COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Hockey will lead the nation in the ninth annual Hockey Weekend Across America, Feb. 19-21.
“Hockey Weekend Across America continues to grow in stature and is an event that the hockey community looks forward to each year,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “It’s a fun three days that provides opportunities for people new to hockey the chance to try our sport and also to celebrate the game at all levels across the country.”
Each of the three days of Hockey Weekend Across America features a special theme.
“Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day” on Friday, Feb. 19, sponsored by ShopUSAHockey.com, is the day for fans to show off their hockey pride by wearing their prized hockey jerseys. USA Hockey’s Facebook and Twitter pages will accept photos from all in search of the most passionate hockey fans.
Saturday, Feb. 20, is “Try Hockey Day,” sponsored by the National Hockey League. Hundreds of rinks nationwide will host Try Hockey for Free clinics, presented by Kraft Heinz, allowing thousands of children to experience hockey for the first time. To find a participating rink near you and register, visit TryHockeyforFree.com.
To cap off the weekend, “Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes Day” on Sunday, Feb. 21, encourages all involved in the game to develop ways to honor their local hockey heroes. USA Hockey invites fans to post pictures and stories on its Facebook and Twitter pages. The day also includes NBC’s Hockey Day in America coverage that comprises an NHL tripleheader. The day begins at 12 noon ET with a half-hour pre-game show on NBC in advance of two games on the network (Pittsburgh at Buffalo; Chicago at Minnesota). NBCSN will conclude Hockey Day in America coverage on Sunday evening with the Detroit at New York Rangers game. Along with its game coverage, NBC will also produce content in and around the games showcasing hockey at all levels in the United States.
At 14 NHL games in American cities as part of Hockey Weekend Across America, two young officials will have the chance to meet with NHL officials working the particular contest prior to the game and then stay to watch those NHL officials in action. For full information surrounding the weekend, visit HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com.
Associations, teams and communities celebrating Hockey Weekend Across America are encouraged to submit their event plans to USA Hockey at this site. Promotional materials, including posters and logos, are also available for download. Use the hashtag #HWAA on Twitter in association with the event.
NOTES: Hockey Weekend Across America was created by USA Hockey in 2008 to engage the hockey community in celebrating the sport of hockey at all levels and exposing the sport to new audiences … For full information surrounding the weekend, click here … Use the hashtag #HWAA on social media in association with the event…. Liberty Mutual Insurance and Total Hockey are sponsors of Try Hockey for Free Day.
