On Thursday, February 5, the Philadelphia Flyers are set to turn the Wells Fargo Center into more than just a hockey arena-it’ll become a celebration of community, mentorship, and opportunity. In partnership with Toyota, the Flyers will welcome 200 students and officers from Philadelphia’s 18 Police Athletic League (PAL) centers for their annual PAL Game, a night that’s about more than just hockey.
This isn’t your average night at the rink. The PAL Game, presented by Toyota, is a cornerstone community initiative that brings together three organizations-PAL, Toyota, and the Flyers-with a shared mission: to create meaningful experiences and open doors for local youth who may not always have access to them. It’s about investing in the next generation, both on and off the ice.
“The Tri-State Toyota Dealers are proud to host the Police Athletic League at this Flyers game and celebrate PAL’s incredible impact within the community,” said Paul Muller, President of the Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association. “PAL plays a meaningful role in supporting young people through positive engagement, mentorship, and community-building, and the dedicated officers involved make a lasting difference every day. Partnering with the Flyers, we’re excited to bring these officers, kids, and families together for a memorable night.”
And memorable it will be.
From the moment the puck drops, PAL students will be front and center. Rayan Kasa, a student from the Ford PAL Center, will have the honor of taking part in the ceremonial puck drop. But Kasa’s leadership moment doesn’t stop there-he’ll also be sworn in as "Mayor of the Day" during PAL Day at City Hall on March 25, another initiative backed by Toyota’s Tri-State Dealers Association.
Throughout the evening, PAL students will enjoy a lineup of unforgettable game-night experiences. We’re talking about high-fiving Flyers players as they hit the ice, riding the Zambonis during intermissions, and even watching warmups from the penalty box. Officer Joseph Ellerby, recently named PAL Officer of the Year, will join students from the Ford PAL Center on the Flyers bench for warmups, giving them a close-up look at the action and the athletes they look up to.
But the celebration doesn’t start at puck drop-it begins the day before. On Wednesday, February 4, the Flyers and Toyota will host a youth ball hockey clinic for over 30 students, led by Flyers players themselves.
It’s a hands-on, high-energy way to introduce the game to kids who may be picking up a stick for the first time. Each participant will walk away with Flyers x Toyota gift bags, and perhaps more importantly, a lasting memory of what it feels like to be part of the game.
To ensure the impact goes beyond a single day, the Flyers will also donate ball hockey equipment to the recreation center, helping pave the way for these kids to keep playing, learning, and growing through the sport.
And just when it seems the evening couldn’t be more meaningful, Toyota will make a $25,000 donation to PAL during the game. That contribution isn’t just a number-it’s a direct investment in breaking down barriers, building inclusive spaces, and empowering young people to see themselves as future leaders in their communities.
This is what sports can do when they’re at their best. They bring people together, create shared moments, and open up possibilities that extend far beyond the final buzzer. For the Flyers, Toyota, and PAL, this game is about more than hockey-it’s about building a stronger Philadelphia, one kid at a time.