Justin Bieber, Maple Leafs score with new ball hockey program

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The Biebs and ball hockey are bound to score.

On Wednesday, before the regular season’s final ‘Next Generation’ home game for the Maple Leafs against the Florida Panthers, the club announced in conjunction with singer Justin Bieber’s drew house brand, a new free ball hockey league this summer.

The House of Hockey, also sponsored by Tim Hortons, will open the game up for youth who’ve encountered financial, social and other barriers.

‘I’m so happy to continue our partnership with the Leafs,” Bieber said in a statement. “My goal is to help kids everywhere have access to the sport.”

The Stratford-raised entertainer has maintained a long friendship with Leafs such as Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner and in the past couple of years, partnered with the team in an alternate ‘reversible’ jersey designed by drew house. The black sweaters are worn for kids-themed games at Scotiabank Arena a few times a year as the Leafs try and court a younger fan base.

Part of that also involves Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s research project Change The Game. Approximately 8,000 youth in Ontario identified shortfalls in resources, income and ability that prevented more than half their number to participate in sports as a whole.

Beginning in June, an eight-week ball hockey season will commence in the Greater Toronto Area, with players provided sticks, sweaters, basic equipment, skills training and coaching. Donations will expand the program into other communities.

“For many of us growing up, our introduction into hockey was simply a stick, a ball and a pair of running shoes,” said Leaf president Brendan Shanahan. “Along with Justin and drew house we look forward to empowering the future of hockey and taking steps to ensure youths that want to play have an opportunity to do so.”

Contact LeafsHouse.ca for more information.

lhornby@postmedia.com