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USA Hockey announces record numbers for ‘Try Hockey’ and recognizes Bay County’s efforts

MiHockey Staff

By Michael Caples –

USA Hockey announced today that a record 12,602 boys and girls participated in their ‘Try Hockey For Free Day’ last Saturday (Nov. 2), and they recognized the great job done by the Bay County Hockey Association at the same time.

A total of 486 locations over 48 states held events that provided free equipment and a chance to try youth hockey for the first time for aspiring players.

One of the seven bullet-pointed ‘highlights’ from the day was that the Bay County Hockey Association held two ‘Try Hockey For Free’ skates at the Bay County Civic Arena that saw 150 kids experience the game for the first time.

“We’re thrilled with the record turnout during last weekend’s Try Hockey for Free Day,” said Pat Kelleher, USA Hockey’s assistant executive director of development, in a release. “We greatly appreciate the energy from our volunteers who introduced our sport to the next generation of hockey players, and the support from all levels of the game, particularly the NHL and its member clubs.”

Congrats to Bay County Hockey Association president Kent Holsing, vice president Kevin Light and the rest of the BCHA for putting on two great events for aspiring players.

The other highlights from the Nov. 2 ‘Try Hockey For Free Day’ were:

  • Many NHL franchises promoted local Try Hockey for Free opportunities and several sponsored their own events.
  • Across the state of Minnesota, nearly 2,000 kids participated at 74 different events to lead the nation.
  • The Richmond (Va.) Generals Hockey League drew 51 children to SkateNation Plus.
  • The Oshkosh (Wis.) Youth Hockey Association had 114 first-timers.
  • Fifty-seven kids flocked to the Taos (N.M.) Youth Hockey Association event at Taos Youth & Family Center.
  • The Portland Jr. Hawks had 63 players at the Winterhawks Skating Center in Beaverton, Ore.