Learn to Play Programs Reach Nearly 6,800 Participants This Season
Free ‘Take a Shot at Hockey’ Program Has Brought More Than 3,200 New Players to the Sport in Inaugural Season
SUNRISE, Fla., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Black Bear Sports Group, one of many nation’s premier operators of ice arenas and youth hockey leagues, at this time introduced important momentum throughout its development of the sport programming, with 10,000 youngsters taking part in free and entry-level hockey packages at Black Bear arenas up to now this season.
More than 3,200 first-time gamers have been launched to the game via BBSG’s free Take a Shot at Hockey (TASH) program in its inaugural yr. BBSG’s entry-level participant improvement packages are additionally thriving, with greater than 5,600 gamers at the moment constructing their expertise in Black Bear’s Learn to Play Hockey packages and managed golf equipment, and a further 1,100 gamers progressing via NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play programming hosted and supported at Black Bear arenas.
Launched throughout roughly 65% of Black Bear arenas in its inaugural season, Take a Shot at Hockey removes value as the most important barrier retaining households from the game. The program offers ice time, licensed instruction, and head-to-toe loaner tools at no value, giving first-time gamers ages 4 to 9 a welcoming method to expertise hockey. Black Bear plans to broaden the TASH program throughout its full area portfolio for the 2026-27 season, with the purpose of introducing greater than 7,500 new gamers to the game.
“Growing the game starts with making the first step feel accessible for families,” mentioned Kevin Kuby, CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “Take a Shot at Hockey was built to give new players a welcoming and affordable way onto the ice, and the early results show how much opportunity exists when families can see a clear path into the sport. As we expand this program across our arenas, we are adding new players while strengthening the rink communities that keep hockey vibrant for the next generation.”
After finishing TASH, gamers can discover low-cost Learn to Play Hockey program choices as their subsequent step. That pathway has helped assist a broader youth hockey ecosystem that now consists of greater than 475 boys and women’ youth groups from 8U via 18U throughout Black Bear-affiliated packages, with participation development at greater than 3 times the nationwide common in accordance to firm information.
“Our focus is on growing the sport, and we’re proud of the programs and player development pathways that make that possible,” added Kuby.
