Children from community centers across the city of Baltimore participated across 10 teams. In an exciting championship matchup between Madison Square Recreation Center and James D. Gross Recreation Center, Madison Square came away with a dramatic 3-2 overtime win after tying the game late in regulation.
The event marked one of several youth hockey programs supported by the Capitals across the Washington, D.C. region, including a Hockey School program that launched in Baltimore City in 2018. 175 total public schools, including elementary, middle and high schools in Baltimore, received floor hockey equipment. As a result, approximately 78,000 students have been introduced to hockey through floor hockey units in their PE classes to date. In addition, 40 Baltimore community centers also received floor hockey equipment.
"It was amazing to have the opportunity to host this tournament again after pausing a few seasons because of the pandemic," said Capitals manager of youth hockey development Andrew Nash. "We've developed such a great working relationship with BCRP that we were able to pick up right where we left off and put on a really great event for these kids. The support and interest that BCRP has shown for this event is very apparent when watching these games. The development and progression in level of skill that these kids have had from year to year is really cool to see, and speaks to the investment the site directors have in teaching floor hockey at these community and rec centers leading up to this tournament. The enthusiasm that these kids show for this tournament every year proves to us that hockey has a place in Baltimore City, and we couldn't be more excited to help facilitate that growth."
For more information on the Capitals youth hockey initiatives, visit
CapsYouthHockey.com
.
