rvilles shot was blocked at the buzzer.In overtime, Pondexter split two defenders in the lane to help Chicago to a 96-95 lead. After Minnesota jumped back in front on a McCarville basket, Pondexter made another layup in traffi

TORONTO -- Last winter, Hockey Canada and Bauer Hockey Inc. commissioned an independent survey to better understand the challenges facing non hockey-playing families. Thats because according to the two organizations, approximately 90 per cent of Canadian families choose to not have their kids play hockey. So a survey of 875 non hockey-playing families in Ontario and Nova Scotia was conducted to better understand why they dont play the game and the top four reasons given were a) it wasnt fun b) was too time consuming c) safety concerns d) and affordability. The good news is 73 per cent of those surveyed also said theyd consider putting their kids in the game in future while 40 per cent said theyd definitely consider it. Hockey Canada and Bauer Canada unveiled pilot programs Thursday at Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) for launch in Ontario and Nova Scotia this fall to address the survey findings. Its the next phase in Grow The Game, an initiative launched last year to add one million new players by 2022. "What this does is (set off) that little bell," said Paul Carson, Hockey Canadas vice-president of hockey development. "Its a reminder that youve got promote the game in a way people understand the fun and positive experiences youngsters have in the sport." Former NHL star Mark Messier is assisting Bauer and Hockey Canada in their quest to get more players in the game. The six-time Stanley Cup champion says theres more to hockey in Canada than making it to the NHL, winning gold medals on the world stage and playing at the highest rep level. "That is a great part of our game, we all know that, I mean I lived it, so many Canadians have lived it and fans live it," Messier said. "But hockey is so much more than that for our children and thats the idea were trying to get across that it doesnt have to be that. "Im in no way demeaning those programs because theres a need for that and theres kids who are ready for that. But its the other kids we need to pay attention to and theres a lot of those kids who are kind of getting bypassed right now." Six-week pilot programs will be launched this fall and next spring in Hamilton, the Toronto neighbourhood of Scarborough, Halifax and East Hants, N.S. Bauer, Hockey Canada and local governing bodies will host fun days for parents and children while also providing information on hockey safety and educating on proper equipment fit, among other subjects. As well, enrolment and equipment will be bundled together at $100. Once the programs are launched, they will be re-evaluated and expanded into other regions. Kevin Davis, the president and chief executive officer of Bauer, said addressing the issue of hockey affordability was important. "We just want to completely remove that from being a barrier and its a compelling offer relative to other sports," he said. "Again, its a pilot program and were going to roll this out and see what kind of success (we have) and my guess is were going to learn some stuff as we go. "We have a responsibility to our shareholders to grow the company but we have a responsibility to the sport. This is the heart of hockey here in Canada . . . were committed to getting more kids on the ice." Messier, for one, was stunned by the survey results. "I think it comes to a shock to everybody," he said. "We like to consider ourselves at the top of the pyramid in hockey around the world and if were going to stay there . . . we have to continue to develop our talent pool. "In order to do that we have to continue to introduce the game to more kids, get more kids playing and keep those kids that do try it in the game. This is one way, hopefully, we can start to do that. Were trying to send the message now that hockey is for everybody and theres a place for everybody if you want to play hockey." Messier said its important for kids to have alternate places to play other than rep or travel leagues. "We dont want to make our kids feel like theyre failures because that (rep, AAA) isnt for them or theyre not ready for that," he said. "Right now theres not a real soft place for them to land if they dont make that but still love the game. "If theyre not in the game they cant make it so were going to keep the kids in the game, theyre going to more fun and theyre going to be passionate about it. If they do develop and get that keen sense of passion that you need to play at that intense level, I think were going to have more kids who are funnelling through that, it just might take them a little longer." Glen Rice Jersey . Sgt. Eric ONeal says most of the arrests at Monday nights game were for public drunkenness, though one person was taken into custody on suspicion of trying to steal a seat from the stadium. Bobby Phills Jersey . They had already blown a double-digit lead, fans were hitting the exits, and a long seven-game road trip waited at the end. https://www.cheaphornets.com/ . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. Cody Martin Jersey . -- If this was Aaron Gordons final home game at Arizona, and it almost certainly was, then he went out in style. Terry Rozier Jersey . Durant finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Jackson matched his career high with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Lamb scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, lifting the Thunder to a 94-88 win over San Antonio and snapping the Spurs 11-game winning streak. ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Courtney Vandersloot hit two free throws to force overtime and Cappie Pondexter made a go-ahead layup with 21.3 seconds left to help the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 98-97 on Tuesday night.The Sky (17-15) moved into fourth in the WNBA standings, which comes with a first-round bye in the playoffs. Chicago has two games left this season.The Sky also hosted 50 Cent after rookie Imani Boyette used social media to campaign for the rapper to come to a WNBA game. Actress Sophia Bush also watched Chicagos win.Minnesota (26-6) took an 86-83 lead with 6.1 seconds left in regulation and the Lynx fouled Vandersloot intentionally in the backcourt. She made the first free throw and purposely missed the second. She grabbed the rebound, was fouled again and hit twwo free throws with 2.dddddddddddd7 seconds left. Janel McCarvilles shot was blocked at the buzzer.In overtime, Pondexter split two defenders in the lane to help Chicago to a 96-95 lead. After Minnesota jumped back in front on a McCarville basket, Pondexter made another layup in traffic for a 98-97 lead. Minnesotas Renee Montgomery was called for traveling with 1.4 seconds left.Pondexter scored 24 points and Vandersloot had 18 for sixth-ranked Chicago. The Sky played without the reigning MVP Elena Delle Donne, who had surgery Tuesday to repair her injured right thumb.Maya Moore scored 22 of her 27 points after halftime for top-ranked Minnesota. ' ' '