Coyotes infusing $2.1 million into state youth hockey programs
Back in October, the Arizona Coyotes announced a $2.1 million investment into youth hockey in the state.
The Coyotes’ four new programs that will introduce the sport of hockey to over 100,000 boys and girls include a street hockey PE curriculum, a three-step introduction to hockey program for girls, financial support to local ice rinks and the sponsorship of the Valley’s local high school hockey league.
“The Coyotes are committed to the Valley and to growing the great game of hockey in our state,” said Coyotes owner Andrew Barroway. “The Valley has given us great support over the years and it is our core philosophy that we give back to the community and help make this a great place to live. These programs will have an incredible impact on our youth hockey community.”
“The Coyotes are grateful for our partnership with the NHL and the NHLPA to help grow hockey in the Valley,” added Coyotes president-CEO Steve Patterson. “We are excited to launch these four new programs this season and get more sticks in kids’ hands as we grow our great sport.”
Of note, the “Small Fry’s” Girls Hockey Development Program will help introduce girls to hockey and properly develop them so that they are ready to compete in leagues. The program will be led by former U.S. Olympian and Chandler native Lyndsey Fry. Each program will be 6-10 weeks in duration and include a beginners’ program, a second step program to focus more on team structure and development and a third step, a 3-on-3 cross-ice program to help prepare girls for structured hockey leagues. This program is for girls ages 7-12 years old.
These four new programs, in addition to the current Little Howlers Learn to Play Hockey program that introduces the game of hockey to kids 5-9 years of age, will increase hockey participation in Arizona to more than 10,000 players within three years.
— Matt Mackinder
(Dec. 5, 2017)