By JtownJets
For JohnstownJets.net

Published on: January 19, 2012       Comment      Email This Post      Print This Post

Johnstown Jets players and coaches are busy these days helping boost the local hockey community by introducing the game to kids who have never been exposed to the game with the hopes of sparking an interest and getting them on the ice to stay.  Through several initiatives, many new faces are coming to the rink to get a taste of the game we love.

The Jets have taken the time out of the past two seasons to sponsor and conduct the Little Penguins Program in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Last season and this season’s program will be at Planet Ice and be geared specifically to girls only.  The program has jumpstarted an interest in girls’ hockey in Johnstown prompting the Jets to take the next step and introduce the Lady Jets with the goal of fielding girls teams locally as well grow the game for the girls in the community.  Little Penguins participants receive free equipment and 10 weeks of Learn To Play Hockey featuring Jets coaches and players.

In addition, friends of the late Johnstown Hockey Icon Dave Zeigler, all came together and created the Ziggy’s Kids program at Planet Ice.  Kids are given the opportunity to try hockey for free in a 3 session program held multiple times during the year.  During these sessions, players are also provided with equipment for the program and a jersey and stick they get to keep.  A pizza party is held at the end of the final session.

The results are paying off as many participants are getting hooked and moving on to various local programs to continue their pursuit of playing this great game.  If you are interested in any programs that the Jets are active in, please email us for information at Johnstownjets@gmail.com.