Coyotes to Invest $2.1 Million in Arizona Youth Hockey Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, October 5, 2017

GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Arizona Coyotes Owner, Chairman and Governor Andrew Barroway announced today that the Coyotes, in conjunction with the NHL and the NHLPA, will invest $2.1 million over the next three years into the development of youth hockey in the Valley of the Sun and State of Arizona as part of the League's Industry Growth Fund. The Coyotes' four new programs that will introduce the sport of hockey to over 100,000 boys and girls include: a Street Hockey PE Curriculum; a three-step introduction to hockey program for girls; financial support to local ice rinks; and the sponsorship of the Valley's local high school hockey league.
"The Coyotes are committed to the Valley and to growing the great game of hockey in our state," said Barroway. "The Valley has given us great support over the years and it is our core philosophy that we give back to the community and help make this a great place to live. These programs will have an incredible impact on our youth hockey community."

"The Coyotes are grateful for our partnership with the NHL and the NHLPA to help grow hockey in the Valley," said Coyotes President and CEO Steve Patterson. "We are excited to launch these four new programs this season and get more sticks in kids' hands as we grow our great sport."
"Raise the Pack" School PE Curriculum
The Coyotes will create a Street Hockey Curriculum for physical education teachers throughout the Valley and state. The team will also provide Coyotes branded equipment (sticks, balls, nets), pinnies, student booklets, and a teacher's guide to properly introduce hockey into their classes. The goal is to introduce up to 350 elementary schools to the game of hockey over the next three years.
Arizona Coyotes High School Hockey League
The Coyotes will provide financial support to enhance the Valley's current high school hockey league. Improvements to the league include new on and off-ice uniforms, supplementary practice ice time, and additional marketing to encourage new participants to play the game. The Coyotes will also work with the league to introduce a High School Beginner League for teenagers looking to become hockey players.
Part of the Pack Rink Improvement Program
The Coyotes will provide financial assistance to all six local rinks in the Phoenix area to improve their facilities and keep them operable for years to come. The Coyotes are also committing to assist cities outside of Phoenix, such as Flagstaff and Tucson, by providing financial support to grow their current programs. Funding will also be donated to the Arizona Amateur Hockey Association to operate the Mite (8U) Jamborees and beginner adult hockey initiatives.
"Small Fry's" Girls Hockey Development Program
The Coyotes will develop a three-step girls' hockey growth program that will help introduce girls to hockey and properly develop them so that they are ready to compete in leagues. The program will be led by former U.S. Olympian and Chandler, Arizona native, Lyndsey Fry. Each program will be 6-10 weeks in duration and include a beginners' program; a second step program to focus more on team structure and development; and a third step, mini 3 versus 3 cross-ice program to help prepare girls for structured hockey leagues. This program is for girls ages 7-12 years old.
These four new programs, in addition to the current Little Howlers Learn to Play Hockey program which introduces the game of hockey to kids 5-9 years of age, will increase hockey participation in Arizona to more than 10,000 players within 3 years.
For more information on these programs, please visit youth.arizonacoyotes.com