Baker-Polito Administration Announces Urban Summer Street Hockey Initiative with DAJ Hockey and Bruins Alumni

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Urban Summer Street Hockey Initiative
 
BOSTON – Monday, July 11, 2016 – In an effort to broaden youth participation at state managed facilities this summer, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will join with DAJ Hockey, LLC and the Boston Bruins Alumni to conduct a series of street hockey events in Brockton, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Springfield, and Worcester as part of its Urban Summer Street Hockey program.
 
“It is incredibly important that kids receive great access to recreational opportunities across the state, especially during the summer months, and I am very proud to be able to offer my support of the Urban Summer Street Hockey Program,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “When state government works in cooperation with private partners, such as DAJ Hockey, we are able to leave a long lasting impact that will directly benefit today’s youth.”
 
Each clinic will occur between 6:00PM and 8:00PM and will be held adjacent to DCR hockey rinks. Clinics will include basic skills instruction, structured games/play time, and discussions on subjects such as teamwork, nutrition, bullying, and more. The clinics will also feature food, beverages, and free hockey-related promotional items.
 
“I am thrilled that our Administration will be able to provide kids from Springfield to the South Coast, and many communities in between with yet another outdoor initiative that will offer an incredible summertime activity and learning experience,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By creating a safe, exciting environment where children of all ages will grow and thrive through outdoor recreational opportunities, we are able to promote a healthy lifestyle for the next generation.”
 
“Throughout the summer, kids will learn the value and appreciation of outdoor recreation thanks to the creative thinking of this Administration and DAJ Hockey,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration’s work to protect and preserve public spaces is showcased through the Urban Summer Street Hockey program, and we look forward to helping this innovative program move forward.”
 
The DCR’s Urban Summer Street Hockey program will begin on July 19, 2016 and conclude on August 25, 2016. The street hockey events are designed to provide youth with a high-quality athletic and educational experience delivered by some of hockey's greatest legends, including Rick Middleton, Glen Featherstone and Tom Songin, with more participants to be announced in the coming days. The events are free and open to youth from six to 15 years of age.
 
“Broadening youth participation in urban communities requires the kind of forward-thinking mindset that the DCR has brought to this partnership, and I am glad to see its success beget a second year of summertime fun,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “We at the DCR must remain mindful of new ways to engage children inside our 450,000 acres of protected land across the Commonwealth, and I am proud to see our hockey rinks supporting a good sport and a great cause.”
 
“We created our ‘Hockey in the Streets’ program last year because we are committed to bringing the great game of hockey to all children regardless of their socio-economic background. It is very gratifying to be able to connect Boston Bruins legends with urban kids, who often don't have access to the great sport of hockey,” said David A. Jensen, owner of DAJ Hockey, LLC, past US Olympian, and former NHL veteran.
 
Urban Summer Street Hockey clinics will occur at the following locations:
·         Brockton (Asiaf Arena) on July 19 and 26 and August 2;
·         New Bedford (Hetland Arena) on July 20 and 27 and August 3;
·         Springfield (Smead Arena) on July 21 and 28 and August 4;
·         Lowell (Janas Arena) on August 9, 16 and 23;
·         Worcester (Buffone Arena) on August 10, 17 and 24; and
·         Lawrence (Valley Forum) on August 11, 18 and 25.
 
Full program details, updates, and news are available at DAJ Hockey Twitter and Facebook pages and at www.dajhockey.com. Or Call Mark Willand at 617-701-7289