Wall of dreams

The Garden of Dreams Foundation and New York Rangers Power Players season capped off with a Round Robin Tournament on January 12. Nearly 200 children from four Foundation partners, Children’s Aid Society, Harlem Dowling, Police Athletic League of NYC, and WHEDco, were excited for the festivities to begin when they were surprised by the arrival of New York Rangers players JT Miller and Viktor Stalberg. With the gym decked out in red, white, and blue balloons and banners, the teams were ready for the tournament to kickoff.

After the National Anthem, Madison Square Garden public address announcer, John Sheatsley introduced each team and the tournament was underway. With two street hockey courts set up, six teams faced each other over six rounds. Miller and Stalberg each claimed a court and dropped the puck during the opening face-off. Jumping right into the games, Miller and Stalberg shared advice, high-fives, and even assists on several goals while playing. With the DJ spinning current radio hits, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, laughter, and cheers as the children enjoyed learning from the Rangers players as well as utilizing the skills they developed over the season. In between games, Miller and Stalberg took breaks with the children to talk and sign water bottles and shirts. The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony where the youth received a commemorative plaque, tote bag, and New York Rangers jersey.

In its fifth year, the Power Players program works to instill in the players six core values –  Commitment, Excellence, Fun, Respect, Responsibility, and Teamwork – in addition to teaching street hockey. Each team is paired with two coaches from the New York Rangers hockey development staff. Over six weeks, the coaches work with their players from the different Foundation partner organizations to develop a different skill and value each week.