Local kids learn street hockey with Connecticut Whale

Kids have fun playing street hockey in a program sponsored by Connecticut Whale and Cigna. Photo by Frances Taylor.

The gym at Hockanum School was blur of activity as shrieking children raced across the floor chasing a plastic hockey puck with plastic sticks. East Hartford is one three towns where the Connecticut Whale has sponsored a program to introduce street hockey to children.

The program, which is funded by a grant from Cigna, draws in girls and boys ages 6 to 12 through the YMCA. “The idea is to introduce kids to hockey in a safe environment, where they can have fun and exercise,'' said Amy Rimmer, a Connecticut Whale representative.

Instructors include former Whaler Gary Swain, former player Dave Maloney and Frank Burrian, a Connecticut Whale public relations consultant who also heads the street hockey program.

Nicole Hill sat on the sidelines watching her 4-year-old son Demari race around with a hockey stick that was taller than he was. “There are not very many group sports they can play at this age, so this is a lot of fun for him,'' Hill said.

Irene Ragna watched her two children, Kenny, 10, and Jessica, 7. “It's a good program and it gets them away from the video games," she said.

A second winter session begins Feb. 21 and runs through April 10. The program meets from 6 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday at Hockanum School on Main Street. Interested parents can register in person at the YMCA, 770 Main St., or register online at www.ghymca.org. The program is free.