‘We’re just breaking barriers:’ New foundation helps new and low-income Londoners play hockey

Participants and volunteers from the Breaking Barriers Hockey program pose for a photo with Scoresy, the London Knights mascot (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London)

As a young boy growing up in London Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH), Sav Neth always dreamed of playing ice hockey.

“I played hockey with base boards and we used shopping carts as nets,” said Neth president of the Sav Neth Foundation.

Now with a new foundation inspired by the London Knights, he’s giving other young children – who are in the same position he once was- the chance to play ice hockey.

“We’re just breaking barriers,” adds Neth.

“We’re removing any barriers in life such as equipment, jerseys or ice time. To see them love the game and to be a part of a team. We have a range of kids from London housing. I dreamed to be on the ice and to play hockey is something I hope will inspire these kids to make a difference”.

Neth reached out to families through Dad Club London and through boards in the LMCH community.

He picked 15 children to take part in six on-ice sessions at London Sports Park.

“It’s really fun, I love it,” said Nico Kurniawan, 11, who was playing.

With his parents cheering from the bench, he improved every session.

“I got better at shooting, maybe passing and a little bit of skating,” he said.

His parents smiled every minute he was on the ice. They never imagined they would see him play.

“This is the biggest fear of my family,” said Sihandsi Candri, Nico’s mother who moved to Canada five years ago.

“I have three boys and we just afraid to find out one of our boys interesting in hockey, which is that actually one of the most expensive games here in Canada. As a newcomer like feel it was impossible for one of our boys get into hockey. When I saw the note on the board from Sav, I was like ‘Oh my goodness, it’s amazing’”.

The players were a range of kids from all walks of life, just like Neth.

“It’s pretty remarkable getting those high fives, those fist pumps and those hugs from the kids after the program’s over,” said Neth.

And every one of the players improved.

“From the first day when they couldn’t get off the ice, making snow angels to see them skating across and you see parents cheering, it’s remarkable,” said Neth.

“Our next step is getting kids in these programs. If there’s any hockey organization that wants to get kids into hockey, reach out to me”.

Candri called this six-week opportunity “amazing”.

“He (Nico) was so happy and it’s very exciting to find out what’s going to happen next,” she said.