Flyers Learn to Play Ball Hockey Program Begins in April at New Hanover Rink Saved by Young Girls

Young hockey fans in the community will soon have a chance to learn the game in a fun and welcoming environment as the Flyers Learn to Play Ball Hockey Program returns to New Hanover Township this April.

The program, hosted for the second time by the nonprofit Pick Up Sticks Hockey (PUSH), will take place on Mondays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. from April 13 through May 18, 2026 at the township’s outdoor rink — a facility that gained attention after a duo of determined young girls helped rally community support to save it. The Rink at Community Park is located within New Hanover Community Park, 2798 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.

“Last year, our first Flyers Learn to Play program welcomed 48 enthusiastic boys and girls to discover hockey for the first time,” said Kate Van Druff, President and founding member of Pick Up Sticks Hockey Inc (PUSH). “With the incredible Olympic gold medal victories by both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s teams, the excitement around hockey is soaring, and we expect even more young players to join us this year! It is especially meaningful to host this program at the very rink that our girls saved with the Flyers.”

Designed for children ages 3–9, the program introduces participants to the fundamentals of ball hockey while encouraging teamwork, confidence, and a love of the game.

Registration for the program is $35 per player, and each child will receive a Flyers-branded ball hockey stick, a reversible Flyers pinny, and a Flyers ball to use during the program and keep afterward.

Former Flyers Defenseman Chris Therien stands with Lilly Walter, left, and Natalie Van Druff, right - the two young girls who saved their ball hockey rink from turning into Pickleball and rebuilt it with a miraculous donation from the Flyers Charities.

“We are excited to share this opportunity in the greater New Hanover community, as there are limited opportunities for young kiddos to try ball hockey in this low-pressure environment,” said Liz Crouthamel, Co-Vice President of PUSH and Director of Women’s Development with USA Ball Hockey. “It’s surreal we get to continue to partner with the Flyers via the Learn to Play program, and how special for these kiddos to wear the Flyers logo on their equipment!”

“We are aiming to enrich these kiddos with skills they can use on and off the hockey rink, building confidence and camaraderie, and staying true to this grassroots movement message: every body can play hockey!”

PUSH organizers say the program focuses on making hockey accessible and affordable for families while helping grow the sport at the grassroots level. This Flyers Learn to Play series is one of numerous programs the organization plans to host this year.

Adding to the excitement, Flyers alumni and special guests are expected to make appearances during the program, giving young players a chance to meet hockey legends and share the rink with members of the Flyers family. Last year players got to meet Flyers veterans Chris Therien, Riley Cote, and Todd Fedoruk.

Local teen ball hockey stars give back by coaching 4 to 9-year-olds at the 2025 Flyers Learn to Play session in New Hanover Township.

Sessions will focus on fundamental skills such as stickhandling, passing, shooting, and teamwork in a fun, age-appropriate setting. No prior hockey experience is required.

The program also celebrates the community spirit that preserved the rink and ensures that local children will continue to have a place to play, learn, and grow through sports.

Parents can register their players at https://philadelphiaflyers.leagueapps.com/events/4918786-monday-at-515-pm-ages-4-9.

For any questions, please reach out to Pick Up Sticks Hockey at pickupstickshockey@gmail.com.

48 boys and girls registered for New Hanover Township’s Flyers Learn to Play program in 2025. Here they pose with former Flyer Todd Fedoruk.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

2026 FLYERS Learn to Play Registration:

https://philadelphiaflyers.leagueapps.com/events/4918786-monday-at-515-pm-ages-4-9

Pick Up Sticks Hockey Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/pickupstickshockey

Pick Up Sticks Hockey Coed Kids & Adults Pick Up Hockey

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pickupstickshockey

Women’s Pick Up Hockey Montco Berks

www.facebook.com/groups/pickuphockeymontcoberks/

About Pick Up Sticks Hockey:
Pick Up Sticks Hockey is a grassroots hockey organization focused on growing the game. The group offers positive, supportive pick up hockey games and meetups, as well as instructional clinics, with a mission of breaking down barriers to get more sticks in hands! Pick Up Sticks Hockey is operating under the wing of a 501c3 organization, the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.pickupstickshockey.com.  

[Press release and photos provided by Kate Van Druff.]

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