Physical activity is an important part of a healthy life, and many social media outlets and influencers use their platforms to stress the importance of doing so. For many people, there is no better way to stay active than playing a sport. National Hockey League teams have taken notice, which is why the NHL and the NHLPA started the “Learn to Play,” “Learn to Skate,” or “L2P” Programs.
These programs were created with the purpose of making hockey a more inclusive environment for all ages by making sure that no barriers stand in the way of anyone who wants to play hockey. In fact, quite a few NHL players today have gotten their start in these programs!
Though many professional teams have kids clubs or programs, the Learn to Play program is unique. Participants with little to no experience sign up and are provided with all the gear that they need to play the game. Over the course of the program, participants learn the fundamentals of hockey, such as skating and puck handling, as well as compete in scrimmages.
Not only do participants learn the basics of the game, but they also develop their character. Through falling down and getting back up and learning to work together as a team, participants learn about teamwork and perseverance, which are beneficial in life on and off the ice.
While most other sports programs end after the last session, the Learn to Play program leaves participants with one of the most valuable things of all: community. Connections are fostered through the connections and access to the NHL teams, players, and program alumni.
Most teams that offer Learn to Skate programs have more advanced leagues that participants can play in after the program’s conclusion. However, if a participant does not continue to skate, they can still remain connected to the sport. Whether one is playing, has formerly played, or is watching and supporting, hockey is a sport that cultivates community.
In the years since the NHL began initiating the Learn to Skate programs, they have had tremendous success. According to Learn to Play, over 400 rinks in the United States have Learn To Play programs or something similar. Over 100,000 people have participated in these programs, and more continue to sign up every day. Additionally, these programs have allowed USA Hockey’s 8U participation to grow by over 35% in the last 10 years.
Of the many participants who have gone through the Learn to Play program, quite a few are thriving playing professional hockey today. For example, Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby started the Little Penguins Learn to Play Program in 2008 to introduce local kids to hockey. A successful product of that program is Logan Cooley, who was picked third overall in the 2022 NHL draft and is a center for the Utah Hockey Club. Similarly, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere got his start at a Learn to Play Program run by the Florida Panthers.
Learn to Play programs have had a huge impact on communities. Not only are they teaching kids and adults healthy habits by keeping them active, introducing them to a new sport, and building their character, but they are also connecting them to the broad community that encompasses the sport of hockey.
These programs allow NHL teams to give back to the communities that support them by introducing people to the game and sparking a lifelong passion in many. With increasing participation numbers, who knows, maybe one of them will be the next NHL star. Even if not, these programs are a great way to make NHL hockey personal for the fans.
Edited by Emma Habel
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