Every market where there is an NHL team has a Learn to Play program.It provides families with affordable access to the sport of ice hockey for their sons and daughters ages five to nine. Included within a single participation fee, is free head-to-toe hockey equipment, top-notch and age- appropriate hockey instruction from certified coaches in an atmosphere designed to be both fun and safe.
This year, the Flyers have launched a new addition: the Girls Learn to Play Program.
"One of our long-term goals has been to encourage more participation from girls. We've always invited and welcomed girls to take part in the Learn to Play program but we believe having a dedicated girls' hockey Learn to Play program will help us accelerate the process," said Rob Baer, the Flyers Amateur and Youth Hockey programs director.
Studies have shown that when young girls begin their hockey journeys in an all-girl environment, they are more likely to continue with the sport. Reasons cited include having a comfortable environment, more personally identifiable role models, and a sense of camaraderie with other girls playing their sport.
The available sessions are in:
Bucks County Ice (Warminster, PA) beginning March 17
Ice Line (West Chester, PA) beginning March 28
Ice Works (Aston, PA) beginning April 15
The lead instructor for the Girls Learn to Play program is former Team USA womens' national team and Cornell womens hockey standout Alyssa Gagliardi.
"The Flyers' Girls Learn to Play Program is an incredible way to get more girls involved in hockey and continue to grow the game. The game of hockey instills so much confidence, teamwork, and work ethic in people of all ages," Gagliardi said.
"I love that the Flyers are specifically investing in this program for young girls to be able to learn the game with their peers. It's so special to see the smiles, laughs and friendships that come from learning the sport of hockey together,"
Gagliardi played NCAA Division I college hockey at Cornell University where she was a two-year captain and 2014 ECAC Co-Defensive Defensemen of the Year and Second Team All-American. She competed with the USA Women's National Team from 2013-2016, including at two Four Nations Cups (2014, 2015), while playing professionally for the Boston Blades (CWHL), Boston Pride (NWHL) and Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) from 2014 - 2020.
After completing her playing career, Alyssa worked for the Carolina Hurricanes organization in Youth Hockey Development, as well as coaching in the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes Tier I Girls Program, with a focus on Skill & Player Development.
Alyssa is currently an Assistant Coach with the Neumann University Men's Ice Hockey program (NCAA D3), as well as a Skill Development Coach for the Maine Mariners (ECHL).
She is also a volunteer coach with the Philadelphia Flyers Warriors veterans team. Alyssa is a board member for the PWHPA and has been a member of the NHLCA Female Coaches' Development Program since 2020.
"It's funny how all of this came together," Baer said. "I found out that Alyssa was moving to the Philadelphia area, and the Hurricanes recommended that I talk to her about our Girls Learn to Play initiative. I didn't have to look too far for her because she coaches the Flyers Warriors and her fiance is with the Flyers Warriors. So there was an instant connection there among her other credentials. We're thrilled we've been able to get her for Learn to Play."
For more information, and registration for the Girls Learn to Play Rookie Program: visit:
https://www.learntoplay.nhl.com/locations/flyers/
