Blues, Mayers aim to grow the game with North City Blues

It was an unseasonably warm December day Wednesday in St. Louis, but that didn't stop the North City Blues from taking the ice outdoors at Steinberg Rink. A group of kids between the ages of 4-10 gathered at Forest Park on Wednesday at the second-ever practice session for the St. Louis Blues' newest youth hockey program.
North City Blues provides a free after-school program and the opportunity to learn to play ice hockey for students enrolled in KIPP Schools and/or Friendly Temple. KIPP - the Knowledge Is Power Program - is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.
Through this new program, students have the chance to learn the game and develop leadership traits and essential life skills through the core values of the sport such as teamwork, commitment and perseverence. Practices are held weekly and are being led by Blues alum Jamal Mayers, who joins the organization this season in a new role as a Community Youth Hockey Advisor.
Once the kids complete the learn-to-skate sessions, those interested in continuing hockey will receive a free set of equipment and begin a six-week Learn to Play program.

"A new program like this one with North City Blues is an exciting venture, and I'm happy to be a part of it having been in this community since 1996," Mayers said. "Probably a long-time overdue, and it's been fun to be a part of it and I'm looking forward to doing many more things like this."
A 15-year National Hockey League veteran, Mayers began his career with St. Louis. He spent 10 seasons with the Blues and also suited up for Toronto, Calgary, San Jose and Chicago. Since retiring in 2013, he has worked as a broadcaster, coach and community advisor, along with writing a children's book called "Hockey is for Me".
Through the North City Blues, Mayers and the Blues aim to continue growing the sport of hockey in St. Louis and beyond.
"Seeing a person of color that looks like them is powerful, and I think that they're able to see that it is possible" Mayers said. "I played for this team - for the Blues - for 10 years. I may be a little bit older than maybe even their parents, but hopefully they can see a commonality and realize that anything's possible and that this game certainly has space for them and is welcoming and wants them to be a part of it."