Learning life lessons and citizenship skills through ice hockey is the mission of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, which has more than 800 students from 25 Philadelphia public schools involved. In February, The Foundation’s Charter Members, who are sponsors and donors of the organization, held a special dinner at the Lexus Club at Wachovia Center. (from left) James Kinney, Philadelphia City Councilman, John Page Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer, Larry Magid, Founder, Electric Factory Concerts, Peter Luukko, President, Comcast-Spectacor, Steve Pinkston, Designer, Comcast-Spectacor, Fred Shabel, Vice Chairman, Comcast-Spectacor, and Ed Snider, Chairman, Comcast Spectacor.

EdSnider, Chairman of Comcast-Spectacor, parent company of Global Spectrum  and Philadelphia Flyers founder, created the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation as a personal commitment to teach children important life lessons. The program utilizes ice hockey to bring inner city children together, stresses he importance of education, teamwork and character development. Snider created the Foundation in 2005 with 500 participants. The program, which is provided to boys and girls who otherwise would not have opportunities to enjoy ice hockey, has rapidly grown to include over 1,000 participants in just its second full-season. The Foundation provides equipment, ice time, and experienced coaching at no cost. The Foundation partners with the School District of Philadelphia to fund the cost of adding ice hockey instruction as part of the School District of Philadelphia’s physical education curriculum for 800 elementary school students from 25 Philadelphia public schools.