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Cigna and the Connecticut Whale Continue "Hockey in the Streets" Program

December 7, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Connecticut Whale News Release


HARTFORD, CT, December 10, 2012 - Cigna and the Connecticut Whale are continuing their partnership to bring hockey to boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years in the Greater Hartford area.

The Cigna Hockey in the Streets program starts its second year with a series of one-hour clinics, beginning at six p.m., Monday, December 10, at The Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center on 444 Albany Ave., Hartford. This program is available to groups and venues throughout the region.

Chuck Steedman, AEG Connecticut Senior Vice President & General Manager said, "AEG Connecticut is excited to carry on this tremendous program that significantly impacts the community. We strongly believe these type of programs are key to injecting excitement and energy into young hockey fans across the state. The Cigna Hockey in the Streets program had a very successful first year and we are eager to grow it in 2013. We are grateful to have committed partners in Cigna and The YMCA of Greater Hartford to help make this program a reality."

"Both I and our players really enjoyed the Hockey in the Streets program last year," said Whale head coach Ken Gernander. "The chance to go out and meet so many local kids, and to introduce the great game of hockey to many who had never played it before, was a great experience, and we feel like the youngsters and the players all got a lot out of it. We are very much looking forward to doing it again."

Cigna, a global health service company headquartered in Bloomfield, Conn., is a proud sponsor of the Connecticut Whale. Cigna is also a primary supporter of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, and its programs to develop the health and fitness of local youths.

"Part of what we do as a company is to help people in our communities improve their health and well-being. Teaming up with The Whale to bring hockey to children who may not otherwise learn the sport is a great way to help them develop lifelong healthy habits," said Mark Boxer, Cigna's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer. "With professional athletes teaching them, the children will learn not just the game, but teamwork, leadership, and the determination needed to achieve their dreams. We're excited to continue our support of the Cigna Hockey in the Streets program and look forward to seeing the children shoot for the net."

"The YMCA of Greater Hartford is delighted to once again collaborate with CIGNA and the Connecticut Whale. When community organizations work together, the opportunities for the development of our youth are endless," said James Morton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Greater Hartford. "The Hockey in the Streets program not only teaches our kids the fundamentals of hockey, but emphasizes life skills such as team-building, leadership, personal responsibility, healthy living and the importance of giving back."

In addition to fun and healthy competition, the Cigna Hockey in the Streets will offer greater Hartford kids a Healthy Hat Trick of goals:

1. Live Healthy. Eat right, stay active, and avoid dangerous activity.

2. Be Me. Study hard, respect yourself, and do everything you can to achieve your personal best.

3. Help Others. Spread your healthy outlook to your family, friends, and your community.

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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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