"They were just telling me about all the Halloween candy they were eating," Tippett laughed.
Introducing the game to children ages 5-9, the "Learn to Play" program provides participants with a set of equipment (skates, pads, etc.) and six weeks of on-ice training at a reduced cost.
Available at rinks throughout South Florida, the program recently returned after an extended hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Creating a safe environment for students, new health and cleanliness measures are now present, including the sanitization of all surfaces and gear.
"For us, safety was priority," said John Colombo, the senior director of community relations and the Florida Panthers Foundation. "We had to make sure that we could keep the kids safe while they were on the ice. We've taken a lot of precautions. We've worked with the NHL, NHLPA and obviously our local rink partners to create a very safe atmosphere for the kids and their parents."
For Tippett, being on the ice brought back a wealth of memories.
Long before he was on the cusp of beginning his NHL career with the Panthers, the 21-year-old forward was just like any other kid putting on skates for the first time. He would fall, get back up and then fell again, all the while having the time of his life while nurturing his love for the game.
Tweet from @TippettOwen: Fun Sunday morning stopping by a Panthers #LearnToPlay. pic.twitter.com/ptIPAv43Vv
"Any hockey player remembers these days," said Tippett, the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. "When I was younger I had a pro hockey player come out. It was a lot of fun to learn from them and have some laughs… I used to be these guys' age, learning to play just like them."
As for his advice for young skaters, Tippett said the most important thing is to "just stick with it."
"You're going to have those falls," said Tippett, who scored 19 goals in the AHL last season. "You're going to have those frustrating moments. The more you stick with it, that's where you learn to love the game."
A fan favorite and invaluable staple of the "Learn to Play" program for the past several years, Tippett was joined on the ice by original Panthers forward and current broadcaster Bill Lindsay.
"To get Owen Tippett out there, the kids enjoy it a lot," Lindsay said. "He comes out and has a smile on his face. This program is so unique. If you can be a part of it, it's such a great thing that the NHL and NHLPA has been able to do. When they get up and close and personal with some of these guys that are going to be in the NHL or are in the NHL, they'll remember that forever."
Like Tippett, Lindsay believes the most important thing for young skaters is perseverance.
"When you get out there Week 1, it might be a little bit tough, but this is the age when you get out there," Lindsay said. "At a young age, you adapt so quickly. If you have any trepidation or anything, we have so many good coaches out here that will help you along. If you're that young and you can put skates on you, we'll teach you and you'll learn. I guarantee by Week 6 they'll have it down pat."
To learn more about the "Learn to Play" program, visit
FloridaPanthers.com/LearnToPlay
.
