Andersen Elementary’s fourth-grade students file outside, ignoring the light mist in the morning air as they line up along the blacktop behind the school. They chatter among themselves until they hear a familiar rallying cry: “Ducks! Ducks! Ducks!”

“Quack! Quack! Quack!” they quickly respond in unison.

The students are about halfway into the SCORE (Scholastic Curriculum of Recreation and Education) Street Hockey Program provided by the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club. 

In partnership with Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Anaheim Ducks staff host a five-week program on three NMUSD campuses. In addition to learning the basics of street hockey, including safety, proper technique, and positioning, the students learn about the importance of teamwork and communication.  

“The street hockey program is a unique and exciting way to provide additional physical education opportunities to our students. They’re exposed to a challenging sport by trained professionals who guide them through fun skill-building activities with their peers. We’re grateful for the district’s continuing partnership with the Ducks,” said Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Dr. Kurt Suhr.

Davis Magnet School was the first NMUSD school to utilize the free partnership in 2008, and the educational enrichment program has since spread to Andersen and Harbor View Elementary. Fourth-grade students at each of the schools are given instructional workbooks, vouchers for their own street hockey sticks and no-bounce balls, and on-site instruction from professional Ducks staff; the school receives a donation of equipment that includes street hockey sticks, balls, nets, and goaltender protection. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Reading Is the Goal program, which rewards students for meeting literacy goals with Ducks-branded merchandise and opportunities to attend a Ducks home game at the Honda Center in Anaheim. 

At a recent hockey practice, Davis fourth-grader Glorianne Cantt showed off her new Ducks gear. “We just started, so I’m not sure if I like hockey yet. But I like that I got a hat for reading, which is something I already do,” she said. 

The annual Anaheim Ducks SCORE Street Hockey Shootout is a one-day festival at the Honda Center that includes a street hockey tournament in which student teams compete for the perpetual Ducks SCORE Shootout Cup. According to Teacher Tim Reese, 13 fourth-graders from Andersen are preparing for the May 3 event, which includes a barbecue, hockey-style carnival games, music, and more. 

“We also had the Ducks mascot Wild Wing come to our school to meet the kids. Andersen has been involved with the street hockey program for 15 years, and it’s been such a great opportunity for the students that I hope we can continue for many years,” Reese said.

The district’s longtime partnership with the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club is a testament to Newport-Mesa’s dedication to growing students’ educational and extracurricular opportunities.