(PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 19, 2010) – The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation (ESYHF) Wolf Pack team is set to host the Fort Dupont Cannons from Washington, DC at 7:30pm on Saturday, January 23rd at the Penn Ice Rink in University City. This match-up was originally scheduled for December 19th, but was canceled due to severe winter weather that struck the region.

The Wolf Pack is comprised of 19 high school students from Philadelphia and the team plays a competitive schedule against local and regional organizations. Both the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation and the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club are members of the NHL’s “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative.

“It is always fun playing one of our sister organizations,” said ESYHF Director of Hockey Operations and Wolf Pack Head Coach Jan Koziara. “The Fort Dupont program has a longstanding tradition and we are looking forward to welcoming them to Philadelphia.”

Neal Henderson established Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club in 1978 and the organization is the oldest minority hockey program in the United States.

ESYHF formed the Wolf Pack team in October of 2007, when the most skilled Foundation participants from all over Philadelphia were brought together at the Penn Ice Rink to practice on a weekly basis.

After finishing the month of December undefeated, the team is now set to resume the second half of the season.

“I think the Cannons will be a great matchup for us,” said Koziara. “It should be an exciting game.” Admission to all Wolf Pack home games at the Penn Ice Rink is free and all fans are welcome to attend.

The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation uses the sport of ice hockey to bring a diverse population of children together, enabling them to enjoy a top-notch sports experience coupled with an array of educational activities and character development. Snider created the Foundation in 2005 with 500 participants. The program has rapidly grown to include over 2,500 participants in just its fourth full season.

Monday, December 14, 2009