You could see the excitement on all of the kids’ faces.
As they all stepped onto the ice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, they all had the opportunity to learn the game of hockey and they were able to do it at the official practice home of the New York Islanders.
What made it extra special was that there was a former NHL player on the ice with them.
For the latest session of the “Play It Forward” program, a partnership between the Islanders and Northwell Health that makes hockey accessible to underserved minoritized communities, former Islanders forward Arron Asham was on hand serving as one of the coaches.
“It’s always nice getting out there and giving back to the community,” said Asham, who played four seasons for the Islanders from 2002 to 2007.
“Being a part of this for the last four years has been great. Every year, it’s getting bigger and bigger and bigger. Northwell is doing a great job and the Islanders are a top-notch organization. We’re just trying to touch as many kids as we can and get them loving this great game of hockey.”
The program exposes the game of hockey to kids who would otherwise not have access to equipment and ice time. Every season, three children are selected to receive a scholarship to play hockey for three years with all expenses covered. During the course of those three years, the children learn the important of teamwork, collaboration, nutrition, fitness, and exposure to career paths. There is also the opportunity to focus on advancing their hockey skills.
For Asham, it’s a chance to teach the kids, ages 8 to 10 years old, about hockey in a way that will want them coming back for more.
“It’s nice,” said Asham. “I try to do as much as I can with them out there. They’re just beginners but we’re making it fun for them. We’re getting them moving around and trying to make it the best experience positive.”
And this is certainly a positive time for children on Long Island to be learning how to play hockey because there is excitement in the air with the Islanders competing for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Asham was part of three Islanders teams that participated in postseason play so he can appreciate what is happening in Islanders Country right now.
Especially when it comes to a certain number one overall draft pick who is creating a lot of buzz.
“It’s exciting,” said Asham. “What can you say about Matthew Schaefer? He’s come in here and basically turned this organization around. There’s so much tradition here. I love working for them and I love being around and I love being on the ice and I love representing them.”
It’s been enjoyable watching the Islanders this season, but Asham was also having a good time teaching children about the game of hockey. For some of the them, it may have been their first time on the ice so the first step was learning how to skate. From there, it was a chance to learn some basic hockey skills on the very same ice that the Islanders practice on.
But the bottom line was that each child had a smile on his or her face.
“That’s the most important thing that they’re out there enjoying themselves,” said Asham. “If they’re having fun, they’re gong to want to come back and do it again. That’s our goal out there is to make sure everyone is moving around and enjoying the great game and they’re having the time of their lives.”
And not only were they learning how to play hockey but they were learning about hockey from Arron Asham, a former Islander who was more than happy to lend a helping hand.