a little tight the second time we went out, Gordon said.

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 Raptors Jerseys China . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. Wholesale Raptors Jerseys . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said. http://www.cheapraptorsjerseys.com/?tag=cheap-vince-carter-jersey . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. C.J. Miles Jersey . The team said Saturday that Lopez was hurt during its 121-120 overtime loss at Philadelphia on Friday. The Nets said they would issue another update next week after consultation with their doctors. Pascal Siakam Jersey . It was the second consecutive win for the Pacers (2-5), who lost their first five preseason games. Jeff Teague led the Hawks (1-5) with 17 points and eight assists and Al Horford had 12 points and seven rebounds. Mike Scott scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half. INDIANAPOLIS -- Kyle Busch pulled off a rare trifecta Saturday.He crashed Tony Stewarts scripted farewell party and pushed Jeff Gordons comeback bid to the middle of the pack by accomplishing one of his biggest career goals -- claiming his first Brickyard 400 pole.Busch, the defending race winner, had the fastest lap in the third and final round of qualifying, just ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Carl Edwards.Busch won with a speed of 184.634 mph. Edwards was second at 184.547 and Stewart, an Indiana favorite, will start third in the final race on his home track after posting a 184.328. Gordon qualified 21st in the 40-car field as the replacement for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr.Being able to sit on the pole here at Indy is something you always want to do -- or at least its something Ive always wanted to do, Busch said. Overall, I feel like our baseline has been pretty good here this weekend.Nobody has been hotter than Busch this weekend.As searing temperatures inside the cars routinely topped 110 degrees, Busch kept his cool. He had the fastest lap after two practice rounds Friday despite being sent into a spin after a brush with Patrick Carpentier. On Saturday, Busch won his second straight Lilly Diabetes 250 pole, posted the fastest lap in each of the final two qualifying rounds for the Brickyard and then won the first heat of the Xfinity series race.Now, Busch is in perfect position to become the second Cup driver to win the 400 back-to-back. Four-time race winner Jimmie Johnson did it in 2008 and 2009 though the first win in that sequence came during the tire fiasco that forced caution flags to come out every 10 or 11 laps.But Stewart thought he missed an opportunity to stop Busch.I just wish we could do Lap 3 one more time and could have kept it off the apron in turn four, he said.dddddddddddd Or I think we could be on the pole.WHOS IN/WHOS OUT: Gordon easily made it in despite having only one day in the No. 88 car. His fast lap of 185.616 came in the first round. That was good enough to advance, but he was eliminated after going just 181.851 in Round 2. We made some nice improvements today, we just were a little tight the second time we went out, Gordon said. The only driver who did not qualify was Josh Wise.HOT STREAK: After sweeping both Indy races last year, Busch could do it again. JGR also has built up some momentum after Matt Kenseth won last weeks race at New Hampshire and Denny Hamlin qualified fourth, giving his team three of the top four spots on the starting grid.ROUGH ROAD: Hendrick Motorsports tough month continued Saturday. Four-time Brickyard winner Jimmie Johnson was the teams top qualifier, 13th, despite posting the fastest lap in Round 1. Chase Elliott will start 15th and Kasey Kahne qualified 26th. Team owner Rick Hendrick hasnt had a car finish in the top three in four consecutive races.APOLOGIES: AJ Allmendinger was disgusted after failing to get a car that was 10th on Fridays speed chart into the second round of qualifying. After finishing 25th, he climbed out of the car and apologized to his primary sponsor and Cup fans for not getting the job done Saturday.PENSKE PUSH: Team owner Roger Penske, still trying to win his first Brickyard 400, has two cars in the top 15. Brad Keselowski is starting fifth. Teammate Joey Logano qualified 14th. ' ' '