Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/621102
REAL PROGRAMS Successful programs to consider adopting USA100018_DressUp 1 by JESSI PIERCE 40 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2016 RINKMAGAZINE.COM T here's something special about see- ing a child suited up from helmet to skate and on the ice with a hockey stick in his or her hand for the first time. For the past six years, USA Hockey has magni- fied that sight with the help of its Try Hockey For Free events, hosted bi-annually at rinks across the nation. "Try Hockey For Free has become a staple for families who have never tried hockey before," said Kevin Erlenbach, USA Hockey's director of membership development. "It's all about introducing them to the sport in a fun way." At each event, first-time players between the ages of 4 and 9 are supplied with jerseys and equipment. Since USA Hockey began its initiative of national Try Hockey For Free events in 2010, they have introduced more than 100,000 kids to the sport. This year's early event on November 7—a part of the month-long Come Play Hockey initiative with the NHL—introduced 14,129 kids to hockey for the first time. Even more impressive: that number was tallied from 481 host sites across 48 participat- ing states. The translation into first-time players registering for hockey this season was undoubtedly noticeable. "So many of those kids who come to the November event are so eager to sign up and play," said Erlenbach. "That's the goal, really." In November, each host site averaged 32 participants per ses- sion. According to Erlenbach, the second Try Hockey For Free event of the year is expect- ed to be even bigger. This year's second Try Hockey For Free event will once again take place in February as a part of Hockey Weekend Across America—a weekend-long celebration of the game. Sandwiched between Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day and Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes Day, February 20 will welcome new families to the sport. In addition to the free jerseys, arenas and associations FIRST STEPS Try Hockey For Free events introduce young players to the game "IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE A BIG RINK OR ASSOCIATION, OR A LITTLE RINK OR ASSOCIATION. IF YOU DO IT RIGHT AND FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS WE HAVE AND USE THE MARKETING TOOLS PROVIDED, YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS." PHOTOS: COURTESY OF USA HOCKEY