Ted Skinner, President of TAHA stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of the Grow the Game Initiative. It is a first rate program that will continue to raise awareness of our great sport. We look forward to working to help both kids and adults get every thing they can from the game of hockey.”

One key endeavor of the partnership will be Texas’ Grow the Game program website at www.DallasStarsCare.com in partnership with the Dallas Stars. TAHA’s support of the region’s Grow the Game Initiative includes sending weekly Grow the Game newsletters to each hockey family in Texas and Oklahoma as well as providing new hockey players the opportunity to learn the game of hockey at no cost. As part of TAHA’s support, they will be promoting the Grow the Game initiative across the region so that new kids are exposed to the sport of hockey.

“TAHA’s involvement with the Grow the Game Initiative is a testament to their mission of helping kids and adults excel in the game of hockey. We are excited to work with TAHA on this initiative throughout the states of Texas and Oklahoma as we cultivate the love of the sport of hockey,” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

Future plans of the TAHA and Grow the Game partnership include working together to develop Grow the Game manuals and resource booklets for parents, players, and volunteers across Texas and Oklahoma.

************************************

About Texas Amateur Hockey Association
TAHA is a non-for-profit corporation structured to administer all of USA Hockey’s, youth through senior, affiliated amateur ice hockey programs in Texas and Oklahoma. TAHA operates under a grant of authority and under the auspices of the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey, namely USA Hockey, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

************************************

About Grow the Game Initiative

The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

Chad Johnson, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Panthers stated, “Growing the game of hockey is a key focus of the Panthers’ organization. We are thrilled to be a part of the Grow the Game Initiative as we seek to increase awareness of the sport. We firmly believe that the lessons that are taught in the game among youth players will help them succeed later in life. The Grow the Game program helps us to fuel a passion for hockey among young players that allows them to enjoy the game throughout their adulthood as well.”

One key aspect of the partnership will be the branding of South Florida’s Grow the Game Initiative to Florida Panthers Care at: FloridaPanthersCare.com. The Panthers’ support of the Grow the Game Initiative includes providing ticket specials for hockey families throughout the region as well as providing new hockey players the opportunity to be exposed to the game of hockey. As part of the Panther’s support they will be promoting the Grow the Game Initiative at events and at Florida Panthers games.

“We are excited that the Panthers are teaming up with the Grow the Game Initiative to help increase awareness of the game throughout South Florida. Not only will their involvement help to elevate recognition of the Panthers’ brand, but it will also help to increase awareness of the great game of hockey. We applaud the Panthers executive team for their forward thinking as they strive to bring the game of hockey to new families.” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

Future plans of the Florida Panthers and Grow the Game partnership include working together to develop Grow the Game manuals and resource booklets for parents, players, and volunteers across Florida.

************************************

About Grow the Game Initiative

The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

One key endeavor of the partnership will be Florida’s Grow the Game program websites in partnership with the Florida Panthers at: FloridaPanthersCare.com and the Tampa Bay Lightning at TampaBayLightningCare.com. SAHOF’s support of the state’s Grow the Game Initiative includes sending weekly Grow the Game newsletters to each hockey family in Florida as well as providing new hockey players the opportunity to learn the game of hockey at no cost. As part of SAHOF’s support, they will be promoting the Grow the Game initiative across the state so that new kids are exposed to the sport of hockey.

“SAHOF is doing a wonderful job of increasing awareness of the sport of hockey. SAHOF’s leadership team is dedicated to the mission of providing their members the best tools and resources available. We are honored to be working with such a 1st class organization to Grow the Game of hockey throughout the state of Florida” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

Future plans of the SAHOF and Grow the Game partnership include working together to develop Grow the Game manuals and resource booklets for parents, players, and volunteers across Florida.

************************************

About Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida
SAHOF is a non-for-profit corporation structured to administer all of USA Hockey’s, youth through senior, affiliated amateur ice hockey programs in the State of Florida. SAHOF operates under a grant of authority and under the auspices of the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey, namely USA Hockey, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

One key focus of the partnership will be HockeyShot’s support of each state’s Grow the Game programs. Hockey Shot will support the Initiative by offering regular reviews of hockey training equipment as well as providing prizes for various promotional contests within the program.

“We are thrilled to have HockeyShot on board with the Grow the Game Initiative. Their knowledge of the training tools that will help players develop skills provides a valuable source of information to our readers. They are a top-notch organization and we are excited to work with them as we Grow the Game of hockey across the United States,” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

Future plans for the HockeyShot and Grow the Game partnership include working together to increase player participation and player recruitment. Other plans include local state contests to increase hockey participation as well as development of Grow the Game materials to help parents improve the youth hockey experience for kids.

About Hockey Shot
HockeyShot has become one of the largest online specialty retailers of hockey training equipment in North America, carrying an excellent selection at competitive prices and priding itself on customer service and satisfaction. They offer hockey training instructions, videos, tips and other hockey resources. HockeyShot manufactures some of its own products under the HockeyShot brand and is a distributor for many other products. For more information on HockeyShot, visit their website at www.HockeyShot.com.

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

Mitzi, who recently released The All-Pro Diet: Lose Fat, Build Muscle, and Live Like a Champion, which she co-authored with  NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez, has announced her support of the Grow the Game Initiative. Dulan stated, “Getting kids involved in healthy habits such as a sound diet and a regular exercise program is paramount to growing strong bodies. The Grow the Game Initiative helps support this effort by keeping both kids and adults active in the exciting and energizing game of hockey.”

One key aspect of the partnership will be Mitzi’s support of the Grow the Game program throughout the entire United States. She will also provide ongoing input regarding reader’s health and nutrition concerns as well as featured editorial content.

“Mitzi’s understanding of the nutritional needs of an active body will help our readers make smart choices when it comes to fueling a hockey player for practice and competition. We look forward to working with Mitzi as we strive to Grow the Game of hockey across the United States,” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

About Mitzi Dulan
Mitzi Dulan, America’s Nutrition Expert®, helps busy people achieve optimal performance. A uniquely qualified author and professional speaker, Mitzi is a registered dietitian and Certified Health and Fitness Instructor. She is currently the team nutritionist for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. She also co-authored the book The All-Pro Diet: Lose Fat, Build Muscle, and Live Like a Champion with  NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez.  Mitzi brings her skills from working with professional athletes and applies them to organizations wanting to improve energy and performance of their employees. She shares stories and teaches her audiences how to perform their very best whether it is in the boardroom, on a sales call, or at a conference. As a nutrition and health speaker, Mitzi’s dynamic style and sense of humor help her audiences feel motivated to improve their own health and nutrition. For more information about Mitzi, please visit: www.nutritionexpert.com

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

Lance, who played eight years in the NHL, has announced his support of the Grow the Game Initiative. Pitlick stated, “The Grow the Game Initiative is an excellent vehicle to increase awareness of the game of hockey. I am thrilled to help achieve this goal by addressing reader’s questions and concerns. Hockey is a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Grow the Game provides the tools to help foster this passion.”

One key aspect of the partnership will be Lance’s support of the Grow the Game program throughout the U.S. He will also provide his expert advice through editorial content that addresses reader’s questions and concerns.

“Lance’s understanding of hockey as both a player and coach/trainer is an invaluable resource to our readers. He can empathize with their concerns as players but also help them to understand the game from the perspective of a coach. We are excited to team with him to Grow the Game of hockey.” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

About Lance Pitlick
A native of Minneapolis, Lance Pitlick played high school hockey for Robbinsdale Cooper and joined the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey team in 1986, playing in the NCAA Championship game in 1989. Lance was drafted in 1986 by the hometown Minnesota North Stars and went on to play eight years in the National Hockey League; five seasons with the Ottawa Senators and three years with the Florida Panthers. He retired from the NHL in 2003. Lance created and ran “Lance Pitlick’s Hockey Skill Development School” for five years and founded his company Sweet Hockey after inventing its flagship product SweetHands to help teach the fundamentals of stickhandling to the youth team he was coaching. Lance has also invented a number of stick handling training aids and has partnered with Sean Skinner to launch www.onlinstickhandling.com where players can learn to stickhandle at home on their own schedule through video drill explanation online. For more information about Lance, please visit his websites at www.sweethockey.com or www.onlinestickhandling.com.

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

One key aspect of the partnership will be Chighisola’s support of the Grow the Game program in every state in the U.S. He will also provide ongoing editorial content and articles, and offer expert advice to readers’ hockey skills development related questions.

“Dennis’ knowledge of hockey is immense and he is a valuable part of our program. With his help we can offer our readers great tips and advice to help them further develop their love of the game as we Grow the Game of hockey across the United States,” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

************************************

About Dennis Chighisola
Dennis Chighisola, or “Coach Chic”, as he’s known in North American hockey circles, is a former high school and college head hockey coach. As President and Director of New England Hockey Institute, he has guided thousands of players from toddlers to pros. Dennis has a degree in physical education with a concentration in coaching. He has spent a lifetime keeping up with the latest in scientific training principles and specializes in analyzing hockey movements, which has helped him develop an artful approach, and even shortcuts, to solving skill related hockey problems. He also studied at the Moscow Institute for Sport & Physical Culture in former Soviet Union. For more information about Coach Chic, please visit www.coachchic.com

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

One key aspect of the partnership will be Serowik’s support of the Grow the Game program in every state in the United States. He will also provide ongoing expert editorial content and articles as well as offer advice to readers’ questions.

“Jeff’s passion to help kids excel in the game of hockey through his Pro Ambitions Hockey camps runs parallel to the mission of the Grow the Game Initiative. We are excited to offer readers his perspective as a former professional player and also as a youth hockey teacher. Jeff’s unique combination will prove invaluable as we Grow the Game of hockey across the United States,” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

************************************

About Jeff Serowik
Jeff founded Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc with one summer camp 19 years ago. It has grown to be the largest hockey school outfit in the world with over 4,000 kids attending his day and boarding camps annually. He played professional hockey for 10 years in both the AHL and NHL. Jeff has been featured on the Competitive Edge television series on ESPN, TSN, Fox Sports Net, NESN Sports Desk. He also founded Sports Saves Souls in 2003 with the mission is to help children that are facing adversities out of their control. The charity provides kids an opportunity to shine and strengthen their spirit through hockey. For more information on Jeff please visit his website at  www.proambitions.com.

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

One key aspect of the partnership will be Mohr’s support of the Grow the Game program in every state in the U.S. He will also provide ongoing editorial content and articles, and offer expert advice to readers’ nutrition related inquiries.

“Chris’ knowledge and advice on proper nutrition is an incredibly valuable part of our program. With growing trends in childhood obesity, diabetes and heart problems, his advice is not only timely, it is crucial to growing a healthy generation of children. We look forward to working with him to help players achieve success through proper nutrition as we Grow the Game of hockey across the United States,” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

************************************

About Chris Mohr
Chris Mohr is a nutrition spokesperson and consultant to a number of media outlets and corporations including Discovery Health Channel, The Dairy Council, Clif Bar, and Nordic Naturals. He is also the Sports Nutritionist for Under Armour’s TNP Training Council. Through his company Mohr Results, Inc., he works with all types of individuals from soccer moms to collegiate and professional athletes. He was the nutrition expert for a book he worked on with LL Cool J called “LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout,” Dr. Mohr has Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University and the University of Massachusetts, respectively. He earned his PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. For more information about Chris, please visit: www.mohrresults.com.

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.

One key aspect of the partnership will be Johnson’s support of the Grow the Game program in every state in the U.S. He will also provide answers to reader’s questions regarding today’s important hockey issues and offer ongoing editorial content.

“We are privileged to have Jim as a member of our expert team. His insight as a player, coach and motivator provide an invaluable understanding of the issues and concerns that surround the game of hockey today. We look forward to working with Jim to inspire players of all ages to keep involved in the sport of hockey as well as play for the love of the game as we Grow the Game of hockey across the United States,” TK Stohlman, President of the Youth Sports Coalition stated.

************************************

About Jim Johnson
Johnson has been involved with International Ice Hockey as a player and a coach. He has served in a variety of coaching capacities for USA Hockey on several occasions. In 2005 Jim was the Head Coach at the USA Hockey Select 16 Festival in Rochester, NY. Currently he is the Director of Player Development for the State of Arizona Amateur Hockey Association and is a Coach/Consultant for the USA Hockey Rocky Mountain District Camp. He is also the Founder/Director of the nationally ranked PF Chang’s Hockey Program and Head Coach of the U18 Tier I team. Jim was named USA Hockey Volunteer 2005 Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the 2006 USOC Volunteer Coach of the Year. Jim has also served as the Development Coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning. For more information about Jim, please visit: www.flexxcoach.com

About Grow the Game Initiative
The Grow the Game Initiative is a national program to grow the game of hockey across the U.S. Founded by the Youth Sports Coalition the Grow the Game Initiative’s goal is to grow the game of hockey so that all players learn life lessons through hockey participation.