DECEMBER. 2015 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTOS BY USA Hockey; Getty Images
RYAN MCDONAGH IS CAPTAIN OF
THE NEW YORK RANGERS for a reason:
he's a leader. He, along with teammate and
fellow 2014 U.S. Olympian Derek Stepan,
recently took the lead on another initiative to
help grow the game.
Both players donated to the "It Starts With a
Stick" program, which puts hockey sticks into
the hands of children of families that are new
to the sport. It's just another way USA Hockey
and The USA Hockey Foundation are trying
to grow the game at the grassroots levels.
"I know families can be a little hesitant to
join hockey, and that's OK," said McDonagh,
a native of St. Paul, Minn. "But if we can get
a stick in their hands and help ease them into
the sport, the kids will be hooked for life. And
the parents will be thrilled to see their child
develop a passion for hockey, develop skills
and make lifelong friends while they're at it."
Ryan
McDonagh
THE ULTIMATE
GIVE AND GO
22
N.Y. Rangers Ryan
McDonagh And Derek
Stepan Come Up Big
With Huge Assists
By AARON PAITICH
"I BELIEVE
IN THE GAME
AND ALL OF
THE LESSONS
IT TEACHES
KIDS."
—RYAN MCDONAGH
