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Try Hockey For Free Goes Olympic

By Minnesota Hockey, 01/02/14, 8:45AM CST

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After introducing over 1,800 kids across Minnesota to hockey this past November, it could be hard to imagine another Try Hockey For Free gaining that kind of momentum this season. Yet, the Try Hockey For Free set for March 1st as a part of Hockey Weekend Across America could end up being even more successful thanks to the 2014 Winter Olympics.

“We were thrilled with the turnout that Minnesota had in November on the first Try Hockey For Free Day,” said Jeff Wright, Minnesota Hockey’s Chair for Membership Development. “With USA Hockey’s support and the excitement surrounding the Olympics, we expect March to be another great event.”

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver were one of the most successful Olympics for hockey in America ever, which is saying something given what happened 30 years earlier. The gold medal game featuring Team USA facing off with border rival Canada was the most watched hockey game since the Miracle on Ice, capturing 27.6 million viewers.

Following those Olympics, there was monumental growth at the youngest levels of hockey despite a poor economy throughout the U.S. In fact, USA Hockey recorded the largest single year increase in new players in 15 years and grew nationwide by 15% at the 8 & Under level.  Perhaps even more astounding was the success of a couple of Try Hockey events held in Florida and Carolina. Combined, the two events attracted nearly 800 participants. Both locations had more new players try hockey on that day than they typically had statewide over an entire year.

This year the stage is set for another huge year of growth. 

The Try Hockey For Free Day on March 1st, 2014 will be the first Saturday following the closing ceremonies in Sochi. USA Hockey’s Try Hockey For Free program has made enormous strides since 2010 in providing local leaders the tools and resources necessary to put on great events, and for the first time ever, NBC will be promoting youth hockey during their broadcast of all the Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey games, highlighted by links to details on Try Hockey For Free Day.

In addition, March is one of the most exciting times for hockey fans and families in Minnesota. The Minnesota Hockey Region Tournaments will also be taking place that weekend which could provide new families a special opportunity to see the passion surrounding hockey in Minnesota.

To join the post-Olympic push for new players, associations should register now as the mandatory webinar week runs from January 9-15.  For more details, go to USA Hockey’s Membership Development page.

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