The local hockey community is about to get a big boost thanks to a grant to help children get into the game.

The Avalon Minor Hockey Association in St. John’s has been named one of 15 recipients of the Kruger Big Assist Grant, worth $10,000, aimed to give more Canadian children the opportunity to lace up and hit the ice.

Mark Sexton, spokesperson for the Avalon Minor Hockey Association, says the grant is a “fantastic surprise” and will provide a great boost for the hockey community.

He says the Big Assist Grant allows the opportunity to be able to do more, and bring the game of hockey to new heights locally by growing their program further. Sexton says the money will be used to cover the registration fees for children who otherwise may not be able to afford to play.

In addition, Kruger Products is granting a “Second Assist” to one of the selected associations, putting an additional $50,000 towards growing local programs even more.

Sexton says they have ideas already in mind should they be awarded the prize money.

The association purchased DF Barnes Arena, and would use the funds to run programs from the arena to offer to new Canadians, as they have worked with the international community in the past, including providing equipment to Syrian refugees who were interested in learning the game.