The Islanders season has been over for a few weeks now, but that does not stop the organization and one of their premier corporate partners from working hard to have an impact on the community. On Sunday, the Islanders and Northwell Health announced this year’s “Play It Forward” scholarship winners during an event in the Dime Club at UBS Arena.
“Play It Forward” is an initiative that aims to make hockey accessible to all as three children were awarded scholarships for the learn to play program for three years with all costs covered.
“This is a very special day,” said Joe Interlandi, the Captain of the Northwell Health Hockey Team. “This is the third year that we’ve had the program running. It’s grown every year from about 20 to 30 to 40 children. I think it’s a great way to grow the game long term. The league wants the game to grow and this is a great way to do it.”
The partnership between the Islanders and Northwell Health provides the opportunity for children from underserved communities on Long Island to get on the ice and learn how to play hockey. The program has grown tremendously over the last three years.
“This is a great opportunity,” said, Leah Papalia, the Islanders Director of Partnership Management. “The crux of it is getting into the community and making hockey more accessible to all of those on Long Island and throughout the area.”
The scholarship winners were surprised with the news when they arrived at UBS Arena on Sunday.
All of the winners this year were from the Freeport school district.
-9 year old and third grader Andres Colado.
-8 year old and fourth grader Belkis Avila Ponce
-8 year old and 3rd grader Geraldine Rivera Naveda
Former Islander Aaron Asham is the lead coach for the program and he is assisted by members of the Northwell Health hockey team through the four-week program of instruction on the ice. At first, the kids seem to be a little apprehensive to get on the ice for the first time, but once they get the hang of it, they’re smiling from ear to ear.
“Huge smiles,” said Interlandi.“Eyes as wide as saucers. It’s overwhelming at first because they’re worried about falling down. Once you get them to learn like look you have all your equipment on…you’re not going to get hurt and they kind of ease into it but it’s just all smiles. They just have so much fun. It’s a great time. It gives us a lot back as well.”
For the Islanders and Northwell Health, it’s all about giving back to the community and the Play It Forward program is just another example of the Islanders’ commitment to growing their fan base and following the NHL’s “Hockey Is For Everyone” objective to make the game more accessible to all fans of all ages.
“It’s so important,” said Papalia. “This is Long Island’s team. It’s so much more than a professional hockey team. The way to really grow fandom is to be out there in the community and doing events. You’re growing fans outside of the game. You’re not just coming into the arena and becoming a fan. You’re seeing the Islanders everywhere and it’s just really a positive influence and that’s most important.”
The Islanders take great pride in their partnership with Northwell Health and the feeling is mutual. Whether it’s Northwell Health’s name on the Islanders’ practice facility in Eisenhower Park, The Rink at UBS Arena, Alumni Weekend or programs like Play It Forward, the two organizations continue to collaborate on outstanding initiatives.
“It’s an honor to work with the Islanders,” said Interlandi. “It’s great every time they ask us to help out and do something for the community.”
“We have such a great partnership with Northwell,” said Papalia. “It’s so special to see the smiles on these kids’ faces and to really know that we’re making an impact on their lives.”
The “Play It Forward” program is open to children ages 7 to 10 and they must reside in the Hempstead, Roosevelt, Uniondale or Freeport school districts and they have to have a commitment to attendance of program activities and events.
For more information on the program, visit:
https://www.nhl.com/islanders/amateur-hockey/northwell-play-it-forward