For the kids in Tru-Edge hockey, one of the Erie Sports Bank hockey teams,  there's a lot to love and learn from the sport.
That's why the new non-profit, Lake Erie Sport Alliance, or LESA, is working so all kids have a change to play despite the price, and to increase diversity and inclusion on the ice.

"Any kid that wants to play sport, particularly hockey, because that's our favorite, has access and is able to play. . . the ice is not cheap, the gear is not cheap, but there are ways we can make it an affordable sport," Director for LESA, Dr. Mary Crowe said.

On Tuesday, LESA presented a custom jersey, to Daryl Wood, who represented the Fulton Club, that donated $10,000 for the organization's mission.

"We'd love to see all the kids that want to play, be able to play," Wood said.

The LESA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Matt Harris said basketball was the sport that made an influence on his life. He's hoping bringing access to hockey can do the same for others.

"Being able to provide an opportunity for diversity in youth to do the same thing in the hockey rink, I'm really excited about that challenge. And I think it can really affect the community as a whole, and bring the community together," Harris said.

Not only will kids learn hockey skills but also valuable life skills including empathy and teamwork. Crowe said when those helmets and skates go on, barriers are broken down.

"Our goal is regardless of who you are, where you're from, that you always feel like you belong on the ice," Crowe said.