Davis Teams Up with NHL to send kids to hockey clinic in New York

Published: Thursday, 25 March 2010

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TORONTO - On March 26th, seven children from the Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS), representing different Canadian cities, will gather at the Hockey Hall of Fame prior to departing for a unique hockey program in Buffalo, New York. With support from the NHL and Davis LLP, the young athletes are attending the Willie O'Ree Skills Weekend where they will get the opportunity to hone their hockey skills, learn important life skills and meet other aspiring hockey players from across North America.

The NHL will be supporting the HEROS at this milestone event with the help of the "Hockey is for Everyone" program Ambassador, Willie O'Ree. Mr. O'Ree faced the ultimate struggle in the 1950s when he became the first black player to play in the NHL with the Boston Bruins. He will impart his message of perseverance, dedication and commitment to the HEROS kids along with other children from across North America that are part of other Hockey is for Everyone supported programs.

"HEROS is an exemplary model when it comes to youth enrichment and grassroots hockey programming," said Ken Martin, NHL Vice President for Community Affairs and Diversity Programming. "We are proud supporters and want to assist HEROS with the enrichment and growth of the kids by having them participate in the Willie O'Ree Skills Weekend." Davis LLP, a national sponsor of HEROS Hockey, has provided funding to the group, as well as legal services to ensure the children have the appropriate documentation to allow them to cross the U.S. border with the HEROS leaders.

"We are proud to support young athletes through progams like HEROS," says Ted Maduri, partner with Davis LLP. "It's important for children to have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, regardless of their economic background, and programs like HEROS help make that happen. We are more than happy to do the paper work so that nothing stands between these kids and their weekend of hockey."

During their time in Buffalo, the HEROS kids will meet with and be coached by NHL Alumni including Willie O'Ree, Tony McKegney, Rob Ray, Matthew Barnaby and coaching legend Scotty Bowman during specialized practices. The HEROS kids will also participate in special off-ice sessions designed to teach them about goal setting, safety, academic achievement and advice about sports performance and health from NHL Director of Fitness and Medical, Dave Smith.

For more information about these programs, please click on the links below:

HEROS

NHL's Hockey is for Everyone