Giano Students Get A Taste of Kings Hockey with Portable Rink

West Covina middle-schoolers get a taste of Kings hockey with portable rink

Los Angeles Kings hockey club instructors organize pickup hockey games during PE classes at Giano Intermediate School in West Covina, Calif. Feb. 24, 2014.Leo Jarzomb — Staff photographer

The winter Olympics may be over and America’s men’s and women’s hockey teams may have lost to the mighty Canadians. But there’s hope for the Olympics in 2022.

The L.A. Kings introduced Rowland Unified students to this fast-paced sport. The L.A. Kings Chariot rolled into Giano Intermediate School on Monday.

They quickly set up a portable rink complete with nets on the West Covina campus. Students had a chance to try their hands with a hockey stick during their physical education period.

“We do this once or twice a month to promote hockey and create fans for our club,” said Gabby Farrell, fan development coordinator for the L.A. Kings.

The L.A. Kings Chariot brings hockey to schools, churches and parks. Interactive events include hockey tutorials, street clinics and games.

Giano’s new P.E. teacher Mayra Juarez decided to apply online for a visit. She is a huge Kings’ fan and saw the Chariot setup outside Staples Arena in Los Angeles.

“I saw my first hockey game while studying at Cal State L.A. and fell in love with the sport,” Juarez recalled. “So I thought it would be good for our students. A new sport will keep them motivated.”

Principal Carlos Ochoa thought it was a great idea. “I learned to play street hockey when I was in middle school and remembered how much fun it was.” Click HERE for entire story!

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