The NHL announced at the All-Star break that they were going to expand their Learn to Play program to the entire league. Programs of this sort are not unique to the NHL, but it will now be jointly funded by the NHL, the NHLPA, USA Hockey and Hockey Canada. The idea is similar to Hockey Canada’s First Shift program.
"In my estimation, this is one of the best programs the NHL and the NHLPA offer," said David Morehouse, president and CEO of the Penguins. "About 10 years ago, Sidney Crosby came to us and asked how can we make it more affordable for kids to play hockey, I'd like to try to help.