Bulldogs Launch "Skate the Dream" Program

January 3, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release


Hamilton, ON - The Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club and the Bulldogs Foundation, in coordination with the City of Hamilton, today launched the "Hamilton Bulldogs Skate The Dream" program to break the barriers that prevent local children from learning to skate and playing hockey.

This pilot project, which will be based out of Eastwood Arena in Hamilton's North end, is an opportunity for 72 to 100 children between the ages of 6 to 10 to participate in a Learn to Skate combined with a 3-on-3 Learn to Play Hockey introductory program. Hamilton native and Stanley Cup champion Ric Nattress is the Honorary Chair of the program, and will also be providing on-ice instruction.

"We are proud to be partnering with the City to provide accessible, affordable play for those who might otherwise not get the chance to participate in hockey," said Hamilton Bulldogs President and Governor, Bob McNamara. "It's also a great opportunity for us to give back to the community as part of our 2012 AHL Outdoor Classic activities."

Registration for the program is now open, and will take place through referrals from partner organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hamilton, North Hamilton Community Health Centre, Hamilton Waterfront Trust, Bennetto Public School, Hamilton Minor Hockey Council, St. Lawrence School, and J. Edgar Davie School. The cost for the full 10-week session is of only $10.00 per child. This will include on-ice instruction, equipment loan if needed, and an outdoor skate at Ivor Wynne Stadium during the 2012 AHL Outdoor Classic presented by Molson and Boston Pizza. Each registrant will also receive 2 tickets for the program wrap party at the Sunday, March 4th, 2012 Hamilton Bulldogs home game against the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The "Skate The Dream" Equipment Drive is currently being run at over 20 locations around the City of Hamilton, including at Copps Coliseum during Hamilton Bulldogs home games. Those making a donation will also receive a complimentary ticket to the March 4th game and the opportunity to purchase additional tickets for this game for only $12. All the equipment will be cleaned and sterilized as per Public Health guidelines and stored at Eastwood Arena. The Bulldogs next take to the ice when they face the Syracuse Crunch at Copps Coliseum next Friday, January 6th, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Single game tickets for the 2011-2012 season (including the January 21st outdoor game) are available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, any Ticketmaster Outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or through charge-by-phone at 1-855-872-5000.

All Hamilton Bulldogs games can be heard live on AM 820 CHAM or on www.hamiltonbulldogs.com, or seen live on www.ahllive.com beginning with the Pioneer Pre-Game Show 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.



American Hockey League Stories from January 3, 2012


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