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44 / MARCH.APRIL.2017 USICERINKS.COM NGB News USA Hockey & U.S. Figure Skating record for participation. Cora's record- breaking registration came during Hockey Week Across America (Feb. 19–26). Both Dwyer and her younger brother, Neil, were introduced to the game through USA Hockey's Try Hockey For Free Day before registering with the Little Pens Learn to Play program, an initiative of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players Association. Through growth initiatives like USA Hockey's 2 and 2 Challenge and Try Hockey , Calling all skating directors, instructors, rink managers and club board members! U.S. Figure Skating is seeking passionate individuals who want to increase their skating business and revenue, learn proven retention strategies, and define and improve their position as a leader. If this sounds like you, jump on board and join us for the Skating Director Program offered at NARCE. The 2½-day seminar focuses on the seamless administration of successful programming and ways to build a healthy customer base, retain skaters and continue to move them through the pipeline of U.S. Figure Skating programs. Attendees will complete this program motivated and equipped with a comprehensive toolkit that allows for effective leadership and business strategies in order to implement a successful and financially viable figure skating program. This program leaves no stone unturned. Every presentation provides valuable information and resources that can be implemented on any level. This is one of the most important and beneficial seminars we offer. Key topics: Program Administration • The ins and outs of U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA • Surveys and evaluations • Strategic planning and goal setting Growth • Marketing and social media • Specialty programming • Stretching your customer's dollar Retention • Learn to Skate USA to Team USA, making it fun and affordable • Customer service • Parent communication Leadership and Networking • Creating your culture • Roundtable discussions • Ask a manager NEW THIS YEAR: Personal one-on- one conferences with faculty LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE, REGISTER TODAY! Questions? Email Kim Hines at khines@learntoskateusa.com J Record-Breaking Numbers Once Again in 2016-17 Skating Director Course at NARCE For Free events, rinks across the country continue to see an increase of patrons. These events have grown significantly, having already introduced more than 128,000 new families to the sport. The February 25th Try Hockey event is the most recent example of program success. With more than 380 youth hockey associations and rinks participating, an estimated 12,000 families visited their local rink for their first hockey experience. "These are exciting times for hockey in the United States, and as our participation numbers indicate, the best is yet to come," said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey. "It's truly a credit to what I believe are the greatest volunteers anywhere, along with initiatives like USA Hockey's American Development Model and Try Hockey For Free Days, which welcome young players to the sport and provide a safe and fun environment to enjoy the sport." , A positive sign for the rink industry is the continued growth of youth hockey. The 2016-17 season will mark the second- consecutive record-breaking season for USA Hockey in the 8 and Under age classification. USA Hockey measures growth through the expansion of 8U participation since this is where most kids get started in the sport and where retention numbers fluctuate the most. Cora Dwyer, a 7-year-old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, became the 107,723rd 8U player to join USA Hockey and set a new