WOODBRIDGE, N.J. - Across the United States, over 7,000 children stepped onto the ice for the very first time during the first of two national Try Hockey for Free days this season. In the Atlantic Affiliate, over 20 rinks offered the no cost program that featured partnerships with local NHL franchises including the Devils, Flyers, and Rangers.

Host sites provide equipment for participants to borrow as they enjoy games on the ice. Volunteers and coaches from Learn to Play and in-house programs take the ice to provide guidance for children on the ice.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of kids and families at rinks across the country was inspiring,” said Kevin Erlenbach, assistant executive director for membership at USA Hockey. “Try Hockey for Free is a fun introduction to our sport. A special shoutout to all the great grassroots volunteers in communities all around the nation who helped put on Try Hockey events.”

The next Try Hockey for Free day is during Hockey Week Across America in February 2023. To register your rink as a host site, visit TryHockeyForFree.com.