Beyond the Ice: EJEPL Teams Making an Impact

Beyond the rink, EJEPL organizations are making a positive impact in their communities by fostering leadership, building connections, and giving back to those around them. This month, we're highlighting two organizations, Aviator Hockey Club and Snider Hockey, and the meaningful ways their players are putting the values of hockey into action. From mentorship and leadership to community service and volunteerism, these initiatives show that being part of a hockey team is about much more than what happens on the ice! 

Aviator Hockey Club's Big/Little Wings Mentorship Program 

This season, Aviator Hockey Club's 12U and 14U players are taking on a new leadership role through the club's Big/Little Wings Mentorship Program, an organization-wide initiative designed to build stronger connections between younger and older athletes.

Through the program, each older player, known as a Big Wing, is paired with a younger player from the 8U or 10U divisions, providing an opportunity to serve as a mentor and positive role model. Big Wings are encouraged to support their younger teammates by attending games when possible, offering encouragement, and helping them feel welcomed and connected within the Aviator organization.

Rooted in the belief that hockey is about much more than wins and losses, the program aims to foster meaningful relationships across age divisions and create a stronger sense of community within the club. It also encourages responsibility, kindness, and leadership, reminding older players that their influence extends far beyond their performance on the ice.

Snider Hockey Teams Give Back to Their Community

Snider Hockey has been making an impact beyond the rink through several community service initiatives across the Philadelphia region. From fighting food insecurity to supporting youth adaptive hockey, players have stepped up to give back and make a difference.

The 16U Futures 2 team prepared more than 200 sandwiches and snack bags for Caring for Friends, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. The 16U Diamond 1 team also partnered with the Hammerheads Sled Hockey Team, serving as guest coaches during a practice, working one-on-one with younger players, and helping organize equipment.

Additionally, the 18U Diamond teams took part in two community initiatives focused on addressing food insecurity. Players volunteered with the Share Food Program, Philadelphia's leading food bank, assembling more than 200 meal kits for local seniors. They also partnered with Sharing Excess, a national food rescue nonprofit that connects surplus food from businesses with communities in need, to help distribute fresh produce to local residents. 

Through these efforts, Snider Hockey players demonstrated the importance of teamwork, service, and community involvement.

These initiatives from both organizations are a great reminder that the impact of hockey reaches far beyond the ice, with EJEPL players continuing to demonstrate leadership, kindness, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.