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O F F T HE D R AW T'S BECOME ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DAYS ON THE HOCKEY CALENDAR, and one of USA Hockey's most effective campaigns to introduce new players to the game. This year more than 7,000 kids participated in the first of two Try Hockey For Free events held on Nov. 5, 2022. In total, 275 rinks in 42 states nationwide opened their doors to give aspiring young hock- ey players a chance to skate, pass and shoot. Minnesota and Michigan led the way with the most host sites, with the State of Hockey hosting 40 events and Michigan right behind with 34. Arapahoe Youth Hockey in Colorado hosted the highest number of participants at the South Suburban rink. During their two sessions, includ- ing a girls-specific session, almost 240 kids took the ice, including 74 skaters at the girls-only event. Of four sites nationwide that hosted more than 100 participants, three were held in Colorado. The Colorado Rampage in Monument had 101 skaters, followed closely by the Boulder Hockey Club with 100. Rounding out the top five was Kansas City Youth Hockey with 119 budding hockey players, and the Amherst (Mass.) Hockey Association had 96 signups at the UMass Mullins Center Community Rink. With the support of the NHL and its member clubs among many others, Try Hockey For Free provides youth hockey asso- ciations with a national platform to introduce kids to the game with free loaner equipment, including skates, pads, helmets and sticks. Thousands of USA Hockey-certified coaches and volunteers provide instruction and encouragement to children stepping onto the ice for the first time. Since the first Try Hockey For Free Day was held in 2010, more than 250,000 children have given hockey a try. The next Try Hockey For Free Day is slated to take place Feb. 25, as part of Hockey Week Across America. P JUNIORS Ready, Set, Skate Try Hockey For Free Events Reach Participation Milestone TRY HOCKEY p There was no shortage of laughs and smiles at 275 rinks around the country for the first of two Try Hockey For Free events. I p Try Hockey For Free events offer aspiring young hockey players a chance to skate, pass and shoot. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 9 PHOTOS SPECIAL TO USA Hockey Magazine