Ducks Host Students from 24 Schools in S.C.O.R.E. Street Hockey Shootout

It was a great day for hockey as the Ducks last weekend hosted the 14th annual S.C.O.R.E. Street Hockey Shootout presented by Chick-fil-A SoCal. The Honda Center parking lot became home to eight street hockey rinks where co-ed teams from local elementary schools were all vying for the chance to raise the S.C.O.R.E. Cup.

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Fourth graders from 24 schools played 56 games, and at the end of a full day of competition, Friends Christian School defended their 2022 title and earned the school's 10th overall S.C.O.R.E. Cup championship.

The tournament serves as the final event each year for the S.C.O.R.E. (Scholastic Curriculum of Recreation & Education) Street Hockey program, a physical education initiative that reaches more than 15,000 students in Orange and Riverside counties. With support from the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, the Ducks provide full street hockey curriculum and equipment for free to participating schools.

After kicking off the morning with round-robin pool play, 16 teams advanced to the championship bracket in the Niedermayer and Fowler conferences. One of those teams was first-time S.C.O.R.E. Shootout participant Golden Hill Elementary in Fullerton.

Nicole Wenthur serves as street hockey coach for the Gators, as well as the physical education teacher for Golden Hill's TK-6 students. Beginning last year, she incorporated the S.C.O.R.E. street hockey curriculum into a three-week hockey unit for third through sixth graders at the school. This year, she assembled 17 eager fourth graders who wanted to play on the school's tournament team.

After competing in the Fullerton School District street hockey tournament last month, Wenthur knew her players were up for the challenge at Honda Center. For many of her students, this was their first exposure to hockey, and they have all enjoyed the chance to learn a new sport.

"It's amazing what the Ducks pour into us as educators," Wenthur said. "Just the amount of equipment that I've received, and to be able to provide this to kids in our PE programs, makes teaching this a whole lot easier. We're so fortunate to have our partnership with the Ducks that they can provide these opportunities for our kids."

Golden Hill fourth grader Enzo Catota plays center for his team and had fun participating in the tournament with his classmates.

"The experience has been great, and we've been doing really good," said the 10-year old Catota. "I love running around and hitting the ball and being more active. And I like passing and communicating with my friends. It's really cool."

After going 2-1 in pool play, Golden Hill advanced to the quarterfinal round where they fell to eventual tournament runner-up Beechwood Elementary. Despite the loss, spirits were high, and Wenthur has seen some of her students show interest in continuing to play hockey by transitioning to either roller or ice.

"I know that these kids appreciate the opportunity," says Wenthur. "They're having so much fun just coming out today and playing. The kids are having a blast, and that's all I can ask for."

Ten-year old Micah Velte from the combined team of Fern Drive Elementary and Valencia Park Elementary in Fullerton was the first adaptive player to participate in the S.C.O.R.E. Shootout. With dreams of becoming a Paralympian basketball player and winning a gold medal, Velte enjoyed trying a new sport with his peers.

"I liked it, and it was a lot of fun," said Velte, who plays defense. "We won two games today. I like blocking the shots."

Velte's father, Jonathan, was grateful that his son, who is in a wheelchair, was able play in the tournament alongside his classmates.

"We certainly appreciate that the Ducks organization cares and wants to have programs like this for kids in the community," said Jonathan Velte. "We especially appreciate, since Micah has a disability, that the event was made to be inclusive for him. That can be a large barrier in the sporting world, making sure that everybody has the chance to play together. So that's really cool that he got to do this."

In the semifinal games, the Fowler Conference saw Friends Christian defeat Hermosa Drive 6-2, while Beechwood Elementary beat Raymond Elementary 13-1 in the Niedermayer Conference. Hermosa Drive went on to take 3rd place with a 3-0 victory over Raymond.

In the championship game, play was tight in the first half, with Friends Christian leading over Beechwood by only 2-1 at the break. But in the second half, Friends Christian scored three unanswered goals and secured the win by a score of 5-1.

Friends Christian goaltender Bryce Carter was named S.C.O.R.E. Shootout tournament MVP and received a Anaheim Ducks team signed stick. Then the Lions team captain, Asher Burke, hoisted the S.C.O.R.E. Cup while his teammates celebrated.

In recognition of their victory, the S.C.O.R.E. Cup will be engraved with the names of each Friends Christian player and coach. And just like the Stanley Cup, every player will have their "Day with the Cup" this summer. Additionally, the Lions will be honored next season during an on-ice ceremony prior to a Ducks home game.

Friends Christian head coach Seth McCraw was proud of how his players came together as a team. As one of the original pilot schools to participate in the S.C.O.R.E. Street Hockey program, he expressed his gratitude for all the Ducks have done for his students over the years.

"Without the Ducks, this program would not be here," McCraw said. "The kids love this day. Every year the first thing they ask is, 'When is hockey?' It's been a blessing and an honor to be here and be able to do this for so long. Our school loves it."

For more information about the Anaheim Ducks S.C.O.R.E. program, visit ducksscore.com.