The Koeppel Community Sports Center, through a generous donation, is pleased to offer the community use of its new IceCourt Exxess inline hockey floor. This suspended polypropylene multi-sport floor gives the KCSC the occasion to continue its efforts in providing the Hartford area families and members of the surrounding communities with the opportunity to enjoy skating in all of its forms.
Now, with the addition of this floor, the KCSC can offer new programming that allows the sport of hockey to reach many area children of varied backgrounds. Following the lead of the NHL’s Street Program, the KCSC will offer an introduction to hockey by way of a Deck Hockey program. Deck Hockey is similar to street hockey in many ways, but it utilizes the multi-sport flooring to mimic ice when handling a puck or ball. Sneakers, a small amount of equipment, and a strong desire to learn the game of hockey is all that is required of the participants. Clinics for skill development and leagues for play will be forming for all ages and abilities.
Whether building off of the foundation from the Deck Hockey program or not, children can move into learn-to-skate classes that will “get them moving” and prepare them for inline or ice skating. Learn-to-skate classes will consist of 30-minutes of lesson time, followed by 30-minutes of practice time, no sticks, and will be geared towards teaching the fundamentals of skating in a fun and challenging environment.
For those who have an inline or ice hockey background already, skill development clinics and league play will be offered at the KCSC. Clinics and leagues will be formed for 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, 18 & under and adult (over 18) for boys and girls, men and women, of all ability levels.
Additionally, the KCSC is pleased to team up with the Connecticut Speedskating Association (CSA) and offer a pilot program to introduce speedskating to our Hartford area residents. This program will begin as an inline speedskating program during the summer and continue on as an ice speedskating program during the fall/winter months. While some type of prior skating experience is encouraged, all are welcome to try this unique and challenging sport.
Finally, the KCSC is teaming up with the Connecticut Chasers and forming a program for special needs athletes to participate on a team for the developmentally challenged. Run by former President of the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress Debra McAlenney, the Connecticut Chasers continue the efforts of former Hartford Whaler Kelly Chase in offering people with disabilities the opportunity to learn how to skate and play hockey. The Chasers are members of USA Hockey and part of two larger groups called the Heart League - Special Hockey International and the American Special Hockey Association.
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