The Shift Forward – New Coach Education Program 

Heading into the 2026–27 season, Hockey Canada is launching The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture, a new national learning and development program for coaches and parents/guardians. 

The Shift Forward replaces the previous Respect in Sport – Activity Leader program for coaches and bench staff. 

This updated program was developed through extensive consultation with hockey participants across Canada and is designed to provide: 

• Modernized and engaging training  

• Age-appropriate education  

• Role-specific learning for coaches and hockey participants  

• Training focused on improving hockey culture both on and off the ice  

Important Information for Coaches 

• Coaches with a currently valid Respect in Sport certification will remain valid until their existing expiry date  

• All new coaches are required to complete The Shift Forward program  

• Returning coaches with expired Respect in Sport certifications must complete The Shift Forward program  

• Any individual participating in an on-ice or bench staff role is required to have the certification completed 

• Whitemud West Hockey Support 

• Please do not register independently through Hockey Alberta links currently. 

• Whitemud West Hockey has prepaid registration codes available for our registered coaches and bench staff. Instructions and access codes will be provided after your coach registration has been reviewed and processed. 

• The Shift Forward represents Hockey Canada’s commitment to creating a healthier, safer, and more positive hockey environment for all participants, and we look forward to supporting this new era of hockey education.