Kalamazoo Wings Launch ‘Game On’ Street Hockey Camps
The Kalamazoo Wings have joyfully reintroduced Joel Martin’s ‘Game On’ Street Hockey camps for the upcoming Summer of 2025, in collaboration with esteemed partners NHL STREET, The Kalamazoo Promise, and Kzoo Parks. This initiative is designed to offer complimentary street hockey camps to over 200 children residing in Kalamazoo’s inner city.
Camp Details and Offerings
Scheduled from June through August, the five street hockey camps will take place at Upjohn and LaCrone Parks, exclusively available for those enrolled in Kzoo Parks Summer Camps. Each participant will benefit from free entry to an engaging two-hour session, which includes:
- An official NHL STREET Jersey
- A street hockey stick
- A swag bag provided by The Kalamazoo Promise
Community Impact
“We take great pride in the return of NHL STREET and are thrilled to collaborate with The Kalamazoo Promise and Kzoo Parks. It’s a natural fit to join forces with local organizations dedicated to nurturing the next generation and making a real difference in underserved areas.” – Toni Will, General Manager and Governor of the Kalamazoo Wings
The NHL STREET initiative represents an unparalleled opportunity for children aged 6 to 16 and their families, promoting the best attributes of youth sports: fun, physical activity, friendship, and memorable experiences.
The Kalamazoo Promise
Launched in 2005, the Kalamazoo Promise offers eligible graduates from the Kalamazoo Public Schools substantial financial support for post-secondary education, covering up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for public universities and colleges in Michigan. To date, this program has benefitted over 8,700 students with an investment exceeding $230 million.
“We are pleased to partner with NHL STREET to provide this valuable experience to our community, as we recognize the transformative power that sports can have in children’s lives. Our goal is to foster access to quality programming that cultivates physical activity, teamwork, and leadership skills.” – Von Washington, CEO of The Kalamazoo Promise
Kzoo Parks contributes a variety of programs for local youth throughout the year, offering financial assistance to those in need. The Game On camps will collaborate with Camp Kzoo & Super Rec Summer Camps to maximize community reach.
Leadership and Structure
Joel Martin will oversee the camps, drawing on his role as the Wings’ Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach. Support will come from fellow K-Wings players, KOHA staff, and Kzoo Parks counselors, all contributing to an enriching environment for the children. Participants will engage in fundamental hockey training and compete in a tournament within an NHL STREET branded arena.
“We’re excited to offer our community a fun and accessible avenue to stay active while gaining confidence through street hockey. This initiative thrives on the tremendous support from our partners, Kzoo Parks and The Kalamazoo Promise, whose dedication to youth development and inclusive recreation has been pivotal in bringing this idea to fruition.” – Joel Martin
The K-Wings successfully organized sessions for 64 campers across two camps last summer, and this year, their partnership with these esteemed organizations signifies a continued commitment to expanding opportunities for youth athletes in the area.
