauba, 20 kids primarily from the First Shift program and future participants of Jets Hockey Development camps took to the ice for a friendly 4-minute scrimmage.
This cultural shift has been most evident through the enthusiastic participation of Filipino youth in programs like the First Shift and Spring/Summer hockey camps with Jets Hockey Development at Hockey For All Centre.
In my experience coaching U7 Timbits hockey at Seven Oaks Minor Hockey Association, the surge in young Filipino players is both heartening and inspiring. Around 40 kids aged 5-10 have taken to the ice, a scenario unimaginable just a year ago.
Corporate and community support has been key in overcoming barriers such as equipment costs and accessibility. Thanks to the NHL, Bauer Hockey, the Winnipeg Jets and APNA Hockey for coming together to support Filipino youth hockey initiatives, these young hockey enthusiasts and equally excited parents, ensuring that hockey is accessible to everyone.
The results are already visible. Children who had never skated before are now confidently gliding across the ice, embodying a perfect blend of Canadian and Filipino cultures. This integration into hockey not only opens doors for young talents but also enriches the sport with diversity.
As this initiative continues, the future of hockey in the Filipino community looks bright. It’s a story of inclusivity, cultural integration, and the unifying power of sports. These young players are not just engaging in a pastime; they’re forging a new, inclusive future for hockey.
Photo credit: Ron Cantiveros, Star Roxas and Danny Truong, Filipino Journal
