Learn to Play is meant for children who have completed the Learn to Skate program that gives them instruction on how to confidently skate before hockey. Once a young player completes the Learn to Play program, they're eligible to join the team's newest youth hockey program-the Lil Knights presented by the D Las Vegas. By completing all three of the Golden Knights' developmental programs, children in Nevada have the opportunity to reap the benefits of playing hockey on and off the ice.
The scene at City National Arena was one of excitement as the kids went from station to station trying on equipment before receiving their Golden Knights Learn to Play jerseys.
"It's a tremendous feeling to see this," said Golden Knights senior manager of youth hockey Matt Flynn. "They're pumped to be trying something new and they're piggy-backing off the initial success of our team."
The success of the Golden Knights has translated into success for the youth hockey initiatives provided to children in the community by the organization. With more and more kids becoming exposed to hockey from watching their team during the season to participating in street hockey clinics, the number of children who will grow up playing hockey in Nevada is taking off.
"These kids have local heroes to look up to now," Flynn said. "They're all hoping to follow in their footsteps and it's really a great first step for them."
Programs like Learn to Play are key for children who want to play hockey throughout their childhood. It prepares them to play at higher levels as they grow up and will positively impact their lives as they continue to grow. Getting children to choose hockey as their sport and stick to it is something that's on the forefront of Flynn's mind.
"We see the retention rate is exponentially higher for kids that come into this program than for kids who don't," he said. "We know that more of these kids are going to stick to the game."
With new hockey gear and new love for the game, kids in the Las Vegas Valley are gravitating towards hockey like never before, and as NHL hockey continues to captivate the city, youth hockey in Nevada is ready to take off.
