Boston will host 55 children between the ages of 12-14 from 15 different hockey programs throughout the U.S. and Canada to participate in on-ice and off-ice lessons designed to build confidence and teach life skills. The weekend was originally founded by 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Willie O'Ree, whose No. 22 jersey was retired by the Bruins on January 18, 2022.
On the first day of the Skills Weekend, all players will participate in an on-ice session at Walter Brown Arena of Boston University, instructed by Bruins alumniGraeme Townshendand members of the Boston Pride. A banquet will be served following the session, with guest speakers including O'Ree, Ashley Mitchell from the Courage Campaign, and Bruins alumni Andrew Raycroft.
Saturday will include a round robin 3-on-3 tournament at Walter Brown Arena, followed by a game on the ice at Warrior Ice Arena after the Bruins' pregame skate. Following their game at Warrior, all players will head to TD Garden for a pregame discussion with former NHL players before attending Saturday night's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Skills Weekend will conclude on Sunday with a breakfast and panel of athlete speakers who will focus on the importance of diversity, tolerance, and education.
