On Friday, the Islanders announced new initiatives to help grow the women's game.
Hockey is for everyone, and the New York Islanders are at the forefront in the NHL's push for advancement in girls youth hockey on the ice.
On Friday morning, the Islanders, in partnership with JetBlue, Global Industrial, and Xerox, announced they will be implementing new initiatives to help grow the women's game.
These new initiatives, which include Try Hockey for Free, Learn to Play, Continue to Play, Girls Advance Clinic Series, Girls Tournament Team, and Women's Coaching and Leadership Summit, are expected to more than double participation numbers from last year to this year, with 1,100-plus girls involved to be the goal.
“The entire Islanders organization is committed to growing girls hockey in our community. We believe that every child deserves to play the sport they love,” said Janet Duch, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications for the Islanders and UBS Arena. “We’re also grateful for the support of our partners JetBlue, Global Industrial, and Xerox, who share our passion.”
Not only that, but the Islanders will be hosting Girls Hockey Weekends, the first beginning this weekend, Oct. 19-20:
Here's the schedule:
Saturday: Girls Jamboree 10am-2pm
Sunday: Girls Jamboree 10am-2pm, Girls Try Hockey for Free 2pm-5pm
Growing the women's game is so important because while hockey may be fun, it's a sport that teaches kids so many lessons that help in all aspects of life.
While girls may love watching the Islanders hit the ice or their brothers at a local rink, it's time for them to be able to lace up the skates and have the same opportunity to shine, score, and celly.