NAHL joins NHL, world hockey leaders in Declaration of Principles

September 6, 2017

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is pleased to announce that it is one of 17 hockey organizations from around the world, including the National Hockey League (NHL), USA Hockey and the NCAA, who announced the Declaration of Principles, a joint statement advocating the game of hockey as a powerful platform for participants to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills that transcend the game. 

 

Spearheaded by the National Hockey League (NHL), the Declaration of Principles is the foundational element of a new initiative supported by all of these 17 organizations: This is Hockey. Hockey organizations will pledge to celebrate and advance policies, programs and initiatives of their respective organizations – and to inspire their fans, participants and communities – to create the best possible family hockey experience.

 

 

NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld joined hockey leaders from around the world for the announcement on Wednesday, which was made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The Declaration of Principles is a joint commitment developed by and for hockey stakeholders globally to advance policies, programs and initiatives of their organizations –and inspire their respective fans, participants and communities –to create the best possible experience for the entire hockey community.

 

“The development of players, and encouraging young people to be interested in our game, is important—not because they might grow up to be hockey stars, but because hockey players view the world with a great sense of responsibility, focusing on teamwork, hard work, physcial fitness and being a good student. Our game can have a great impact on society as a whole if it delivers the right messages and promotes important core values,” stated NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

 

“It is an honor for the North American Hockey League to be one of 17 organizations that are taking part in this initiative to help create the best hockey experience possible. The core values of the Declaration of Principles are those that are shared by the NAHL, as we are focused on growing the game and providing the best opportunity possible for our players. The NAHL, its teams, and our communities are the perfect example of what makes hockey great and how we continue to grow the game for the benefit of everyone involved,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld.

 

We believe every leader of the sport has the responsibility to inspire stakeholders in an effort to deliver a positive family hockey experience. Hockey participation offers families value beyond making an individual a better player or even a better athlete. The game of hockey is a powerful platform for participants to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills. These benefits are available to all players, desirable to every family and transcend the game.

 

Today, guided by our common values, we jointly pledge to the following Principles.

 

•Hockey should be an enjoyable family experience; all stakeholders –organizations, players, parents, siblings, coaches, referees, volunteers and rink operators –play a role in this effort.

•Hockey’s greatest value is the role it plays in the development of character and life skills.

•All hockey organizations –regardless of size or level of competition –bring value to players and families in their ability to deliver a positive family experience.

•Physical activity is important for a healthy body, mind and spirit.

•There are significant benefits of youth participation in multiple sports.

•Hockey programs should be age-appropriate for all players, accounting for each individual’s physical, emotional and cognitive development.

•There is great value in all forms of hockey, both on and off the ice.

•All hockey programs should provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment for players and families regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. Simply put, hockey is for everyone.

We believe in our ability to improve lives and strengthen communities globally through hockey. We believe that living by these Principles will provide a healthy, balanced and enjoyable experience for all and inspire impactful service beyond the rink.