August 21, 2009

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey today announced the launching of its new Come Play Youth Hockey campaign, a program geared to educate the parents of four- to eight-year-olds on the benefits of youth hockey.

The campaign, designed in conjunction with Periscope advertising agency, features posters, postcards, fliers and television ads, produced by NHL Network, to be showcased across the country. The ads depict young hockey players with shadows trailing behind them that resemble a superhero, a rocket ship, and other childhood fantasies. The ads also include characteristics brought out by youth hockey such as pride, responsibility, and leadership, along with the phrase, "Watch your kid soar."

"We have created consistent imaging that promotes the positives of youth hockey participation to parents who aren't familiar with our sport," said Pat Kelleher (Colorado Springs, Colo.), assistant executive director of membership development for USA Hockey. "We want to show parents that youth hockey is the best youth sports option for their children."

Youth hockey associations and rinks will also have the opportunity to customize these advertisements in an effort to increase awareness about their own programs. More information about the Come Play Youth Hockey campaign, its goals, and the benefits of youth hockey can be found at www.comeplayyouthhockey.com.