Here’s where we break it down—how the program started, who’s behind it, and the key elements that make it work.
BUILDING CHAMPIONS ON THE ICE AND BEYOND.
Here’s where we break it down—how the program started, who’s behind it, and the key elements that make it work.
1616 isn’t about the number Andrew Ladd wore, or the years he spent in pro hockey. it’s about the journey that taught him what really matters
After years in the NHL, Andrew Ladd thought he knew what it took to succeed—hard work, grinding through setbacks, and pushing forward no matter what. But after two major knee surgeries, he found himself struggling—sent down to the minors, and realizing that just working harder wasn’t enough anymore.
He began working with a mental performance coach—and everything shifted. The skills he was learning—resilience, self-awareness, managing pressure—were game-changing. And yet, he’d never been taught as a young player.
THE LADD FOUNDATION AND SIXTEEN SIXTEEN
Andrew and Brandy Ladd created the Ladd Foundation & 1616 to change the game. Backed by research, the program puts mental fitness at the centre of youth hockey.
I want kids to see that the challenges they face are the same ones even pro players deal with.
—Andrew Ladd
BUILT ON RESEARCH.DESIGNED FOR IMPACT.
Sixteen Sixteen was built on proven research, combined with real-world experience from Coaches, Hockey Parents, and Players. We test and refine every season with feedback from thousands of participants, ensuring our approach is practical, effective, and grounded in what works.
Guided by a research-to-practice framework. Introducing the 4 C’s.
1616 isn’t theory—it’s been built, tested, and refined with input from leaders in positive youth development, mental performance coaches, youth sport experts, and real-world feedback from teams.
The result is a best-in-class curriculum designed to build the 4 C’s of positive youth development: Character, Connection, Confidence, and Competence. And because outcomes matter, the program includes validated assessments—so progress isn’t just felt, it’s measured. Real growth. Clear results.
