Families requiring financial assistance to access hockey have access to the following programs to help pay for hockey registration fees, team fees and/or equipment.
SJAMHA has seen success in using the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund and this should be the first subsidy applied for.
The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund will launch for its 7th season on August 1st, 2026. Applicants can apply through the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) through the Assist Fund Application page.
As a reminder, to apply for an assist, the applicant must be registered with a Hockey Canada sanctioned Minor Hockey Association and it must be attached to their HCR account.
Timeline & Key Milestones
August 1, 2026
Assist Fund applications open in HCR
November 13, 2026
Payments disbursed
April 30, 2027
Final deadline for MHA banking info submission
Payment Process
- All payments will be fully electronic.
- Payment distribution date: November 13, 2026
- If MHA payment info is not submitted by April 30, 2027, the payment will be void.
- If funding is unused (e.g., participant withdraws or surplus remains), return funds via E-Transfer to:
rsavoy@hockeycanada.caPayment Links
- E- Transfer: https://forms.office.com/r/C6qtydT3XH
- Direct Deposit: https://forms.office.com/r/0b3aqNE6cB
How MHAs Can View Approved Participants in HCR
To view who in your MHA has been approved:
- Log in to HCR as an MHA
- Click Reports on the top navigation bar
- Select Funding Program Details from the dropdown
- Filter by season or program (e.g., Assist Fund 2026–27)
- Review the participant and request data
For any inquiries, please contact assistfund@hockeycanada.ca.
Apply for the Hockey Canada Assist Fund.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps children ages 4-18 participate in organized sport and recreation. The grant can be applied towards hockey registration fees. Team fees (practice ice, tournament fees) are ineligible. Payment is made directly to SJAMHA on behalf of the family/child.
Apply for Canadian Tire Jumpstart.
Proceeds from Hockey Winnipeg’s Dianne Woods Memorial Player Financial Assistance Program can be applied to program registration fees. Funding is sent directly to SJAMHA on behalf of the qualifying player. The amount of annual funding is determined by Hockey Winnipeg’s VP of Operations, in conjunction with the Executive Director subject to annual maximums and/or local demands.
Based on demonstrated need, Kidsport assistance of up to $300 per individual is available to children ages 18 and under to help offset the cost of registration fees only. Team fees are ineligible. Funding is sent directly to SJAMHA on behalf of the child.
The Grindstone Award Foundation provides financial support and equipment to young female hockey players in need.
Grindstone Award Foundation application details.
The Cooper Nemeth Memorial Player Assistance Fund is a “once per competition season” application only and is available for Hockey Winnipeg members at the AA level only.
The Cooper Nemeth Memorial Player Assistance Fund program funding may include, but would not be limited to area association program participation, administrative and volunteer fees; league and exhibition game travel expenses; additional ice fees, including try-out ice; tournament fees; monies collected for team pictures and wind-up parties; medals and awards; and personal clothing items which become the property of the applicable player.