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Barons Teaming with OKC Youth Hockey's Kids First Program

January 21, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Oklahoma City Barons News Release


Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City Barons and the Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association are working together to raise awareness and funds for the Kids First Program at the Barons game January 28 against the Texas Stars.

From this game, the Barons will donate 10 percent of the walk up, concession, merchandise and Chuck-A-Puck revenue to the Kids First Program. In addition, members of the OKCYHA, will provide entertainment during the first intermission.

The Kids First Program is a 16-week course that introduces kids ages 5 - 12 to the sport of ice hockey. The participants are given the equipment and six weeks of instruction at no cost. After the sixth week, the decision is made to continue in the class or give the equipment back with no strings attached. Cost to continue for the remaining 10 weeks of the program is $300 and the participant keeps the equipment.

"The Kids First Program is truly the future of the hockey program in Oklahoma City," said Prodigal LLC owner Bob Funk Jr. "An objection to overcome when discussing involvement in the sport of hockey is the initial investment for equipment and ice time. This program allows kids to try it before they become part of the Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association."

"This program has had its share of success in other markets," said OKCYHA president Mike Hoskins. "A similar program was in place in Dallas during the early 90's and the number of players in the youth hockey programs there increased dramatically. Nearly 60 percent of the kids who enter the Kids First Program go on to purchase the equipment and finish the 16-week course."

A session of the Kids First Program is currently operating at both Blazers Ice Centre in south Oklahoma City on Saturday from 8 - 9 a.m. and Arctic Edge in north Oklahoma City on Saturday from 11 a.m. - noon.

For more details about the Kids First Program, contact visit the OKCYHA website at www.okcyouthhockey.com or visit the OKCYHA booth on the east concourse at Barons games.

As added incentive for this game, the first 2,000 kids 12-and-under through the doors will receive a Barons youth practice jersey. Faceoff is 6:05 p.m.



American Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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