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"It was overwhelming in the beginning," said Mullins. "We kind of took a leap of faith in Year 1 trying to predict the impact of the program. We had tremendous partners in all of our locations that really pushed the program. And then now that the program is operated for a year, it's really selling itself. This year, we look for it to be bigger and better. We have 1,700 sets of equipment on tap." Now in its second year, the program is available through each of the NHL markets. Each is given flexibility in how they utilize the program. However, its structure and on-ice instruction, developed in tandem with USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, remains the same. "Their support is critical from the standpoint that they have a model of how to get these kids active on the ice and what our structure should look like and how to help develop these kids," Mullins said. Participation is open for those who haven't previously been registered in a USA Hockey or Hockey Canada sanctioned youth hockey program. It's also recommended participants have no prior experience skating. While there's a participation fee to offset ice and coaching expenses, it's a small price to pay for the enthusiastic looks on young skaters' faces as they wobble or glide their way through each session. They're also outfitted in free, full hockey gear customized by their local NHL team. Growing the hockey community Some leagues chose to focus on local markets, but the Dallas Learn to Play Program opted to think outside the box by making it more of an outreach program to help grow the game in non- traditional markets. Since the program operates out of multiple rinks, Mullins' team will ensure each rink knows what the program entails and what its component will be, while providing an outline of how the program will be run and monitored. "Basically, we're asking them to support the program with adequate ice time, a minimum four-week, one-hour a week kind of program," Mullins said. "They can select the dates in which they'd like to initiate the program. We also ask that they provide an on–ice instructional team. We submit the practice plan and guidance for being on the ice, and we also require there be a head person, or coordinator, that also can coordinate the player equipment fitting as well." When the kids realize the on-ice instructional team includes NHL alumni, they're in awe. "The alumni support has been fantastic," Mullins said. "I think it's been well-received on both sides of the program. But I also think the alumni really enjoy the experience and satisfaction of someone new coming to our sport and just falling in love with it. USICERINKS.COM NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2017 / 43 GEAR UP! All registered participants receive head-to-toe equip- ment, personalized by their local NHL team: JERSEY SHOULDER PADS HOCKEY GLOVES ELBOW PADS HELMET WITH CAGE SHIN GUARDS HOCKEY PANTS HOCKEY SKATES HOCKEY SOCKS HOCKEY STICK EQUIPMENT BAG , Last year, Dallas Stars organizers helped 850 kids step onto the ice for the first time.