It's welcome news for parents with a young child interested in becoming a hockey goalie.
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is offering 170 sets of free equipment across the province, including a set of goalie gear for the Point Edward Minor Hockey Association.
President Liz Page said there's typically a shortage of goalies because many parents can't afford the pads, chest protectors, blockers and gloves.
"Typically, the families that play in our system are families that are hoping to avoid the added cost of travel hockey or really competitive hockey," said Page. "So, we like to try and keep our equipment fees and registration fees as low as possible."
Page said the equipment will fit kids up to the U9 age group.
"Years and years ago, kids at that age would say that they wanted to be a goalie, then they'd try it out and say 'wow that's way too much pressure'," she said. "Parents will have invested in goalie pads, so it's really sort of an opportunity to rotate the position and let everyone try it and flush out where a child feels the most comfortable."
She said they've benefitted from a similar program in the past, so they're all stocked up.
Meanwhile, Lambton Shores is one of the municipalities getting a set of free player equipment.
A total of 70 associations were selected to each receive a full set of goalie gear, and 10 associations received 10 full sets of player gear this season.
