4 Hockey Nova Scotia

Concluding this edition, we are embarking upon new research with our partner Hockey Nova Scotia (HNS). We are incredibly honored to work with this provincial organization which supports minor hockey in Nova Scotia. Our current research is focusing upon leadership training and culture for minor hockey coaches in Nova Scotia. Hockey roots run very deep in our province with some of the earliest records of the game in Windsor, N.S. to the Mi’kmaq contributions to the sport and the innovations of the Colored Hockey League, the hockey history in our province runs deep (Hockey Nova Scotia, 2024). Partnering with HNS was an esteemed opportunity for the researchers at Cape Breton University. Our partnership evolved through the discussions to explore the need for coaching research, which in turn can inform practice and quality of professional development within the areas of leadership, education, culture and inclusion.

They are the voice for hockey in the province and an advocate for the many benefits of participating in hockey and it is their vision that every person who does wish to play has an opportunity to play. Formed in 1975, Hockey Nova Scotia is the governing body for all organized hockey in Nova Scotia.  They strive to support member associations within the province in their delivery of programs, for all ages from recreational to elite (Hockey Nova Scotia, 2024). The organization focuses upon the premise that every single Nova Scotian should as the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of hockey.

The main areas of focus for Hockey Nova Scotia include:

The organization has evolved from a strictly rules and regulation governing body to a modern network of staff and volunteers that work with more than 30 hockey associations to grow our game and provide opportunities to players of every skill level. They exist to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences (Hockey Nova Scotia, 2024).