New England Wolves ‘Learn to Play Hockey’ program starts next month

LACONIA — Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13, the New England Wolves will be running their annual Free Learn to Play Hockey program at the Merrill Fay Arena. The Mischa Fay Foundation and the Mischa's Little Stars program has become one of the highlights of the winter calendar in the Lakes Region and the Wolves are again excited to be a part of it. It is named after the beloved former Wolves player who tragically passed away in the winter of 2023.

"We are overjoyed to be keeping our beloved Mischa's memory alive by helping children learn to play the amazing sport that Mischa loved ... hockey," said Merrill and Beth Fay, Mischa's parents.

"I always looked forward to seeing Mischa at the rink," said Wolves Coach Mike Potenza. "His love for the rink and the game were infectious. We seemed to understand each other very well and that led to a great friendship. I'll never forget the smile on his face after scoring a goal. I'll never forget him and this program is a great way to honor him."

The program runs on Tuesday nights from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., with a second set of skates added weekly on Sunday mornings starting in November. The program is free to all young skaters who wish to participate, and coached by the New England Wolves coaching staff and junior hockey players. Full equipment is needed. Many of the articles, such as skates, gloves, pants and helmets, can be acquired for free through the Wolves equipment donation program. A free jersey is also provided.

Parents can enroll skaters by registering on the Wolves website at ne-wolveshockey.com or contact Tim Kunes (trkunes@gmail.com), Andrew Trimble (scoringconcepts@gmail.com), or John McKenzie (johnmckenzie@metrocast.net) to swing by the rink and pick up some of the pieces of equipment for their skater.

"Our deepest gratitude to the Wolves organization for their continued support," added Merrill and Beth Fay.

Last year over 50 skaters began their hockey careers through the Learn to Play program and advanced onto the Wolves 8U and 10U hockey teams. This program is a great way to be introduced to the game of hockey and expose your child to a new set of skills and teammates.

For more information, visit ne-wolveshockey.com.