(PHILADELPHIA, PA - December 21, 2009) - Five students from the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation (ESYHF) have been invited by the National Hockey League to participate in activities at the upcoming 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park on Friday, January 1.

The players, who range in age from seven to nine-years-old, will skate on a specially constructed "frozen pond" at Fenway Park and play hockey during pregame, intermission, and time-outs throughout the NBC national broadcast, as well as participate in official pre-game ceremonies on the actual ice surface where the Philadelphia Flyers will face the Boston Bruins in the annual NHL Winter Classic.

Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko and Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren will present limited-edition Winter Classic hats and Flyers equipment bags to the students following the Philadelphia Flyers home game on Monday, December 21.

The players are Solomon and Samuel Johnson, 7, of Philadelphia, PA, twins who attend the A.B. Day School and participate in ESYHF programs at the Simons Rink; Grey Rumain, 9, of Philadelphia, PA, who attends Penn Alexander School and skates in ESYHF sessions at the Laura Sims Skatehouse; Jasmine Martinez, 9, of Philadelphia, PA, who attends John Hancock Elementary School and is enrolled in ESYHF sessions at the Flyers Skate Zone at Northeast; and Tracy Robinson, 10, of Philadelphia, PA, who attends Carnell School and takes part in ESYHF activities at the Tarken Ice Rink.

“To have members of our Foundation participate in what is arguably the biggest regular season game of the hockey season, is truly an honor for both the Foundation and these deserving boys and girls.” said Flyers founder Ed Snider. “To be able to provide wonderful opportunities such as this, is an integral part of the ESYHF mission. We look forward to seeing them at the game and hearing about their experiences upon their return.”

The youngsters have earned this unique opportunity through their dedicated commitment to ESYHF programs that emphasize excellence both on the ice and in the classroom. This fun-filled three-day adventure will be the first-ever trip out of the city for many of these young people, most of whom come from underserved, inner-city neighborhoods.

“An opportunity like this is an incredible life-experience,” said Scott Tharp, President of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. “To travel together as teammates - to perform in front of a national TV audience at this historic event, and to meet children from Boston with similar interests, will result in new friendships and unforgettable memories that these youngsters will share for the rest of their lives.”

The ESYHF participants will travel to Boston via Amtrak on Thursday, December 31, with their coaches and chaperones. They will return to Philadelphia on Saturday, January 2.

The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation is a member of the NHL’s “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative. For a complete listing of programs in the “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative, visit hockeyisforeveryone.nhl.com.

Snider created ESYHF in 2005 as a personal commitment to teach children important life lessons. The Foundation uses the sport of ice hockey as its “hook” to bring a diverse population of children together, enabling them to enjoy a top-notch sports experience coupled with an array of educational activities and character development. The program has rapidly grown to include over 2,500 participants in just its fourth full season.

The mission of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation is to use the sport of hockey to help educate young people in the game of life. The program incorporates on-ice and off-ice activities, stressing citizenship, academics, and life skills. ESYHF services are targeted for boys and girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn to skate or to play ice hockey. The Foundation provides equipment, ice time, and experienced coaching at no cost. The Foundation partners with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation and the School District of Philadelphia to bring its programs to 10 sites throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region to children from over 100 public schools.

Monday, December 21, 2009