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The Hockey is for Everyone initiative is a component of "The Biggest Assist Happens off the Ice," the National Hockey League's social responsibility program that builds on the League's long-standing tradition of addressing important social issues in North America and around the world.

Hockey is for Everyone provides support and unique programming to non-profit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering children of all backgrounds opportunities to play hockey.  The initiative is supported by NHL member clubs, players, NHL alumni, and fans. To date, Hockey is for Everyone has exposed close to 45,000 boys and girls to unique hockey experiences.

To celebrate this initiative, the National Hockey League hosts the annual Hockey is for Everyone Month in February.  The league-wide initiative includes numerous activities to promote the diversity of the game that involve our clubs, players, alumni, fans, and grass-roots diversity programs, all with the goal of raising awareness and celebrating the growth of the game.



HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE MONTH
The National Hockey League will celebrate Hockey is for Everyone month during February with various events involving NHL clubs, players, alumni, and non-profit youth hockey programs. NHL ambassadors Willie O'Ree and Tony McKegney will travel throughout North America to promote the initiative, which is committed to offering children of all backgrounds opportunities to play hockey. The events will coincide with the celebration of Black History Month. READ MORE
Byfuglien skates
Dustin Byfuglien skates with kids from social and economically diverse backgrounds for "Hockey is for Everyone" month. WATCH
Ducks First Flight Field Trip
The Anaheim Ducks will host over 15,000 elementary school students (grades 3-6) at the 10th annual First Flight Field Trip on Thursday, February 11 at Honda Center. LEARN MORE
Black History Month Roundtable
The NHL Network hosts a Black History Month Roundtable with Tony McKegney, Jamal Mayers, PK Subban and Ray Neufeld. WATCH
 

OFFICIAL HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE PROGRAMS
(The following NHL-sanctioned youth hockey programs provide support to boys and girls of all backgrounds the opportunity to play hockey. To learn more about a program in your community, click on the program name.)
 
PROGRAM NAME
 LOCATION
Ahuntsic Braves Association, Inc.
Montreal, QC
Amateur Hockey Assoc. of Illinois Diversity Program Chicago, IL
American Special Hockey Association Nationwide
Art Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation Atlantic City, NJ
Aurora Ice Association East Aurora, NY
Clark Park Coalition Hockey Detroit, MI
Columbus Ice Hockey Club Columbus, OH
Detroit Hockey Association Detroit, MI
DinoMights Minneapolis, MN
Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation Philadelphia, PA
Evanston Youth Hockey Association Evanston, IL
Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club Washington, DC
Genesee Valley Youth Hockey Club Rochester, NY
Hasek's Heroes Buffalo, NY
Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (H.E.R.O.S.) Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, & Winnipeg
Pittsburgh I.C.E. Pittsburgh, PA
Hockey in Newark Newark, NJ
Ice Hockey in Harlem New York, NY
Westchester Hockey Organization, Inc. Valhalla, NY
NJ Goals Ahead Summit, NJ
New Rochelle Youth Hockey Association New Rochelle, NY
Shaka I.C.E. Denver, CO
Sharks Ice-Oakland Oakland, CA
S.C.O.R.E Boston Boston, MA
Capital City Crew Raleigh, NC
Volusia Youth Hockey Association Daytona Beach, FL
 
HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE AMBASSADORS
Willie O'Ree
Willie O'Ree, the NHL's first black player, was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, in 1935, the son of a city civil engineer and a member of one of only two black families in the city. He was one of 13 children, including twins who died in infancy.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WILLIE O'REE
Tony McKegney
Tony McKegney played more than 900 NHL games with seven different clubs from 1978-91. His long professional career spanned 21 seasons, mostly in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres and the Quebec Nordiques.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TONY MCKEGNEY
Pat LaFontaine
Pat LaFontaine played just under 900 NHL games with three different clubs from 1983-1998. His Hall-of-Fame career spanned 16 seasons, mostly in the NHL with the New York Islanders and the Buffalo Sabres.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PAT LAFONTAINE
Darren Banks
Darren Banks played 20 games with the Boston Bruins from 1992-94. His long hockey career spanned 18 seasons, mostly in the International Hockey League (IHL). Since retiring, Banks has given back to the hockey community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DARREN BANKS
 




Hockey develops skills on the ice that build a foundation for a lifetime. In addition to athletic prowess, hockey promotes confidence, pride, focus and responsibility. With an emphasis on fun, hockey is a game to be played and enjoyed for life. Join us in the fun of hockey.

To find hockey near you, click here.








The ADM provides age-appropriate guidelines and curriculum to hockey associations across America to help more kids play, love and excel in hockey. Brought to you by USA Hockey, in partnership with the NHL.

To learn more, click here. Watch video.




 
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NY Times: Ice Time Can Be Best of Times Geico Caveman skates with HIFE kids Kevin Weekes
Laviolette visits ESYHF HIFE clinic: Pittsburgh Penguins Donald Brashear





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