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In a move that could stickhandle British schoolkids straight into the hearts of hockey culture, NHL Street Hockey is officially crossing the pond. The National Hockey League and Ice Hockey UK (IHUK) have teamed up to offer free NHL Street Hockey sessions for children aged 5 to 11 across the UK, starting with six cities during the 2025–2026 season.
Yes, you read that right. Free. No ice, no skates, no expensive kit. Just kids, sticks, and the raw joy of ball hockey — the pavement-friendly cousin of the fast and furious sport played on ice.
And it’s all part of a grander ambition. IHUK, headquartered at the Landing Pad at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, has folded this initiative into its 2024–2030 strategic plan to make hockey more inclusive, more accessible, and — frankly — more fun.
“We are delighted to partner with an organisation of the NHL’s global calibre, and it shows the level of ambition that we have to grow ice hockey in the UK,” said IHUK CEO Henry Staelens. “Whether kids dream of playing for Great Britain, to make it to the NHL or just want to have fun, NHL Street Hockey opens the door for everyone.”
The pilot will hit the streets in six hockey-strong cities: Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Guildford, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Each community will work alongside IHUK to roll out the programme, backed with equipment provided by the NHL.
Oh, and it doesn’t end at ball hockey — participants will also be invited to try their luck on the ice through learn-to-skate sessions, creating a tangible path from playground to puck drop.
At its core, NHL Street Hockey strips away the traditional entry barriers that often bench young talent before they’ve even had a shift. There’s no need for an ice rink or expensive gear. Just trainers, enthusiasm, and a willingness to give it a go.
The programme is already a proven hit in countries like Sweden, Finland, Czechia, and China. Now the UK joins the fray. It’s another feather in the cap for the NHL, which already broadcasts to more than 260 countries and entertains over 670 million fans worldwide each season.
“We are thrilled to expand NHL Street Hockey into the UK in collaboration with the IHUK,” said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. “The NHL has a long history and successful track record of using ball hockey to introduce new fans to the sport and help fans grow in their love for the game.”
And if you’re wondering whether this can really spark a surge in home-grown talent, ask Liam Kirk. The first English-born-and-trained player ever drafted into the NHL knows what a game-changer this can be.
“Ice hockey is the fifth-largest spectator sport in the UK, and NHL Street Hockey gives children who love the game or are brand new to it, an opportunity to experience playing in a fun, supportive environment,” said Kirk, fresh off a DEL championship with Eisbären Berlin. “It will be a great addition to the coaching programmes that we have and develop future talent through the IHUK pathway.”
With its streetwise swagger and community-first ethos, NHL Street Hockey might just be the spark the UK has been waiting for — and if we’re lucky, it could uncover the next Liam Kirk on a school playground somewhere in Sheffield, Cardiff or Glasgow.
Hockey sticks at the ready, Britain. The puck’s about to drop — and this time, you don’t even need ice.
Editor and all round media man (although some drop out the media part). Experienced within the realms of newspaper and magazine journalism for over 20+ years. Andy got into health and fitness in a big way shortly before his 40th birthday. After years of following fad diets and trying out different products to help aid his fitness programme Andy wanted to weed out the fact from the lies in products and fitness sectors to help people make the right choices so now writes about his finding for Sustain Health.
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