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5 Keys to Getting Your Friends to Try Hockey

By Minnesota Hockey, 10/24/16, 8:00AM CDT

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For many parents, hockey isn’t just a game – it’s a lifestyle.

Take the example of a dad we talked to recently. He’s far from the “crazy” hockey parent some may picture when hearing that hockey can be a lifestyle. He simply has three kids who’ve all played hockey.

He recently realized that by the time his last son finishes high school he will have spent 20 consecutive winters running his kids to and from hockey activities. He also served on the local youth hockey board for nearly 10 years. He even admits to frequently checking online to see how his kids’ teammates who have graduated are doing in higher levels of hockey.

When you’ve been involved in hockey to that extent, or even for just a few years, it can be hard to imagine that some kids in Minnesota don’t play hockey. This is the State of Hockey after all.

The surprising truth is there are a number of kids in each community who’ve never skated, much less played hockey. The good news is you can help change that.

On November 12, 2016, nearly 60 communities in Minnesota will host Try Hockey For Free Day in which kids ages 4-9 are encourage to try hockey at their local arena at no cost. Research has shown over 70% of families who don’t have a kid currently playing hockey would be open to having them try it.

That’s where you come in. We need your help encouraging your friends and neighbors to try hockey. Here are five ways you can do so in support of Try Hockey for Free Day:

Spread the Word – Word of mouth has been shown year after year to be the most effective way to promote Try Hockey For Free Day. By talking to friends, neighbors, co-workers, church groups, other sport organizations or any other groups you’re involved with about this great opportunity, you could play a huge role in its success.

Social Butterfly – Gone are the days when social media was only for high school and college kids. That means more and more parents can be reached through social media, and most youth hockey associations are taking advantage of that. Help spread the word about Try Hockey For Free Day by sharing posts with your friends and followers.

Bring a Friend – Many associations encourage current youth players to bring their friends to try hockey.  If you know some of your child’s friends are interested in hockey but haven’t hit the ice yet, this is a great opportunity to encourage them to try hockey out at no cost and with no commitment.

Donate Equipment - Finding enough gear (especially skates) to provide each player that wants to try hockey the opportunity to use properly sized equipment is one of the biggest challenges with hosting these events. Families that are willing to donate their young players' equipment, even if it is only borrowed for the day of the event, can have a huge influence on how successful the event is.

Be an Expert – Many potential new hockey parents have a reason they may be hesitant to try hockey. The most common questions people have typically involve cost, commitment or safety. Knowing how your association supports new families in each of those areas can be the difference in whether or not your friend is willing to let their kid participate.

Combining a simple fact, such as an association’s reduced price for first year skaters, with a short story about how much your son or daughter loves the game and has improved may lead to one more youth hockey player in Minnesota. 

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