Ottawa Technical Secondary Student Brings Hockey Home

It started with a goal: to bring the excitement of hockey to everyone at Ottawa Technical Secondary School. For Grade 11 student Dante I., that goal sparked the creation of a new team and a wave of school spirit that resonated far beyond the rink.

Dante partnered with Next Shift Hockey, a non-profit organization dedicated to removing barriers to participation in the sport. He took the initiative to assemble a boys' hockey team, secure free equipment provided by NextShift and arrange ice time to introduce his peers to the sport. Thanks to his efforts, many students who had never played hockey before are now discovering their potential on the ice.

Dante's contributions go beyond organizing the team. He also produced jerseys in-house through the school’s Communications Technology program, enabling his teammates to show off their Mustangs spirit.

This initiative highlighted Dante’s exceptional leadership skills, as he brought his vision to life with purpose and a positive attitude. It has also cultivated a strong sense of community among a diverse group of students. 

Mackenzie Janes, President of Next Shift Hockey, shared how the initiative brought students together:

"What truly moved me was witnessing how the entire class came together in support. Students stepped up to help one another — sharing equipment, making sure it fit properly and offering encouragement. The spirit of teamwork and inclusion that emerged is now being reflected far beyond the rink — even in the hallways and classrooms. As someone who deeply values community in sport, seeing young people lead with compassion and collaboration was personally meaningful.”

The school is grateful for Next Shift’s support in providing equipment to make this experience possible. This project builds on the success of the school’s recent partnership with Hockey4Youth, which empowered girls to get involved in hockey. As involvement in the sport continues to grow, students like Dante are creating a more inclusive future for hockey at Ottawa Technical Secondary School and beyond!

Ottawa Technical Secondary Student Brings Hockey Home