Avalanche and 1616 Team Up to Teach Young Hockey Players Life Skills

The Colorado Avalanche recently teamed up with the nonprofit 1616 and the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) to host a special event. Aimed at young hockey players, the session focused on mental skills, leadership, and personal growth. Dozens of youth teams attended, including players from the Arapahoe Lady Warriors and Vail Mountaineers, just before the Avalanche faced the Pittsburgh Penguins that evening. The event was part of the 1616 program, a nonprofit founded by former NHL player Andrew Ladd and his wife Brandy. Since launching in 2019, the initiative has reached thousands of teams across the US, including many in Colorado. Through partnerships like this one, the program shares real stories from professional players to build confidence, character, and teamwork among young athletes.

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog took part in a Q&A, discussing how leadership and a positive mindset shape success in hockey. Neesha Lenzini, Safesport Co-Director, highlighted how 1616 gives CAHA tools to develop well-rounded players, not just skilled ones. She stressed that mental and character growth are essential—without them, other investments in training fall short.

Taylor Patrick, Youth Hockey Development Event Manager for the Avalanche, explained that the event was about more than hockey skills. It aimed to shape players into better teammates and leaders off the ice. Meredith Wolff, Executive Director of the Ladd Foundation, reinforced this by talking about resilience and focusing on what players can control, both in sports and life.

The event was backed by Toyota and the Hard Hat Heroes fund. As part of the partnership, Toyota pledged to donate $100 to Colorado youth hockey for every Avalanche goal scored this season. The collaboration between the Avalanche, 1616, and CAHA continues to expand, with plans to involve all 160 of Colorado's 12U teams. By blending professional insights with hands-on learning, the program helps young players grow beyond the rink. The event also secured extra funding for local hockey through Toyota's ongoing support.