The Carolina Hurricanes this week will donate hockey sticks, goals and other equipment to the YWCA of the Greater Triangle as part of its Canes Street Stormers program. The program, in partnership with the National Hockey League's NHL Street program, provides street hockey equipment free of charge to community centers, schools and other youth centers throughout North Carolina. Children who participate in the YWCA summer program will don their new equipment at an introductory hockey clinic to be conducted by the Hurricanes' staff at 10 a.m. Friday.

"We're really very proud of this program," said Jon Chase, manager of promotions and fan development. "It's part of a league-wide initiative that lets area kids play hockey without economic or social barriers they might otherwise encounter. The kids love it, and it's just great to see them having so much fun."

All of the equipment is provided compliments of the NHL and the Carolina Hurricanes. The donated gear includes 24 to 36 left- and right-handed hockey sticks in tall and short sizes, street hockey balls, two goals and two sets of goalie equipment, including masks, chest protectors, catchers' mits, blockers, leg pads and goalie sticks.

"The kids in the summer program are so excited about the gear and the clinic," said Julie Seibert, director of development for the YWCA. "We're really pleased to be the benefactors of such a generous donation. I know this equipment will be put to plenty of good use in the years to come."

The Canes Street Stormers program started in 2001, involving community centers, schools and other youth groups across the state. Today, more than one million kids aged 6 - 16 across North America have participated in NHL Street.

The YWCA of the Greater Triangle is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women. Located at 554 East Hargett St. in Raleigh, the organization's programs have benefited women and their families throughout the community - in profound and life-changing ways - every day for the last 85 years.