This week, RCX Sports helped bring hockey to the heart of the greater Atlanta area through a dynamic two-day NHL STREET™ activation in partnership with the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL) and the A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club. Timed with the team’s Black Ambition Night, the event delivered an unforgettable experience to more than 100 local youth—many of whom had never picked up a hockey stick or attended a professional game before.
From First Sticks to First Games
On April 3, over 100 student-athletes from the Boys & Girls Club participated in a first-of-its-kind NHL STREET™ clinic in Norcross, GA. The event featured age-based sessions, hands-on instruction, skill-building drills, and full-speed scrimmages—all designed to make hockey feel fun, fast, and accessible.
Atlanta Gladiators players helped rotate kids through fast-paced stations that combined skill-building with pure fun. Each participant received their own NHL STREET™ shirt, gear, and hands-on instruction—plus plenty of high-fives and encouragement from the Gladiators themselves.
“NHL STREET was created to bring hockey to more kids in more communities—and this week’s event is a perfect example of that mission in action,” said Tom Garavaglia, Director of NHL STREET™ at RCX Sports. “When you combine the energy of a local pro team with the reach of community organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, you unlock something really powerful.”
Then, the action moved from the gym to the rink.
On April 4, more than 100 local students attended the Gladiators’ home game against the Orlando Solar Bears at Gas South Arena—many seeing a professional hockey game for the very first time. With free tickets distributed through the program, it wasn’t just a game night—it was an unforgettable milestone for kids just beginning their hockey journey.
A Blueprint for Future Partnerships
While this week’s activation stood out on its own, it also signals the start of something bigger. The clinic and game experience mark the beginning of a growing collaboration between NHL STREET™ and the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), as well as a deepening relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, headquartered in Atlanta.
These partnerships reflect RCX Sports’ broader mission: to create opportunities for all kids to play—by delivering pro-league experiences at the grassroots rec level, in the communities that need them most.
“The Atlanta Gladiators are pleased to be partnered with NHL STREET, RCX Sports, and NHL Unites for our first-ever Black Ambition Night at Gas South Arena,” Executive Vice President of the Gladiators Jared Youngman said. “Our street hockey clinic was especially exciting, teaching those new to the game the basics, in a fun, interactive way. Thank you to the National Hockey League, its partners, and all associated with this wonderful theme night.”
Lauren Odom, Director of Institutional Giving at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, emphasized the impact of the visit, saying, “Having NHL STREET and the Atlanta Gladiators visit and engage with our kids was an incredible experience. Moments like these create lasting memories and open doors to new passions—some of our youth were picking up a stick for the very first time. The donation of equipment is more than just gear; it’s an investment in their confidence, their health, and their sense of community. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing to build with NHL STREET to make street hockey a staple in our programming and a part of every kid’s story.”
Want to bring NHL STREET™ or another RCX program to your community?
We work with Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, Parks & Rec departments, and independent league operators across the country. Click here to learn how to get started.
