"Growing the game at the grassroots level is something that is very important to our organization," said Hurricanes President and General Manager Don Waddell. "We're always thrilled to give kids here in North Carolina an opportunity to try hockey."
The
Hurricanes' First Goal program
is a partnership between the Carolina Hurricanes, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players' Association in conjunction with the league-wide Learn to Play program. The initiative is geared toward kids who have not already played in a house league or higher, or previously been registered to a USA Hockey or Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey program. With assistance from sponsors Invisalign and Carvana, the First Goal program provides first-time participants aged 5-9 with hockey equipment, as well as the opportunity to enjoy instructional hockey sessions. This year only, children who recently turned 10 and missed last summer's program which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic will also be allowed to participate. Through the First Goal program, boys and girls are introduced to the game of hockey through six on-ice skills sessions with one of Hurricanes alumni Shane Willis, Bates Battaglia and Jeff Daniels, and receive new equipment, including:
In addition, each participant receives two tickets to a Hurricanes' home game during the 2021-22 season, a
Hurricanes Kids Club
membership and a graduation certificate at the conclusion of the program.
Programs begin July 7, with two groups of 40 skaters at most rinks. There will be a new, all-girls group offered at Wake Competition Center this year, but girls are welcome to enroll in any of the other co-ed groups as well. The First Goal programs will also follow guidelines set by the CDC and the individual rinks to ensure the health and safety of the players. For additional dates and information about the program, please visit the Hurricanes'
Learn to Play website
.
