Top Flight
Top Flight is a program that was established by CHOC Children’s Hospital, with the help of the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, in 2013. Top Flight was created for special needs individuals of any age. In the early stages of the program, it was designed to teach people hockey skills through street hockey. In the past five years, the program has expanded to include ice hockey and ice skating.
For eight to ten weeks, participants learn hockey skills, such as skating, puck and stick handling, shooting, and other fundamentals. Players participate in weekly games to hone their hockey skills. The league is open to anyone of any age. However, although there is a registration fee required to participate, players receive a voucher for a complete set of hockey equipment. Players participating in street hockey will also be given a jersey and a stick at the start of the program.
An eight-week program is also offered for anyone who has no prior experience on the ice. They are taught basic skills over their eight lessons. Participants learn how to stand unassisted, how to safely fall and stand up on their own, and other on-ice fundamentals.
Learn To Play Hockey Program
The Anaheim Ducks Learn To Play Hockey is a program dedicated to offering first-time hockey players the opportunity to learn on-ice skills. This program is spearheaded by two of the Anaheim Ducks most influential leaders, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. There are programs offered to both youth and adults interested in learning how to play hockey.
All participants in the Youth Learn To Play program are provided with free hockey equipment to use during the four-week course. The sponsorships, provided by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, provide every child who completes the course with a set of full gear to start their hockey career. This is helpful for families who may not have the financial means to afford the necessary safety equipment their child needs to play hockey.
Adults who participate in the Adult Learn To Play program are provided with similar opportunities. Although they need to provide their own equipment, there is loaner equipment available during the four-week course. Skate rental and the lessons are completely free. This is a huge help to those who cannot afford lessons otherwise. It has also increased the importance, love, and respect people in the community have for hockey.