Mass General Brigham and Boston Bruins Bring Learn to Play Clinics to Lynn and Amherst

The Boston Bruins Youth Hockey Development Team will host four youth street hockey clinics throughout the Spring, presented by Mass General Brigham. The first two clinics were held this week at the YMCA Metro North Demakes Family Campus in Lynn and Mill River Recreation Area in Amherst.  The clinics were run by Bruins alumni Andrew Raycroft and the Bruins Youth Hockey Development Team. 

“Bringing these clinics to youth in our communities with a great partner like Mass General Brigham is what we love to do. For many of these kids this is the first time they get the chance to play hockey. We hope this fosters more interest in our sport and helps keep them active and healthy,” said Raycroft.

Approximately 50 local street hockey players, ages 5 through 12 get to participate.  In addition, each community center to host a clinic will receive $1,000 in donated Franklin Street hockey gear, as well as custom Bruins and Mass General Brigham pinnies, banners, and other team equipment.

“Being able to bring the excitement of the Bruins to many of our communities who might not normally get this chance along with the vital care and health information is a total win. All of us at Mass General Brigham are so proud to join with the Bruins, community partners and elected leaders to bring these resources to the communities we call home,” said Scott Gassett, PT, MBA, Vice President of Sports Medicine at Mass General Brigham.

In addition to learning hockey skills in Lynn, the Salem Hospital Community Care Van was on site offering free COVID-19 vaccines for eligible residents and other health education services.  Also participating at the Lynn event were representatives from Mass General Brigham members Salem Hospital and Spaulding Outpatient Center Lynn, as well as the Lynn Community Health Center and Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. 

“Bringing our partners together to be able to connect directly with community members and reach them where they live is vital. We were able to vaccinate more than 20 people today and provide health information which is key. For Mass General Brigham to work with the Bruins to bring these events to our vital communities is an important example of our mission in action,” said Christine Valdes, MD, Medical Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Salem Hospital. 

"These community activities are so important and we are very grateful to Mass General Brigham and the Boston Bruins for putting on a great clinic and to the YMCA for hosting. I think I saw a lot of future Lynn Jets today,” said Mayor Jared Nicholson.

Later in the week on Thursday, Andrew and members of the Bruins Youth Hockey Development then trekked west to Amherst where they met with members of the Amherst Recreation Department and over 50 enthusiastic players. Physical Therapist Stephen Markey and Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Practice Administrator Kierstyn Sullivan represented Mass General Brigham member Cooley Dickinson Hospital at the event.  

“This community is so thankful for the Boston Bruins, Mass General Brigham, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital partnership to provide these kids with the opportunity to play street hockey,” said Markey. “All of us had a blast doing this. Keeping kids active and healthy and playing the fun and exciting game of hockey is what it is all about!”

The two remaining clinics will be held in May at the Boys & Girls Club of Boston’s Yawkey Club of Roxbury and the Somersworth Recreation Department in New Hampshire. 

Mass General Brigham is the Official Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Provider for the Boston Bruins, and this year Mass General Brigham joined the Boston Bruins for the 2021-22 Playoffs presented by Mass General Brigham. For more than 50 years, Bruins players have been treated by Mass General Hospital clinicians. To learn more about sports medicine programs and services from Mass General Brigham visit sportsmedicine.massgeneralbrigham.org.

Media Contact

Mass General Brigham:
Tim Sullivan tsullivan11@partners.org