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Help Create a Larger State of Hockey

By Minnesota Hockey, 10/23/17, 4:00PM CDT

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For many people in Minnesota, hockey isn’t just a game – it’s a lifestyle.

Whether it’s watching games, hanging out on tournament weekends, or flooding the outdoor rink, many parents develop almost as many friends through hockey as their kids do.  After a few years, it can be hard to imagine that some kids in Minnesota don’t play hockey.

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 research has shown over 70% of families who don’t have a kid currently playing hockey would be open to having them try it. In most cases, all they need is a friendly invite and an easy way to try it out. With your help, we have just the solution.

On November 4, 2017, over 50 communities in Minnesota will host Try Hockey For Free Day in which kids ages 4-9 are encouraged to try hockey at their local arena at no cost.

We’re looking for your support inviting families who aren’t currently playing hockey. Here are five ways easy ways you can help introduce more kids to hockey:

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 – The days when social media was only for high school and college kids are long gone. Sharing your association’s posts about Try Hockey For Free Day may draw out families and friends you didn’t even know were interested in hockey.

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 who 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 a Mentor – 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.

Good luck!

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