::: Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation ::: Who We Are

Our Mission

Using the sport of hockey to help educate young people to succeed in the game of life.

Although ice hockey programming continues to be a focal point for ESYHF, the Foundation is committed to developing its renowned off-ice Life Skills Curriculum. The ESYHF Life Skills Curriculum is an important resource for more information on character development. The packet is full of behavior guidelines and numerous activities & exercises used to promote teambuilding, appreciating diversity, dealing with peer pressure, living healthy, identifying personal goals, organizing for success and overcoming challenges. Expanding on the Life Skills Curriculum, ESYHF introduced its Champions Program in 2009.

The Champions Program (CP) is designed to further the mission of ESYHF through the encouragement of academic, character and athletic development. It rewards and supports players that show dedication to ESYHF and the potential to be outstanding teammates, students, and people.

Players that show a commitment to hockey and school are invited to apply to the CP by an ESYHF coach. The applicant then lists goals that they hope to attain both on and off the ice, submit their report card, and sign an agreement to live as a Champion in school, on the ice and in their communities. Finally, before they can officially join the CP, each player must complete a Champions Challenge, a project that incorporates one of the 3 key elements of the CP (mind, body, character).

Some recent Champions Challenges include:

A 10th grader worked with one of ESYHFs academic advisors to develop a personalized college road map that laid out important milestones in the college preparation and application process.

N 11th grader visited several senior citizens in his community on a weekly basis to help with errands and spend time with them.

A 5th grader committed to reading 15 minutes a day above and beyond his required school reading. In 3 months he raised his reading level from a 3rd grade to a 5th grade level.

A 9th grader researched and wrote about off-ice training techniques, created his own summer program and tracked his daily progress in a log.

Those players that successfully complete the Champions Challenge will join a select team of other Champions, and will wear a jersey that recognizes their accomplishments. Additionally, Champions are eligible to enjoy unique experiences (such as trips, meeting NHL players, and attending Flyers games). Finally, and most importantly, Champions will participate in regular assignments that will continue to support their athletic, academic, and character development.