RELEASE: Blackhawks TV to launch "Making Strides" special

Blackhawks TV will launch its newest Blackhawks Originals special - "Making Strides" - on Saturday, Dec. 1. "Making Strides" will debut exclusively on WGN-TV at 6 p.m. leading into the Blackhawks Extra pregame show before that evening's game at Nashville. It will also re-air on Thursday, Dec. 6 at midnight following the Blackhawks game at Anaheim on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
The documentary-style series, which is presented by Mazda of Orland Park and produced in collaboration with Banner Collective, highlights the G.O.A.L. (Get Out and Learn) and First Stride programs which give students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to try hockey access to the necessary equipment and instruction.

The First Stride program allows Chicago Public Schools students a chance to take the ice, many for the first time. It is a follow-up program to G.O.A.L., which exposes children from across the city to the game via a floor hockey clinic at their school. Schools then visit MB Ice Arena - Chicago Blackhawks Community Rink for a free-of-charge field trip including learn-to-skate and STEM-based educational sessions. First Stride will have served nearly 10,000 students by the end of 2018.

Following introductions by WGN anchor Joe Donlon and Blackhawks Community Liaison Jamal Mayers, the three-part "Making Strides" special follows two students from Manuel Perez Jr. Elementary School and their first exposure to hockey through the Blackhawks programs.
About Blackhawks Originals
Blackhawks Originals are long-form stories that take fans behind-the-scenes of Blackhawks operations and initiatives. Blackhawks TV and Banner Collective have been honored with Regional Emmy® Awards for "Outstanding Achievement for Sports Programs - One Time Special" for the Blackhawks Originals feature "Signing Sikura" (2017-18) and the championship movie "Hat Trick" (2015-16).