National Hockey League announces partnership with RCX Sports to create “NHL Street”
New England Council member, the National Hockey League has announced a partnership with RCX Sports, a leader in youth-organized sports, to create “NHL Street,” a North American wide, youth street hockey league.
Although the NHL was involved in street hockey programs in the 1990s, this rebirth has rebranded with a new look and its mission, NHL Street is a program with the intent to build a new era in street hockey that is fun, relevant, and aimed at getting more kids involved in playing the game. This program also breaks down financial barriers that have prevented children from playing in the past by advocating for an accessible form of the game.
The pilot program will be showcased at several other events and cities, including the 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series in Nashville between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, with 500 kids expected to participate, including many who will be playing hockey for the first time and live in communities without access to arenas or ball hockey facilities.
“We want to create good memories,” said Andrew Ference, National Hockey League director of social impact, growth and fan development. “We don’t need to create a whole batch of the next NHLers. That might happen organically on its own, but we just want [to] create really fun times and memories with hockey.”
The New England Council commends the National Hockey League for its commitment to this cause.
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