Number 33
Carolina Hurricanes Help Open New Street Hockey Rinks in Raleigh
Featured Focus: Youth Development, Access / Inclusion / Equality, Community Programs
Scope of Impact: Local
The Carolina Hurricanes recently teamed up with the NHL's Industry Growth Fund and the Town of Apex to open two fresh street hockey rinks. Here’s the lowdown:
New Rinks, More Action: Apex Community Park now boasts two state-of-the-art rinks. One even doubles as a multi-sport court for futsal and basketball!
Community First: The Hurricanes and the NHL contributed $550,000 to make this happen. In addition to the rinks, local residents will have access to free introductory sessions and will be able to play in organized leagues for all ages.
Breaking Down Barriers: Strategically located, these rinks provide easily-accessible hockey opportunities for youth and adults, regardless of their skating abilities, helping them to get active, learn hockey, and potentially discover a new passion.
In addition to the direct impact in the Raleigh community, the multi-layered partnership aspect of this initiative really caught our attention. The NHL’s Industry Growth Fund has dedicated more than $200 million across the country to promote long-term fan engagement and increase participation at all levels of hockey, with an emphasis on youth.
With these rinks, the Carolina Hurricanes jumped on the opportunity to join in, and help remove some of the barriers that often make hockey feel unapproachable or expensive. Another cool aspect? Thanks to this partnership, the Raleigh-Durham area will also soon be part of the NHL STREET test program, a youth street hockey league for kids ages 6 to 16.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
Community sports initiatives are becoming more critical than ever for fostering social and emotional well-being and well-rounded youth development. And the ones that are holistic in their approaches—going beyond touting the benefits of physical activity to also prioritizing essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance—are having the greatest impact.
When local teams, partners, and leagues work together for the betterment of their community, it’s a WIN-WIN for everyone. How could YOU pilot an initiative like this in your own community or market?
Official Town of Apex page detailing the new street hockey rinks and programs.
Information about the Carolina Hurricanes' charitable arm supporting youth health, education, and hockey.
Like many NHL teams, the Hurricanes have a variety of initiatives for developing youth and amateur hockey in the local community.
20 inclusion program ideas for community sports organizations to secure grant funding.
Details about the joint NHL/NHLPA program introducing hockey to new young players.
Accessible opportunities for many types of disabilities, from local recreation and competition, all the way to the Paralympics.
