What's Happening?
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the return of their Skills & Drills street hockey program for youth, set to begin this spring. Sponsored by PNC Bank and Energy Transfer, the program is designed for children aged five to ten and aims to introduce them to the basics of hockey. This year, the program will expand to include a third location at the Liberty Township/Powell YMCA, which features a new ADA-accessible outdoor rink. The program offers six weeks of instruction and gameplay for a fee of $60, which includes equipment and a ticket offer for a Blue Jackets home game. The initiative is part of the Blue Jackets' commitment to making hockey accessible and fostering community engagement.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the Skills & Drills program underscores
the Columbus Blue Jackets' dedication to growing the sport of hockey at the grassroots level. By providing affordable and accessible opportunities for young players, the program helps to remove barriers to entry and encourages broader participation in the sport. This initiative not only promotes physical activity and teamwork among youth but also strengthens community ties by bringing families together in a supportive environment. The addition of a new location further demonstrates the program's success and the increasing demand for youth hockey in central Ohio.
What's Next?
As the program gears up for its second year, the Blue Jackets will focus on ensuring a successful rollout across all three locations. The team will likely continue to seek partnerships and sponsorships to support the program's growth and sustainability. Additionally, the success of Skills & Drills could inspire similar initiatives in other regions, further promoting the sport of hockey nationwide. The Blue Jackets will monitor participation and feedback to refine and enhance the program in future iterations.
