Pay-to-play hockey doesn't look like inequality until you run the numbers. Your kid gets cut from a rep team and drops a tier. The team above plays 54 games this season. Your kid plays 14. That's not bad luck. That's the system doing exactly what it was built to do.

 

Lesley sits on her local hockey board specifically to keep barriers low and still describes rep seasons climbing into the tens of thousands between spring hockey, hotel rooms, and $400 sticks. Jimmy was at the Four Nations game in Montreal when three fights broke out in the first nine seconds and calls it the most electric sporting event he's ever attended. That same window, Canada's Olympic roster carried no Quebec players, and he ties both facts to the same root: not enough investment in development infrastructure.

 

The next time you watch Canada on Olympic ice, the selection process started long before puck drop. It started when some families found the $10,000 and some didn't.

 

Topics: pay-to-play hockey, youth hockey development, Canada Olympics hockey, athlete investment, hockey inequality

 

GUEST: Jimmy Zoubris and Lesley Kelly | highheelsandcanolafields.com (Lesley Kelly)


Originally aired on 2026-02-23

Pay-to-play hockey doesn't look like inequality until you run the numbers. Your kid gets cut from a rep team and drops a tier. The team above plays 54 games this season. Your kid plays 14. That's not bad luck. That's the system doing exactly what it was built to do.
&nbsp;
Lesley sits on her local hockey board specifically to keep barriers low and still describes rep seasons climbing into the tens of thousands between spring hockey, hotel rooms, and $400 sticks. Jimmy was at the Four Nations game in Montreal when three fights broke out in the first nine seconds and calls it the most electric sporting event he's ever attended. That same window, Canada's Olympic roster carried no Quebec players, and he ties both facts to the same root: not enough investment in development infrastructure.
&nbsp;
The next time you watch Canada on Olympic ice, the selection process started long before puck drop. It started when some families found the $10,000 and some didn't.
&nbsp;
Topics: pay-to-play hockey, youth hockey development, Canada Olympics hockey, athlete investment, hockey inequality
&nbsp;
GUEST: Jimmy Zoubris and Lesley Kelly | highheelsandcanolafields.com (Lesley Kelly)
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-23

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.