Equipment Access Program to Deliver 375 Goalie Gear Sets Over Five Years
RICHMOND HILL, Ont. — TRUE Hockey and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) have announced a new five-year partnership aimed at increasing youth participation in goaltending across Ontario by addressing one of the sport’s most significant challenges: the cost of equipment.
The agreement names TRUE Hockey as the Official Equipment Partner of the OMHA and includes a long-term commitment to support local hockey associations in recruiting, developing and retaining young goaltenders throughout the province.
At the centre of the initiative is the TRUE Hockey Goalie Assist Program, which will provide 75 complete sets of entry-level goalie equipment to OMHA associations each year. Over the duration of the partnership, a total of 375 equipment sets will be distributed, helping young athletes gain access to one of hockey’s most equipment-intensive positions.
The program is intended to reduce financial barriers for families and associations while creating more opportunities for players to experience the goaltender role at an early age.
Reducing Barriers to Entry for Young Players
Goaltending remains one of the most specialized positions in hockey, requiring a significant investment in protective gear and equipment. Industry observers and youth hockey organizations have long identified equipment costs as a challenge for attracting new participants to the position.
TRUE Hockey says the new partnership is designed to make goaltending more accessible while fostering enthusiasm among young athletes who may not otherwise have the opportunity to try the position.
“Great goalies start with an opportunity,” said Geoff Sarjeant, Former NHL, OMHA goalie and TRUE President and Chief Growth Officer. “Our goal is to make the position more accessible, create excitement around goaltending and inspire more young athletes to step into the crease.”
Beyond equipment distribution, the partnership will also feature grassroots initiatives, educational resources, community activations and digital storytelling efforts designed to highlight the importance of goaltenders within the game.
OMHA Sees Opportunity for Grassroots Growth
The OMHA, which oversees minor hockey programming for nearly 100,000 participants across Ontario, views the initiative as a practical way to encourage participation at the grassroots level.
The organization said the availability of shared goalie equipment can provide younger players with a chance to explore the position before families commit to purchasing their own gear.
“TRUE Hockey and the Goalie Assist Program provide an opportunity for our youngest players to try and experience the goaltender position without the upfront equipment cost,” said Ian Taylor, Executive Director, OMHA. “We look forward to the impact this partnership will make in our communities across the province.”
Association leaders who have previously benefited from the Goalie Assist initiative say the program has already demonstrated value in helping communities maintain a pipeline of future goaltenders.
“This program has helped us significantly with ensuring our junior programs get a chance to try out the position and help set our association up with goalies of the future,” said Adam Weishar, President of South Bruce Minor Hockey, which was a previous recipient of the Goalie Assist initiative. “Without the program we would need to spend each season to make sure we have equipment for our teams.”
Strategic Investment in the Future of Hockey
For TRUE Hockey, the agreement aligns with its broader strategy of supporting long-term participation and development within the sport.
The company is widely recognized in the professional hockey market, with a majority of NHL goaltenders currently using TRUE equipment. By extending support to the grassroots level, the manufacturer aims to strengthen the future talent pipeline while promoting greater access to the position.
The partnership’s focus on equipment access, player development and community engagement reflects growing efforts within hockey to remove barriers to participation and create more inclusive pathways for young athletes.
Supporting Ontario’s Largest Minor Hockey Network
Founded in 1935, the OMHA is the largest minor hockey association in the world, serving more than 200 associations and over 25 leagues across Ontario. The organization manages programming and events for players from U6 to U21 levels and works with coaches, officials, trainers, volunteers and parents to support player development and participation.
With the launch of the five-year partnership, TRUE Hockey and the OMHA aim to ensure more young players have the opportunity to experience the goaltender position, while helping local associations build sustainable programs for future generations.
As youth sports organizations continue to look for ways to lower participation costs, the new initiative represents a targeted investment in one of hockey’s most important—and often most expensive—positions.