TORONTO -- Last winter, Hockey Canada and Bauer Hockey Inc. commissioned an independent survey to better understand the challenges facing non hockey-playing families. Thats because according to the two organizations, approximately 90 per cent of Canadian families choose to not have their kids play hockey. So a survey of 875 non hockey-playing families in Ontario and Nova Scotia was conducted to better understand why they dont play the game and the top four reasons given were a) it wasnt fun b) was too time consuming c) safety concerns d) and affordability. The good news is 73 per cent of those surveyed also said theyd consider putting their kids in the game in future while 40 per cent said theyd definitely consider it. Hockey Canada and Bauer Canada unveiled pilot programs Thursday at Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) for launch in Ontario and Nova Scotia this fall to address the survey findings. Its the next phase in Grow The Game, an initiative launched last year to add one million new players by 2022. "What this does is (set off) that little bell," said Paul Carson, Hockey Canadas vice-president of hockey development. "Its a reminder that youve got promote the game in a way people understand the fun and positive experiences youngsters have in the sport." Former NHL star Mark Messier is assisting Bauer and Hockey Canada in their quest to get more players in the game. The six-time Stanley Cup champion says theres more to hockey in Canada than making it to the NHL, winning gold medals on the world stage and playing at the highest rep level. "That is a great part of our game, we all know that, I mean I lived it, so many Canadians have lived it and fans live it," Messier said. "But hockey is so much more than that for our children and thats the idea were trying to get across that it doesnt have to be that. "Im in no way demeaning those programs because theres a need for that and theres kids who are ready for that. But its the other kids we need to pay attention to and theres a lot of those kids who are kind of getting bypassed right now." Six-week pilot programs will be launched this fall and next spring in Hamilton, the Toronto neighbourhood of Scarborough, Halifax and East Hants, N.S. Bauer, Hockey Canada and local governing bodies will host fun days for parents and children while also providing information on hockey safety and educating on proper equipment fit, among other subjects. As well, enrolment and equipment will be bundled together at $100. Once the programs are launched, they will be re-evaluated and expanded into other regions. Kevin Davis, the president and chief executive officer of Bauer, said addressing the issue of hockey affordability was important. "We just want to completely remove that from being a barrier and its a compelling offer relative to other sports," he said. "Again, its a pilot program and were going to roll this out and see what kind of success (we have) and my guess is were going to learn some stuff as we go. "We have a responsibility to our shareholders to grow the company but we have a responsibility to the sport. This is the heart of hockey here in Canada . . . were committed to getting more kids on the ice." Messier, for one, was stunned by the survey results. "I think it comes to a shock to everybody," he said. "We like to consider ourselves at the top of the pyramid in hockey around the world and if were going to stay there . . . we have to continue to develop our talent pool. "In order to do that we have to continue to introduce the game to more kids, get more kids playing and keep those kids that do try it in the game. This is one way, hopefully, we can start to do that. Were trying to send the message now that hockey is for everybody and theres a place for everybody if you want to play hockey." Messier said its important for kids to have alternate places to play other than rep or travel leagues. "We dont want to make our kids feel like theyre failures because that (rep, AAA) isnt for them or theyre not ready for that," he said. "Right now theres not a real soft place for them to land if they dont make that but still love the game. "If theyre not in the game they cant make it so were going to keep the kids in the game, theyre going to more fun and theyre going to be passionate about it. If they do develop and get that keen sense of passion that you need to play at that intense level, I think were going to have more kids who are funnelling through that, it just might take them a little longer." Cheap USWNT Jerseys . Only three players drafted by NHL clubs were included on the Czech selection camp roster on Wednesday. Those players were Dallas Stars 2012 first-rounder Radek Faksa, Winnipeg Jets 2013 fourth-rounder Jan Kostalek and Phoenix Coyotes 2012 seventh-rounder Marek Langhamer. USWNT Jerseys China . Defencemen Drew Doughty, Shea Weber and forward Ryan Getzlaf also scored for the Canadians, who started their gold-medal defence 2-0. Goalie Roberto Luongo, getting the call in place of Game 1 starter Carey Price, was solid when needed in making 23 saves for the shutout. https://www.cheapuswnt.com/ . Dallas hasnt ruled out the star quarterback for Sunday nights game against Philadelphia, but all signs point to Romos back injury pushing Kyle Orton into the starting role after two years of limited play as the backup. Surely Ortons name isnt the first that comes to mind for fans wanting a change after years of damaging interceptions, fumbles or, most infamously, the field goal flub when Romo dropped the snap on a kick that could have won his first playoff game in 2006. Fake USWNT Jerseys . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. USWNT Jerseys 2020 .ca! Kerry, Two nights after the Scott-Eriksson incident in Buffalo, the Bruins returned home to play San Jose. In that game, Zdeno Chara put a check on Tommy Wingels that clearly targeted his head.Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial are this week’s Sky Sports Fantasy Six-a-Side Elite Players for the Manchester derby, but which one is worthy of your selection? Heres a look at the form of the four…Sergio Aguero Average points: 43.45The Argentina star will undoubtedly be the most popular pick from this weeks four players as the most prolific striker around. Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane may be top of the Premier League scoring charts but Aguero actually boasts a better goals-per-minute ratio, while he is clearly rated the most lethal man on the pitch by Sky Bet, who make him 3/1 favourites to score first, almost half the price of any other player.David SilvaAverage points: 54.52The 30-year-old has had his critics since returning from injury but has still racked up 10 assists this season. He is also sure to complete his fair share of passes, with 88 made in Citys 0-0 draw with Norwich last time out. Indeed, his chance creation and passing ability has been him average more points than Aguero this season, with more than 80 in each of his last two appeearances.dddddddddddduan Mata Average points: 40.71The battle of the Spanish playmakers and their ability create chances for the frontmen is sure to be an important factor in the outcome of the Manchester derby. With five goals to his name, Mata may have scored three more than Silva this season, but has assist record is vastly inferior with just three. He also created just the single chance in Uniteds 1-0 defeat at West Brom in their last Premier League outing and made a relatively modest 29 passes, seeing him accumulate just 39.5 points.Anthony MartialAverage points: 39.30After three goals in his first two appearances, its been a disappointing campaign for Martial, with just four added to that tally. Louis van Gaals preference to play him on the flanks has clearly limited his threat, with Marcus Rashford preferred in a central role amid Uniteds worsening injury problems. However, the Frenchman was a last-minute saviour for United in their 1-1 draw with Everton in the FA Cup and also found the net in the Europa League against Liverpool on Thursday night.Pick your Fantasy Six-a-Side line-up here. ' ' '