October 6th, 2015

It’s a great day for hockey, and for the students and volunteers of the Panther Hockey Learn to Skate and Play Hockey program!

Pioneer Park Public School‘s head custodian and founder of Panther Hockey, Steve Sanderson, has been recognized by the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) in a big way.

Panther Hockey has received 25 sets of equipment (helmets, skates, pads, socks, etc.) from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund, along with a practice assisted by former NHL player and Guelph Storm Hockey Club Head Coach Scott Walker. According to an email sent from Community Relations and Goals & Dreams Manager Matt Langen, “this donation is worth approximately $15,000 – an amount NHLPA Members are proud to invest in this program because of [Steve’s] commitment to helping children participate in the great sport of hockey. Families in [the Pioneer Park PS] community are very fortunate to have individuals like [Steve] who want to enrich the lives of these young children.”

Steve started the hockey program in 2001 out of his love for the sport, but most importantly to provide an opportunity for students who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to try hockey or learn to skate. This unique program provides equipment, ice time and quality instruction to any Pioneer Park PS student wanting to participate.

In the beginning, he asked family, friends, and the school community to donate any hockey equipment their kids grew out of, but if it wasn’t enough, Steve purchased the extra. He also approached City of Kitchener arena‘s to see if they would donate ice time. The program started with 20 students and has since grown to 150 participants, and received various grants to support the need for equipment.

The initiative caught on and many people have started to volunteer, whether it is Steve’s family members helping with registration and attendance, or past students who know how to play hockey and want to give back as on-ice instructors.

Even after a long day of work, Steve is always seen arriving to the rink with a big smile and an open heart, eagerly awaiting the participants. Interim Principal Carole Ann Ogilvie says, “what Steve has done for this community and [Pioneer Park PS] students is immeasurable. He is a gift and we are so fortunate to have him.”

Steve is our Hockey Hero – the WRDSB is so proud to have him part of our school community!

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Community · Feature · Schools Tags: City of Kitchener · Guelph Storm Hockey Club · National Hockey League Players' Association · Panther Hockey · Pioneer Park Public School · School of the Day · Scott Walker