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AUGUST 2019 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 15 All NHL franchises partner with local first responders (which include fire department personnel and emergency medical techni- cians) in some fashion. The league-wide Learn To Play Initiative, which is done in coopera- tion with USA Hockey, reaches out to under- privileged youth and others who would not normally get the opportunity to play hockey. The Boston Bruins give out more than 100,000 sticks to New England children each season through its school assemblies program, including shipping a pallet of street hockey equipment to 150 schools/communi- ty centers, said Mike Dargin, Bruins director of youth hockey and fan development. Another program reached 5,000 boys and girls this season by providing $500 of new equipment and four weeks of on-ice sessions at one of 80-plus regional rinks for $100. NHL defenseman P.K. Subban started Nashville's Blueline Buddies, which pairs an officer from the Metro Nashville Police Department and an underprivileged youth during every home game. It gives the two an opportunity to get to know each other. "Our law enforcement, these are people that leave their houses and may not come back home at the end of the night," Subban said on NHL.com when the program was announced in 2017. "That's the job that they have, so to make them feel good, and to also be able to help underprivileged youth that don't get an opportunity like everyone else, that come from broken homes, it's a win-win." The experience is meaningful for all involved. "Our team is very proud of how this pro- gram has grown over time, and it's truly a special moment to see students' faces light up with joy and excitement each and every time we enter their gym," Camins said. Barrera know s that feeling well. He is proud of the role the officers continue to play. "[Otherwise], they may only see the police when they're trying to catch the bad guys in their neighborhood and that can be intim- idating," he said. "Seeing us playing and laughing humanizes us and also promotes the game of hockey. We have a great time while building bridges in our community." P Joe Paisley is a freelance writer based in Colorado Springs. PHOTOS BY CHASE AGNELLO-DEAN PLAY EFFORTS BY THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT REPRESENT ONE OF MANY CASES AROUND THE COUNTRY WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL USE HOCKEY TO REACH OUT TO KIDS IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES. —Annie Camins, senior director of fan development for the Chicago Blackhawks "Not only do they help coach and engage with the kids, but their involvement provides the opportunity for Chicago youth to interact with officers in a positive environment."