SARATOGA SPRINGS — Trying to learn a new skill can be challenging from finding the right program to providing the best skills, to getting the necessary equipment. This year, Saratoga Youth Hockey (SYH) is partnering with the New York Rangers (NYR) to increase accessibility and to guarantee expert training with their new beginner ice hockey program, Learn to Skate (LTS).
"We were just looking for ways of growing our program and growing the game of youth hockey," said Melinda Guyett, SYH Special Events and Tournaments Director.
This is a first-time partnership that SYH has with the New York Rangers, a hockey team based out of New York City. USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have a Learn to Play initiative, that is aimed to be the gold standard for youth
hockey communities.
As of now the program is in its third week of their first session. There will be three sessions in total, each running once a week for 10 weeks, held at the Weibel Ice Rink. Throughout these sessions, first time hockey players – both boys and girls - from ages four through nine will learn the basics of hockey from NYR staff and alumni, including Mark Hartman, from the 1994 Stanley Cup Team.
“The really cool thing about this program is first time hockey players - first time participants get head to toe equipment," said Guyett.
Having the equipment included at no additional cost is a way to increase accessibility in building youth participation in the sport of hockey.
Also, in an effort to expand participation this upcoming season, SYH will for the first time have an all girls’ team (as of now the girls participate on a co – ed team). Amanda Kessel of the USA Olympic Women’s Hockey team will be visiting to work with the girls.
"This (LTS) is really not about Saratoga youth hockey. It's about the community and what we can do to get more children involved in youth sports,” said Guyett. “This is just something that came about - an amazing opportunity to increase access to all youths within the community, to be a part of a team and just have that life experience."
On Saturday, November 9, there will be a free event to try out hockey with the Saratoga Blue Knights and The New York Rangers, as they will be signing autographs, providing first time skaters with take home gifts! One can register on the New York Rangers website.
To register or to learn more about the program, or other SYH programs and events one can visit www.syhi.org.
