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“Learn to Play Hockey” Event Attracts Area Youths: Kids from Greeley, Evans, Johnstown, Kersey, Milliken,
Loveland, and Windsor Gather to Learn Hockey, Have Fun
Greeley, Colo. (February 28, 2009) — On Sunday, February 21st, the Greeley Ice Haus and the Greeley Youth Hockey Association (GYHA) sponsored a free "Learn to Play Hockey" event for area youth wishing to come out and learn the basics of ice hockey. Thirty-four youngsters, age 2 ½ - 15, showed up, eager to learn, as their parents proudly watched them suit up and hit the ice.
Coaches, players, and other volunteers from the University of Northern Colorado Bears, the Greeley Ice Haus, and various GYHA Greeley Stampede teams were on hand to show these youngsters how to put on their equipment, how to hold a stick, how to pass a puck, and how to have fun in the great sport of ice hockey. There were more volunteers than there were kids learning to play, resulting in a better than 1:1 ratio of mentor to player.
With hockey equipment provided by OneGoal (http://onegoal.com/) and free skate rental provided by the City of Greeley (http://www.greeleygov.com/recreation/icehaus/default.aspx), kids had a chance to get on the ice and experience hockey for free. They also had an opportunity to meet the Colorado Eagles' mascot, Slapshot, who arrived to demonstrate his support and dole out some high-fives to the kids on the ice that day. “We had eight UNC Bears players, five Greeley Stampede certified coaches, 21 experienced Stampede players, our hockey director, and two Greeley Ice Haus skating coaches on the ice, plus parent volunteers and GYHA board members available off the ice to answer questions,” said David Kendrick, GYHA president. “It was an amazing display of teamwork, all in the spirit of sharing this great game with kids from all over the area.” Kendrick, as well as Event Coordinator J.R. Harsh, Ice Haus Rink Director Dale Elder, and UNC Coach Al Brown were all very impressed, not only with the success of the event, but also with the sincere dedication and collaboration from so many organizations and so many volunteers to come together in support of youth hockey in northern Colorado. Because of the success of this event, the sponsoring organizations have already started discussing another similar event, to be held this summer, to help grow the game and get more kids off the couch and onto the ice.
“It was very satisfying to see my UNC players out there, alongside the Stampede players and coaches and the Ice Haus staff members, helping these little ones discover the great sport of ice hockey,” added Coach Brown. “Hopefully, some of these kids are excited enough to pursue it further and become part of our extended hockey family here in Greeley. We all love the game, and this is our way of giving back to the sport we love. We just want to see more kids benefit from playing hockey.”
About the Greeley Stampede:
The Greeley Stampede plays out of the City of Greeley Ice Haus, a world-class facility that is also home to the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Bears.
Founded in 2007, GYHA promotes a philosophy of building strength of character both on and off the ice. Currently with over 75 members ranging in age from 8 to 18, GYHA is growing in numbers and extending its reach to young men and women throughout northern Colorado and beyond.
Greeley has taken an innovative approach in developing its hockey program with three tiers toward success. First, the City of Greeley's recreational program offers affordable 8 & Under developmental ice hockey. From there, players may advance to GYHA's more competitive Denver North Hockey League (DNHL) and Continental Divide Youth Hockey League (CDYHL), competing as the Greeley Stampede. For more details about the Greeley Stampede or GYHA, please visit www.greeleyyouthhockey.org.
About OneGoal
OneGoal is a nonprofit organization comprised of a coalition of the National Hockey League (NHL), the NHL Players Association (NHLPA), the NHL Alumni Association, USA Hockey, Hockey Canada, rinks, Easton-Bell, Reebok-CCM, Bauer, retailers, and many others across North America who are involved with hockey.
The “one goal” of this group is to build greater awareness and understanding of hockey so parents can make informed decisions about involving their families in the sport. For many of us who didn’t grow up with the game, OneGoal makes it easier and less intimidating to join in on everything that hockey has to offer.
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 March 2010 14:10 ) |
