Attention, hockey-loving parents and kids: Your child can try hockey — for free — on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. USA Hockey is hosting a Try Hockey for Free event for kids ages 4 to 9 years old. A free indoor activity? Bring. It. On.
USA Hockey’s Try Hockey for Free program is a great way to get kids started in a sport, particularly if they’re still trying to decide which one they like. Whether they’ve never been in skates or already have a few years of experience on the ice, all are welcome.
The program offers a safe environment for children to learn about the sport and get on the ice with certified coaches and instructors. Try Hockey for Free is available at 450 locations across the U.S. Sound good? Keep reading for everything you need to know and a link to register your child.
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Try Hockey for Free Day is an annual event sponsored by USA Hockey for 4- to 9-year-olds across the U.S.
There are 450 locations across the United States that participate in the Try Hockey for Free event. Visit TryHockeyForFree.com for a searchable map to find a participating location in your area. Just enter your zip code, and the map will show you the closest Try Hockey arenas near you.
If you don’t see a participating rink hosting a Try Hockey for Free event near you, it likely means there isn’t one in your area. If you’re unsure about whether or not your local rink is participating, give them a call directly and ask just to make sure.
The next Try Hockey for Free Day is on Feb. 22, 2025.
Every year, we see this event on a Saturday in late February. In 2025, it's been confirmed by USA Hockey to take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Last year, it was on Saturday, Feb. 24, and so we'll likely see next year's event on Feb. 21, 2026.
Kids from 4 to 9 years old can join in.
The Try Hockey for Free program is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 9. However, some host sites may be able to accommodate participants outside of this age range. If you'd like to see if your child can participate, contact your local host site to find out more.
To get in touch with USA Hockey directly, call (719) 538-1118 or email comeplayyouthhockey@usahockey.org.
You don’t need your own hockey equipment to participate.
Many of the host locations have equipment available for participants to use during the Try Hockey for Free event. But if you have your own equipment, you can absolutely bring it. That will free up loaner equipment for kids who don’t have their own. To find out more about equipment availability, we recommend that you contact the host site directly to ensure they’ll have enough equipment on hand.
Children with little to no ice experience are welcome.
Absolutely no experience is required. The Try Hockey for Free event is designed to introduce new players to the sport in a low-pressure way. Certified coaches and instructors will be on the ice to help players of all abilities. And if your little one does have experience on the ice, they’re still more than welcome to join in on the fun.
Membership in USA Hockey isn't required.
You don't need a USA Hockey membership to participate in the Try Hockey for Free event. You'll fill out a waiver for the participant during registration, which ensures that they're covered by the organization for the event. Afterwards, you’ll receive more information about USA Hockey membership in case your child wants to keep the good times going.
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