The TSI World Bees Ice Hockey Club are delighted with the return of First Shift. With Christmas presents having been gathering dust due to government restrictions meaning ice rinks across the country being closed for all but Elite Sport it was great to see those presents finally getting put to use last week and the smiles on the faces of those taking part in First Shift.

It’s been an incredibly frustrating year for young future sports stars across the board, especially those playing indoor sports but finally First Shift is back!

First Shift is designed for children to take that first step on the ice, starting that journey of enjoying sport from an early age, developing skills and confidence in themselves. Ideally suited for children between ages 3 to 11, the children learn skating skills, Ice Hockey skills and confidence all while having that key ingredient- enjoyment. The on ice sessions are run by Bees Coach Doug Sheppard, with Ice Skating Professional Aleksandr Pirogov.

We’d like to extend thanks to our First Shift Sponsors TSI World, TowelRads, Base, CCM and Skate Hangar. Thanks to their continued support we’ve managed to take full advantage of the easing of restrictions allowing us to get skaters back on the ice.

We’d also like to thank TSI World for a very kind donation. Ice Hockey is not a cheap sport to get involved in and thanks the donation from TSI World we’ve been able to help some lucky First Shift participants get started with new kit.

Head Coach Doug Sheppard said; “Four months off the ice isn’t easy at any level of Ice Hockey, all the kids had a great first session back last week. The most rewarding part for the coaches was to see how excited all the kids were to be back on the ice, working hard to develop their skills.

TSI World MD Graeme Bower added; “TSI are delighted to be contributing to First Shift. Children and the community are at the heart of everything we do. We will be helping further and we look forward to getting down to the rink to watch some of the training sessions.”

First Shift takes places on Wednesdays at Slough Ice Arena from 5-6pm. You can find out more by emailing community@dev.beesicehockey.com