COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey unveiled today the six sled hockey programs (see list included below) that will equally share $150,000 in grants from The USA Hockey Foundation provided by Labatt USA through its Pass it Forward initiative.
The funding will assist three newly created programs this year and three other previously established USA Hockey sled programs.
2017 Grant Recipients
Program
Location
Central Illinois Sled Hockey Association
Towanda, Ill.
Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports
Minot, N.D.
Queen City Adaptive Recreation
Charlotte, N.C.
Sled Hockey UP/SAIL
Negaunee, Mich.
State College Sled Hockey
State College, Penn.
Teton Adaptive Sports
Jackson, Wyo.
“We’re most appreciative to Labatt for their efforts in joining with us in furthering the development of sled hockey,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “The substantial number of applications we received shows the desire all across the country to continue to grow sled hockey.”
“We’re excited to continue bringing access to hockey to more athletes who want to play this great game,” said Lisa Texido, brand manager of Labatt USA. “The goal of our ‘Pass It Forward’ initiative is to make hockey accessible to everyone, and after the great steps last year’s grant recipients have made, we look forward to seeing that continue with this year’s recipients.”
Each of the six programs will receive $25,000 to be used for items such as ice time, sleds, sticks, travel and uniforms.
NOTES: Of the six programs selected by USA Hockey, three are new for this season – Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports (Minot, N.D.), Queen City Adaptive Recreation (Charlotte,N.C.), State College Sled Hockey (State College, Penn.). Thanks to funds from last year’s Labatt USA Pass It Forward initiative, sled hockey programs began in new areas such as Montana, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
ABOUT THE LABATT PASS IT FORWARD INITIATIVE
Labatt USA’s “Pass It Forward” initiative was created to help in providing access to hockey for everyone. Through the initiative, Labatt Blue is bringing partners together and increasing awareness to sled hockey through national advertising, commercials, promotions, social media and limited edition packs of Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light sled hockey cans. Highlighting Labatt Blue’s sled hockey awareness initiative is its partnership with national sportscaster, John Buccigross, who is serving as a key ambassador. More information can be found at www.LabattUS.com/sledhockey.
