"With the Learn to Play program, we hope to provide easier access to the game we love for kids and families who want to try hockey for the first time," said Kevyn Adams, Sabers senior vice president of business administration. "We aim to provide a fun and welcoming environment for the Sabres fans of tomorrow."
Participants can register for the program at Sabres.com/LearnToPlay.
Sabres alumnus Patrick Kaleta will continue in his fourth year as lead alumnus and will work alongside fellow alumni Cody McCormick and Tim Kennedy for all sessions. Stephen Gionta will also join the group for sessions located in Rochester. As a Buffalo native, Kaleta has worked with numerous local charity organizations throughout his career to help benefit families in Western New York.
"The growth of the Learn to Play program continues to exceed my expectations," Kaleta said. "Over the first three years, our program has graduated more than 1,800 youth players, a number we only expect to grow. Our whole staff is looking forward to kicking off year four and meeting all of our new participants."
All Buffalo Sabres Learn to Play participants will receive new custom-fitted equipment from CCM. Equipment kits will include a helmet, stick, equipment bag, jersey, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin pads, socks and skates.