This April the Herb Brooks Foundation (HBF) along with the National Sports Center (NSC) hosted over 500 students from Centerview Elementary for learn to skate clinics.

On April 16, 17, 23, and 24 students from kindergarten through 4th grade walked over to the Super Rink on the NSC campus to try something most of them had never tried before. They were going to learn how to ice skate.

Borrowing equipment from the HBF, students were equipped with skates and helmets upon arrival to the rink. Many volunteers from Centerview came to help tie skates and assist the students on the ice. The ice sessions were led by HBF Program Director, Kalli Funk, HBF coach, Rick McKelvie, and Mindy Daugherty, Centerview's Physical Education teacher. The ice sessions consisted of students learning basic skating skills and enjoying a variety of games on the ice.

Daugherty summed up the program by saying, “Thanks to the Herb Brooks Foundation and the NSC Super Rink all of the students at Centerview Elementary were given the opportunity to participate in ice skating and ice boot games. The smiles on their faces said it all. We have students who have never had the chance to try skating, so to open up a whole new world for them by introducing a life sport will only help them explore other activities to live a healthy and active lifestyle both inside of school and outside of school!” 

This was the first year the HBF and NSC have hosted an elementary school at the Super Rink for learn to skate sessions. The HBF and NSC are looking to continue this program and partnership with Centerview Elementary for years to come.