At Hasek’s Heroes, we don’t just teach kids how to skate we build confidence, character, and community. That mission comes to life in one of our most inspiring programs: Learn to Play in partnership with the Buffalo Sabres. And it all leads to something special the moment each young player earns their cape.
The Learn to Play program is the next step for players who have completed our Learn to Skate program. It’s a 6-week journey where participants put on full gear, pick up a stick, and begin to truly learn the game of hockey from shooting and passing to teamwork and sportsmanship.
Each week, players earn stamps in their HEROES Passport Book, representing the leadership traits we emphasize both on and off the ice. Players also pick two fun stickers to personalize their book after each session, reinforcing pride and progress.
The “Earn Your Cape” initiative is the heart of the program it’s a recognition of the hard work, growth, and commitment each child has shown throughout their hockey journey. To earn their cape, participants must:
Complete both Learn to Skate and Learn to Play
Attend at least 5 out of 6 sessions from each 6-week program
Embrace and demonstrate the following leadership values:
H – Helpful: Supporting teammates and coaches
E – Engaged: Focused and participating
R – Responsible: Accountable on and off the ice
O – Optimistic: Positive and encouraging
E – Exemplary: Leading by example
S – Strong: Resilient and determined
These values are introduced weekly and reinforced by coaches throughout each practice. Players who live out these traits earn one letter at a time until their helmet proudly spells out H-E-R-O-E-S.
The program ends with Cape Day — an unforgettable celebration that feels more like a graduation ceremony than a practice.
“This is their graduation ceremony the moment they’ve worked for. It’s where their hockey journey truly begins,” says Program Director Joe Lo Tempio. “We make it unforgettable with Sabretooth in the building, laser lights, fog machines, and each player’s name announced as they take the ice wearing their custom Hasek’s Heroes cape. It’s a celebration of their hard work, growth, and the start of something special.”
From the dramatic lighting and music to the cheers from family and teammates, Cape Day is a moment of pride these kids will never forget.
Cape Day and the HEROES system aren’t just about the fun — they’re about what it means to believe in yourself, support others, and grow into something greater. This is where confidence is built, leadership is discovered, and love for the game takes hold.
We’re proud to partner with the Buffalo Sabres in creating these life-changing experiences for youth in our community and we can’t wait to see who earns their cape next.
Ready to join the journey? Keep an eye out for our next Learn to Play session and start your path to becoming a HERO