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40 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2019 USICERINKS.COM REAL PROGRAMS Learn to Play 1,459 kids to the sport of hockey last year," Bender said. The kids aren't the only ones enjoying a new sport. Parents began asking if there was a similar program for adults, which sparked the creation of the Anaheim Ducks Adult Learn to Play program. "The parents who go through the program are just as much fun as the kids, just because they're learning at a different stage," Bender said. "I always tell the adults they're really brave for trying something new as an adult because it's harder to learn things." Players of all ages are not only learning the basics of hockey, they're fueling their newfound passion for the sport. "We're creating fans, and that's the biggest thing we hear," Bender said. "We send a survey at the end of every session and that's the biggest feedback. It's great because 97 percent of the people say they're now fans of hockey and 90 percent of people are saying they're fans of hockey and they're also fans of the Ducks." A passion for life New skaters are spending much of their time at the rink, and continue to come back even after the Little Ducks program. Bender said many participants join a league or take part in skating classes in order to stay involved. Not only does this aid in growing the game, it also helps rinks with customer retention, community outreach and filling ice time. "These facilities we work with are great," Bender said. "They've been nothing but open to us coming in and growing the game across the board and really seeing the bigger picture, which is huge. We say we're a non- traditional market, but the game is only growing where we are. The NHL and USA Hockey have been nothing but supportive as far as getting more people involved. If we need anything, we have access to people that know the answer or will find the answer for us. They're so helpful." Bender is excited to see the program continue to expand and inspire a love of hockey for life. "The best thing we can say is we've seen from experience the impact this has made," Bender said. "We're growing the game in every building we're in. To be able to offer the game to people who wouldn't normally have access to it—it makes it so worth it." J , The Little Ducks program has been an easy, effective entry point for new hockey families. "THROUGH THAT FREE PROGRAM, WE'VE INTRODUCED ALMOST 12,000 KIDS TO THE SPORT."