The parking lot of the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre will host several weeks of youth street hockey this summer.
Victoria organizations are partnering with a new NHL initiative to run the local ball hockey games over four Tuesdays starting on July 4.
The NHL Street contests will include five age categories for those aged 6 to 16 as the youth teams – donning reversible jerseys provided through the initiative – will face off on the pavement outside the home of the Victoria Royals. A news release for the Victoria event said the competition hopes to grow to an eight-week season next year.
NHL Street launched earlier this year and looks to offer families an affordable, neighbourhood-based model that gives kids across North America an opportunity to learn and play hockey.
“We’re focused on developing a network of local youth organizers that provide kids and their parents a new way to access the sport that meets their budget, schedule and personal development needs,” Andrew Ference, a former NHL player now serving as the league’s director of social impact, growth and fan development, said when NHL Street was launched.
The Victoria Royals, Victoria police and the Victoria City Police Athletic Association (VCPAA) are partnering to provide support for the local program. The release said that partnership will see players pay $50 for this summer’s competition.
“Hockey isn’t just what the Victoria Royals organization does, it is part of how we build connections that in turn instill life-long skills of teamwork, perseverance and leadership,” Royals general manager Dan Price said. “We’re glad to connect our players in our home arena with young players to help mentor both hockey skills and life skills.”
VicPD Chief Del Manak said local youth will be able to play weekly street hockey games in a fun, non-competitive environment while wearing the logo and colours of their favourite NHL team.
The police athletic association’s executive Const. Mandeep Sohi said they’re proud to bring the NHL event to the community.
“Keeping the costs down so this event could be accessible to as many young people as possible has been really important to us,” Sohi said.
Those looking to register a team can visit NHLStreetVictoria.ca.
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