Why the NHL is invested in quality grassroots experiences

In this episode, Coach D and Elisa Maruzzo speak with Rob Knesaurek, Group VP of Youth Hockey and Industry Growth at the National Hockey League about Why the NHL is invested in quality grassroots experiences.

Rob grew up with Daryl in Toronto where they bonded together as children of immigrant parents and with their love of sports. Rob credits hockey for providing him the skills both on and off the ice that led him to working in healthcare for over 18 years in Australia, Hong Kong, and the U.S. When he eventually came back to Canada, he felt lost and found himself being drawn back to the game as a guiding point for the next phase of his life. 

Rob started training kids for free grounded in making them have fun and learn good working habits. What started out as 3 kids soon turned into over 3,000 kids and an opportunity to work with the NHL to grow the fan base. Rob's role focuses on: 

Acquiring or retaining people to play and watch the game (including esports)Support the experience. The game is made of of 90% volunteers that are often forgotten.

He does this through helping clubs make intentional investments in their market to connect with youth and the next generation.

His mandate: make the game more inclusive, supportive, and diverse.

Rob works with advisors, leaders, and role models or all backgrounds to understand how they can remove barriers and allow youth of all backgrounds to see themselves and have access to the game. 

The reality for all sports organizations is participation is everyone's problem to solve and we need to ensure that the purpose of playing is for enjoyment of the game. This includes the organization, coaches, volunteers, athletes, and parents. 

For Rob, hockey is the greatest game in the world. It teaches life skills such as discipline, resilience, respect, and how to work as a team that can be applied every day. Hear the discussion on areas that still need to be looked at including: 

How parents can impact their child's experience - both from a positive and negative experience potentially letting them drop out of the game.How volunteer coaches need support and recognition How the organization is making conceited efforts around diversity and inclusion in all levels of playing

For Rob, winning at the end of the year is more kids playing, staying, and having fun in hockey so that they participate for life. 

Hear the discussion on how the NHL and Rob are working to build quality sport experiences to keep kids participating in hockey for life.

Rob is an award-winning hockey coach and highly skilled business leader with over 20 years of experience creating dynamic teams and programs designed to help a variety of individuals exceed personal potential and organizational goals. Resourceful instructor with an established track record of creating and implementing programs and long-term strategies aimed at team and individual growth.

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Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.