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NHL Helps Baltimore Kids Learn Hockey

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new partnership is helping dozens of Baltimore students perfect their moves on the ice. 

Jessica Kartalija explains how the NHL is making this possible.

All of the safety equipment is very expensive and they've had to recycle all of the old equipment for the past few years.  That's when the Capitals stepped in to help.

Suiting up for a lesson with the pros.  Thanks to the Washington Capitals, skaters with the Patterson Park Stars have brand new equipment.

"We have no money. We have no equipment and this is just Christmas for us," said Dr. Bob Sikorski, Patterson Park Stars.

Forty pairs of gloves, shin guards, helmets and practice jerseys went to the kids.  The equipment is very expensive and the kids' gear was getting old.

"We want to be involved in the community and just seeing these kids, we'll hopefully see them play hockey in their neighborhoods," said Peter Bondra, former Capitals player. "Hockey is fun, but also a tough sport."

New gear helps them play safely, bringing them one slap-shot closer to their dream.

The kids also participated in a one-hour clinic with hockey players. 

The Patterson Park Stars program is a 15-week ice hockey camp for boys and girls ages seven to 14.

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