Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/958383
42 / MARCH.APRIL.2018 USICERINKS.COM M ost of us in the ice business celebrate hockey 365 days out of the year—give or take a few days where we might see the outside and feel the warmth of the sun on our face. But for a weekend each year, we get to share our celebrations with those not as familiar with how great ice, skates and pucks can really be, thanks to USA Hockey's Hockey Weekend Across America (HWAA). Started in 2008 by USA Hockey, HWAA is an effort to celebrate the game of hockey and those involved at all levels, and to also expose the game to new audiences. "We always want to be working to grow our game," USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher told Sirius XM. "You can never have too many hockey fans, and really what we want to see the numbers in hockey grow too." The 11th annual Hockey Weekend Across America kicked off on March 2 and concluded the following Sunday, March 4, capitalizing on the Olympic momentum. And while we just missed the window to get you this breakdown in time for this year's HWAA, we've compiled a go-to for next year's hockey holiday festivities to make sure you're not missing out on the action—or chance to recruit some new faces in your facility. Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day Who doesn't love to toss on their favorite hockey sweater, especially on a casual Friday? HWAA kicks off with getting people excited to don their hockey gear and share across social media channels— selfie time! At the rink, where you're likely to see plenty of unis anyway, encourage folks to come dressed for the occasion by offering $1 off admission, or even hosting a contest to see "who wore it best." Use your own social media pages to get customers involved online by sharing photos and videos of themselves in their favorite hockey jersey at your facility. Try Hockey For Free Now in their eighth season, USA Hockey's national Try Hockey for Free Days have introduced more than 153,000 children to the sport. On March 3, more than 400 by JESSI PIERCE REAL PROGRAMS Hockey Weekend Across America PHOTOS: COURTESY OF USA HOCKEY Sticks and Stripes MORE THAN 400 RINKS IN 46 STATES HOSTED A TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE EVENT TO GIVE KIDS THAT HAVE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE A CHANCE TO TRY THE SPORT FOR FREE DURING HOCKEY WEEKEND ACROSS AMERICA MARCH 2-4. Hockey Weekend Across America shines again in its 11th year