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42 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2017 USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: COURTESY OF DALLAS STARS AND DALLAS STARS XTREME TEAM by ELIZABETH BOGER I n a quest to increase participation in youth hockey and inspire the next generation of hockey fans, members of the Dallas Stars Learn to Play Program hit the road. They went from rink to rink—helping 850 eager kids strap on their new helmets, lace their skates and step onto the ice for the first time. Four states and 12 cities later, a new generation of hockey players and fans was born. Thanks to the NHL Learn to Play Program, kids ages 5-9 across the country learn to skate, pass and shoot in a positive and safe atmosphere. The program, rolled out in 2016 as a joint effort between the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association, offers free head-to- toe equipment and age-appropriate on-ice instruction by certified coaches, led by NHL alumni. "I think it's been probably the single biggest initiative that has made a huge impact in drawing new kids to our sport," said Dwight Mullins, Director of Hockey Development with the Dallas Stars hockey club. "We're eliminating obstacles of access to equipment or cost of equipment. I just think it's been very, very impactful in just making people more aware of our sport, of our teams and also creating a love for hockey for life." Making an impact When Mullins realized the impact of the Dallas Stars Learn to Play Program in its inaugural year, he couldn't help but dream big for Year 2. Learning to Fly The NHL Learn to Play Program is making a huge impact on growing the game and increasing customer bases at rinks throughout the country "I THINK IT'S BEEN PROBABLY THE SINGLE BIGGEST INITIATIVE THAT HAS MADE A HUGE IMPACT IN DRAWING NEW KIDS TO OUR SPORT." –DWIGHT MULLINS REAL PROGRAMS NHL Learn to Play