After-School All-Stars (ASAS) Columbus opened its doors downtown in 2000 and soon discovered that while many of the schools had various program activities and student-focused events, the student engagement and participation levels were low and inconsistent. The ASAS Columbus team was committed to ensuring the safety and engagement of all students and found hockey to be the answer to both concerns.

After receiving a grant from the Columbus Blue Jacket Foundation, the charitable organization within the NHL team, ASAS Columbus launched Camp Hockey Heroes—a week-long youth leadership and mentoring program based on the successful curriculum of ASAS National’s Camp Hoop Heroes. The program involves learning the sport of hockey alongside mentors that offer advice about school, careers and self-improvement. In the program’s first year, 20 students from Champion Middle School participated. Throughout the week, they learned about careers both on and off the ice and enjoyed a behind-the-scene tour of the Fox Sports Ohio production truck before attending a hockey game. Looking ahead, ASAS Columbus plans on introducing Camp Hockey Heroes to two more schools—a program proven to engage students craving for something fun to do afterschool.