Breaking New Ground in Atlanta: NHL STREET™ and the ECHL Bring Hockey to New Audiences

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This week, NHL STREET™ hit the ground running in the greater Atlanta area—teaming up with the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL) for a two-day activation centered around Black Ambition Night and fueled by a shared mission: making hockey accessible to every kid, everywhere.

A First-of-Its-Kind Street Hockey Clinic

Together with RCX Sports, the Gladiators, the A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club, and NHL STREET™ hosted a first-of-its-kind street hockey clinic on April 3, giving more than 100 youth athletes the chance to pick up a stick and experience the game in a fun, fast-paced, and inclusive environment.

Held at the Boys & Girls Club in Norcross, GA, the clinic featured age-based sessions with hands-on instruction, skills stations, and scrimmages. Atlanta Gladiators players joined in to coach, cheer, and connect with participants—bringing both credibility and excitement to the gym.

“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.”

Building Community Through Hockey

The experience continues on April 4, when over 100 local students will head to Gas South Arena to watch the Gladiators take on the Orlando Solar Bears—many attending a professional hockey game for the very first time.

This activation also marks 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. Together, these organizations are helping expand hockey’s reach and build a more inclusive future for the sport.

“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.”

From the gym floor to the arena stands, this week in Atlanta proves that hockey’s future can—and should—be more inclusive, more accessible, and more fun. NHL STREET™ is proud to help lead that charge.