Preds Growing Hockey Through CORE Program as First Graduation Occurs

Six-year-old Vivienne was initially a bit hesitant to tell a couple of strangers with a camera and microphone about her experience playing hockey, but she quickly warmed up to share how much fun she was having on the ice while sporting a jersey with a Predators logo.
She felt the same way when she first laced up her skates eight weeks earlier, but before long, the fun she was having overtook any fears that may have been present. She revealed a love for playing goalie - a newfound passion only held by a select few - but her smile was identical to the rest of her peers as they finished up their eighth and final session of the CORE program a few weeks back.

The Creating Opportunities for Racial Equality, or CORE program, presented by Bridgestone
, has introduced the game of hockey to new players ages 4 to 9 at no cost. Over 70 local families participated in sessions held at Ford Ice Centers in both Antioch and Bellevue over the past three months, and most of the children had never stepped foot in an ice rink before, let alone picked up a hockey stick.
The eight-week program provided participants with a full set of equipment and dinner after each practice, and players learned not only the basics of skating and hockey, but they also realized they could accomplish something that seemed almost impossible at the outset.
"[On the first day of the program,] we had one little player out there, he was really excited, got completely dressed and then got a little nervous, took off his entire set of gear, watched the first five minutes and realized everyone's out there learning at the same time, falling, having a good time, and he wanted to get redressed and get back out there," Predators Amateur Hockey and Fan Development Manager Jennifer Boniecki said. "He was one of those kids that we couldn't get off the ice at the end of the session because he was just so excited. So, seeing a kid out there who was so terrified to do it in the first place then get out there and really have fun, that's a really special moment."
"I [had skated] once [before], but the ice rink was really wet, and when I fell down, I really didn't like it, so I didn't want to skate," CORE participant Jerimiah said. "But now, I really like to skate, and I'm thinking of getting a pair of rollerblades so I can do things at home."

Back in February, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. announced a $200,000 commitment to the National Hockey League Foundation in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives to create more access to the sport for children and youth to represent hockey's growing reach. Half of that monetary contribution went to Nashville to fully fund the Predators Youth Hockey Diversity program in its first year.
The program, which sought to improve overall player development, now leads to a transition into the Predators Amateur Hockey Association Youth League. Following the CORE program, players are now enrolled in the Youth Leagues at the Ford Ice Centers for three seasons at no cost, just one more benefit of the endeavor and another way to grow the game.
"We didn't pay a dime for this, and that's awesome that my kid gets to experience the stuff that you guys put together," CORE parent Tik Sabchareun said. "I think every parent should be proud that their kid is able to do things that you can't imagine."
"At first, she was really scared, and then now she's more comfortable, so I really liked how she got out of that fear," CORE parent Itzel Gonzalez said of her daughter's participation. "The best part is that she can play in the same rink with [the boys], and that makes her feel like she can be in the same rink [with everyone], and I like that program."
The first crop of skaters won't be the last, and thanks to programs such as CORE, hockey will continue to transcend communities throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond as children of all backgrounds fall in love with the game just like so many of us already have.
Count Vivienne as one of so many who now know the joy that comes along with stepping onto the ice, even if it takes a moment to realize just how amazing it truly is.