Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/897697
46 /NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2017 USICERINKS.COM NGB News USA Hockey & U.S. Figure Skating , Host site registration is officially open for the March 3, 2018 Try Hockey For Free Day! Try Hockey events are a great opportunity to introduce new families to your rink and transition them into Spring Learn-To-Skate and Learn-To- Play programming. This year's event falls on the weekend after the conclusion of the 2018 Winter Olympics and is expected to be the biggest Try Hockey event in the program's seven-year history. Close to 16,000 families will flock to their local rink and experience hockey for the first time. The last post-Olympic event in 2014 saw record-number participation and a staggering 8.8% increase in 8-and- Under players nationwide. Try Hockey events are also a great way to introduce girls to your rink programming. Media coverage of the U.S. Women's National Team will inspire families and drive more girls to your rink. To serve as a Try Hockey host site, each rink must provide at least one hour of ice for the event, an adequate volunteer staff and at least 40 sets of loaner equipment. Each participant must be outfitted in a minimum of helmet, skates and gloves. The first 350 rinks that register to serve as a Try Hockey host site on March 3 will receive a variety of promotional resources that can be used to bolster marketing efforts and maximize the impact of your event. If you're one of the first 150 rinks to register and complete event training, you will be eligible for 40 sticks to be given to participants. Rinks will also receive event support in the form of an online registration portal, event sanctioning and giveaways. Please visit usahockeyprogramservices.com to learn more about Try Hockey For Free days and register your rink today! J Sign Up Now for 2018 National Skating Month Take Advantage of Try Hockey For Free Day , National Skating Month is an opportunity for rinks, clubs and programs to celebrate skating and invite new families to the ice by offering free lessons and skating demonstrations, and by promoting skating through local media outlets. During National Skating Month, through a series of organized on-ice and off-ice activities, everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day at the rink. In 2018, National Skating Month is celebrated throughout January and February in order to carry the excitement through the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. During this time, you can host one event or host a dozen—it's up to you! To register to host an event(s) and receive a National Skating Month kit(s), go to usfsa.org/programs?id=84145 and fill out the online registration form. Each kit is $40 and includes everything you'll need to host a successful event. Upon registration, you will receive an open house kit that includes posters, a how-to handbook, a media packet with sample press releases and announcements for customization, raffle items, autograph cards, skating stickers and other great skating souvenirs. It's all done for you—just set the date and follow the instructions. Sign up through Nov. 30 or until supplies last. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Susi Wehrli McLaughlin at swehrli@usfigureskating.org. To register: usfsa.org/programs?id=84145