Panthers 'Learn to Play' Program a Hit for Hockey-Hungry Adults

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - It's never too late to pick up a hockey stick.
That was the message the Florida Panthers were preaching when the decision was made to expand the organization's successful "Learn to Play" program earlier this summer to include a new branch specifically designed for adults who had been struggling to find access to the sport.

"It's never too late to start hockey," said Panthers Youth Hockey Manager Matt Janusz, who oversaw program up until its conclusion last week. "There's always time to play… We're here to partner with our local rinks, get people out here, get them started and get them what they need."
With just 30 spots available at both the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs and the Palm Beach Skate Zone in Lake Worth, the program sold out not long after launching, as locals over the age of 18 came out of the woodworks in droves to experience the game of hockey at a reduced cost.
In addition to 12 weeks of on-ice training delivered by certified instructors, all participants in the program were also fitted for a full set of brand new hockey equipment, including pads, helmets, sticks and skates to keep upon their completion of the "Learn to Play" curriculum.
The program was so enticing, in fact, that even some Panthers employees got in on the action.
"When I first started at the company around four years ago, I appreciated right off the bat how professional and good our players were, but now that I'm on the ice and experiencing it myself it's definitely taken that to a whole new level," said Matthew Stocker, 27, a manager of ticket sales at the Panthers. "This experience makes you really appreciate how good these guys are."
While many participants, like Stocker, had prior skating experience, others started from scratch.
"I had zero skating experience," said Daniel Garcia, 34. "I think I was the newest guy, but it's been fantastic. Everyone has been really helpful and humble. They were all so outgoing and patient, especially with me."
After being unable to find his footing and "falling anywhere between 10-12 times" during the first week of the program, Garcia said he now no longer struggles to make his way up and down the ice, even if skating backwards is "still a mystery." Having missed out on playing hockey as a kid, he was so eager to learn that he drove more than an hour each week from his home in Miami to attend the program, missing only one session - although, in all fairness, he had a good season.
"My son was born on July 10," Garcia said, cracking a big smile. "I did miss a class. I don't think my wife would have understood me missing my son's second day in the world, but she was really supportive about me coming back the week after. When I got back, the guys were giving me thumbs up and first bumps. They also gave me a little jersey."
It's that sort of camaraderie that really made the inaugural adult "Learn to Play" a success.
For although their courses have ended, many of these newfound hockey players built lasting friendships that will likely now carry over into their next venture onto the ice. Many are already coordinating future skating sessions, staying in touch through WhatsApp and Facebook groups, hoping to turn their 12 weeks of training into a lifetime of future fun at the rink.
"We're trying to get a team together for one of the leagues," said Carlos Suero, 35. "It's great."
Interested in signing up for a future adult "Learn to Play" course?
Visit
https://www.nhl.com/panthers/community/adultlearntoplay
to learn more!