Learn Hockey makes BIG strides
Fall quarter started with a bang as Bird Arena’s Learn Hockey program got underway. Try Hockey, Learn Hockey’s special event designed to expose kids to skating and hockey, was a huge success with over 70 kids on the ice Sept. 29th at Bird Arena. “We had to really scramble to get all the kids fitted for gear and on the ice”, remarked program coordinator Phillip Cooke.
One week later when the dust cleared, Learn Hockey had signed up nearly 40 kids for the new program. The program is being taught by Ohio Hockey Coach Dan Morris, Graduate Assistant Phil Cooke, several Bobcat hockey players and rink staff.
“I believe we’ll have enough players to start a house league in January” said Coach Morris. The program would not have been possible without the help of the Athens Youth Hockey Association, its members and the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. There was a huge need for equipment and everyone pitched in to fill the need. Past and present AYHA members donated equipment that their children had outgrown, the CBJ Foundation provided 20 sets of new gear as part of a grant awarded to AYHA this past summer, and Bird Arena funded the additional equipment that was needed to make the program successful. This program is a good example of how great things can happen when groups work together.
If you know someone who might be interested, please let them know that it’s not too late to get started. With city league soccer ending next week, Learn Hockey has introduced a mid-season start which begins November 3rd.
We still have a need for equipment and assistance with handing out fliers at the soccer fields during the week of Sept. 26th through the 29th. Please contact Steve Sammons at [email protected] or 740-593-4665 if you can help out. Click here to print the Mid-season start flyer.
