LA Kings Launch LA Kings Ball Hockey Program in Partnership with Los Angeles Area YMCAs

Program introduces hockey fundamentals through clinics, classes and league play to kids, ages 5-14; encourages healthy lifestyles, teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship

AEG’s Los Angeles Kings, Delta Air Lines and YMCA of Metro Los Angeles celebrated the official launch of the LA Kings Ball Hockey Program in partnership with Delta Air Lines and Blue Shield of California at a kick-off event at the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA on Sept. 25.

The LA Kings Ball Hockey Program, which introduces the fundamentals of hockey through clinics, classes and league play, will be offered to boys and girls, ages 5-14. League play at eight Los Angeles YMCAs begins Oct. 9, and from October to January, clinics will be held at an additional nine locations.

“I would like to recognize our outstanding community partner, the Los Angeles Kings. Together, we are working to positively impact thousands of children and teens in the greater Los Angeles area through the great game of Ball Hockey, now being implemented in our YMCAs,” said Alan Hostrup, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.

“This partnership is so special because our organizations share a strong belief that all people should have the opportunity to live happy and healthy lives and the passion to make it happen. We thank the Los Angeles Kings and we are looking forward to having our kids learn about leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork through the LA Kings Ball Hockey Program,” said Hostrup. 

The launch of the LA Kings Ball Hockey Program follows the announcement that the Kings will donate $1 million to the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles over the next five years to grow the sport of hockey. As part of the donation, and with the support of Delta Air Lines, 5,000 local youth each year will receive their own hockey stick and ball over the lifetime of the partnership.

“Delta is the Official Airline of the LA Kings and of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and we love when our partners come together, especially for the good of the youth at YMCA,” said Dana Debel, Delta’s Managing Director-Government Affairs and member of the board of the YMCA. “Sports help children develop the character, self-esteem, perseverance and discipline needed to become successful adults, and we hope the programming inspires them for years to come.”

For more information on the LA Kings Ball Hockey Program, visit lakings.com/ballhockey.

The Kings Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing health, educational and recreational opportunities for youth throughout Greater Los Angeles. Since its inception in 1996 the Kings Care Foundation has donated more than $11 million in monetary and in-kind support to the local community.