A Nova Scotia organization is offering pick up games and leagues for both skilled hockey players and those new to the game. The Nova Adult Hockey Association (NAHA) was founded by Jason Craig in 2018. He says the goal was to increase opportunities for adults while also having a dedicated fundraising component. “It could be folks that always wanted to play hockey as a kid, maybe never had that opportunity for whatever reason,” Craig says. “Often it’s financial barriers and then as adults they circle back and say, ‘maybe I can play’ and we provide that space.” Craig says its newcomers who are often looking to join the group. “Folks that come to the country that are fascinated, like, ‘why is everybody crazy for this sport?’ They come out and they participate and they find out first-hand.” Anga Natarajan is among the hockey novices. “When I came to Canada seven, eight years ago I had never even skated on rollerblades, so I came here and started skating at the Emera Oval and then with my coworkers and wife, family, friends’ support, I keep on doing more and more,” he says. “They are all really supportive. Everybody is really fantastic.” Rob Cameron is 62-years-old and says he began playing hockey when he was just four. “I stopped playing when I was 12 – about 27 years later I started playing again, so it’s been a learning experience the whole way,” he says. Craig says many people who sign up for NAHA are also looking for community and friendship. “And to be in a zero-judgement space as they do it,” he says. “Because I was 33 when I started playing myself, and so I had a long road before I was able to move around out there and not feel out of place, so we very much pay that forward.” Kayla Gillis says she always wanted to play the sport, but struggled to find leagues that accepted women. “And I found this group to join. I messaged Jason, he said I could play and I was like, ‘oh, amazing.’ So I started playing last March,” she says. “The guys have been all super kind and welcoming. I’ve never been to such an inclusive group before and it’s been really great.” For anyone who is curious about hitting the ice, Craig has one simple message. “Come on out. If you need help getting gear, we will help you with that. Literally, if you’re willing to come out and try to stand in a pair of skates, we will work with you and help you improve in the manner that best suits your abilities and your goals,” he says. “Our main goal is to remove barriers to access this sport that we all love.” A Nova Adult Hockey tournament will take place at the Halifax Forum on Sept. 19, with some of the proceeds going to the IWK. The group has been regularly fundraising for local charities and organizations and are set to cross the $100,000 mark this year. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
