On Jan. 20, Adam Graves, of the New York Rangers, kicked off the Junior Rangers Ball Hockey Program with Yonkers Public Schools at Eugenio Maria de Hostos Microsociety School. A ribbon cutting event was held to celebrate the launch, which included a large donation of hockey equipment as well as a Try Ball Hockey for Free event for over 50 participants, inclusive of hour-long skills, drills and games to celebrate the partnership. This donation will help kids stay active and healthy, as well as introduce them to a sport they otherwise may not have the chance to try out. As part of the Rangers and the City of Yonkers initial partnership, the Rangers have hosted Learn to Play and Rookie League programs with E.J. Murrays Memorial Ice Rink since 2017.
Over 1,500 kids have been introduced to the sport of hockey through this partnership, by providing free equipment, access to ice time and professional instruction. The Rangers have also hosted the Try Ball Hockey for Free program and Ball Hockey League at E.J. Murrays Memorial Ice Rink during the spring and
summer months. Ball Hockey Programs allow children of diverse and economically challenged backgrounds the opportunity to play without the barriers of ice time and full equipment.
This equipment donation will help reach 27,000 students from 100 cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities in grades prekindergarten through Grade 12 across 39 schools throughout the City of Yonkers. This donation will help kids stay active and healthy, as well as introduce them to a sport they otherwise may not have the chance to try out.
