Are your young kids interested in learning to play hockey? Then here’s your chance.
The Prince William Ice Center in Dale City is partnering with the Washington Capitals pro-hockey team for their ‘Learn to Play Hockey’ program, that helps to get young kids started out in the sport.
“The Washington Capitals have teamed up with the NHL (National Hockey League) and the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players’ Association) for an equipment program to alleviate costs of young athletes, wanting to start the sport of ice hockey,” said Prince William Ice Center’s Hockey Director RJ Zeigler.
According to Zeigler, the free hockey equipment is available for students that are between four and eight years old that register for the September-October series of the program.
“The program is for USA hockey entry age group of kids which is 8 and under. If the program is successful it could potentially get expanded to 10 and under in the future,” stated Zeigler.
Zeigler said that the complete set of equipment given to the children is worth $500.
“In the past, you would have to go to an area ice rink – you register for a ‘Learn to Play Hockey’ program, you invest hundreds and hundreds of dollars in equipment, and cross your fingers and hope your kids like the sport, and want to continue playing. The Washington Capitals and NHL have basically taken it upon themselves to give a free set of hockey equipment to any kid who’s interested in starting the sport of ice hockey,” Zeigler said.
Zeigler did note that parents would still need to pay for the class itself, which is $168.
“It’s providing all the kids the opportunity to play hockey, because the gear is expensive,” said Potomac Patriots player Jason Guidi.
At the Prince William Ice Center, they have a ‘cradle to college’ philosophy that they use for their Potomac Patriots program, which is a non-profit organization that trains and develops hockey players at all ages and skill levels, according to the Potomac Patriots website. According to Zeigler, the program is a great way to get kids involved in ice hockey, and the organization is very involved in the community.
For more information about the ‘Learn to Play’ program, click here.
For more information about the Potomac Patriots program, click here.
To register for the class at the Prince William Ice Center, email learntoplay@pwice.com.
Here is a follow up video about the program:
