Harmony Through Hockey
November 29, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release
Des Moines, IA - The Iowa Stars today announced the final 30 person enrollment for the Harmony through Hockey program. "Recruiting has been a huge success. We have our initial 30 members and now have a waiting list of kids who want to learn the sport of hockey," said Harmony through Hockey founder and Iowa Stars employee, Frank Meeink.
Harmony through Hockey is a program dedicated to creating a youth urban hockey league for the purpose of cultivating the sport of hockey. The program is patterned after a similar, highly successful program that began in the city of Philadelphia. Harmony through Hockey strives to bring culturally diverse American communities together by promoting racial harmony through team building and athletic competition. We recruit children 6-12 years of age, from different cultural backgrounds to teach them the life skill of teamwork and respect both on and off the ice. Harmony through Hockey allows each participant to bond with others of a different social, economic and racial heritage.
Frank Meeink, founder of Harmony through Hockey, now lives in the Des Moines area and knows that the program can be highly successful with the cooperative help of the Iowa Stars and the business community. Frank Meeink is a professional speaker who travels around the country lecturing on such topics as race, race relations and respect of others and self.
Each Thursday the group meets at Wells Fargo Arena or Brenton Skating Plaza where the teams are taught the fundamentals of ice skating and hockey. Stars staff and team members are on hand to instruct the youth participants in proper form and technique for playing hockey as well as how to take care of their equipment. All equipment and necessary transportation will be provided in an effort to remove any obstacles that may lie in the way of the participants desire to play hockey.
Off Ice Segment
One of the most important aspects of the program occurs off the ice - before or after games and practices. This is an opportunity for coaches to communicate with the local youth about current events and social issues. Harmony through Hockey will also bring the youth and their families together for Iowa Stars games and other outside events such as civic service activities (i.e. Riverwalk cleanup) along with an Awards Ceremony. Civic service and a positive attitude will allow participants the opportunity to earn their equipment privileges.
On Ice Segment
Harmony through Hockey participants will have access to Wells Fargo Arena ice for practices and games. Whenever possible, Iowa Star's coaches and players will serve as coaches and role models, teaching the game of hockey as well as life skills.
Hockey is a great teacher of "teamwork" because it utilizes six different players - the goalie, the defensemen, and the forwards. An assist on a goal is just as important as scoring the goal itself.
When a team member is dressed in hockey equipment from head to toe, his or her skin color is not seen. Everyone in the same color jersey presents a unified front of teammates working together for a common goal. Then, it's time to have FUN!
Rules
No hitting or checking
Always be a supportive teammate (help one another)
Show respect - on and off the ice
Have a positive attitude
School Attendance and Grades - Participants must maintain a "C" average and have no more than 4 absences per grading period
Practice Attendance - Participants may not miss two consecutive practices without contacting their director or team leader
If you are interested in being a part of Harmony through Hockey please call Frank Meeink at the Iowa Stars Office 515.564.8151.
STARS INFO: Join the Stars Friday, November 30th for the Allegiant Air Trip Giveaway. One lucky fan will win a round trip ticket to Las Vegas, NV or Orlando, FL!
Then, Tuesday, December 4th it's Wells Fargo Appreciation Night! Come early to qualify for your chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas! From 6pm-7pm at the Iowa Stars Customer Service Booth game attendants are invited to play PLINKO for various concession prizes and to be entered into the Vegas Strip Competition to take place during the game. The winner of the Vegas Strip Contest will receive a three day, two night trip to Las Vegas. Airfare and hotel included. This contest is open to the public.
Bring your dog to the game on Saturday, December 15th because it's Pucks for Pups Night with the Iowa Stars. The first 100 dogs to the game will receive a bandana, courtesy of the Animal Rescue League.
Happy Hour - Join Iowa Stars fans in the Principal River's Edge Restaurant from 5:30 to 6:30 before every weekday home game! Enjoy $3.50 16 oz. bottles of Bud Light and $3.50 12 oz. bottles of Corona.
Watch the Iowa Stars Live on Mediacom Connections Channel 22
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