Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by CCM, will be highlighted by Try Hockey for Free Day on Saturday, March 1, 2014. This is a national effort to have more than 500 local rinks and association introduce kids between the ages of 4 and 9 to youth hockey. Participating host locations will receive jerseys, promotional items, marketing tools, USA Hockey sanctioning and online registration to maximize participation.
We want to capitalize on the excitement and broad exposure of the Olympic Games. The last post-Olympic season (2010-11) had a 15% increase in new 8 & under players. This was the largest increase in new players in the past 15 years.
For a detailed overview of the program and what USA Hockey provides, see below or CLICK HERE
To sign up as a host location on March 1st, please REGISTER HERE.
WHAT IS TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE DAY?:
Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by, will be highlighted by a Try Hockey For Free Day on Saturday, March 1, 2014. This program, designed to provide youth hockey associations a national platform to introduce new kids to the sport, is a joint-effort between USA Hockey, the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs.
The goal is to have 500 locations host a try hockey for free clinic for kids between the ages of 4 to 9. Capitalizing on the Olympic excitement and with winter sports in full swing, this event provides local associations the perfect opportunity to introduce new families to youth hockey.
HOST SITE REQUIREMENTS:
One hour of ice Volunteers
o On-ice
o Check-in
o Getting dressed o Off-ice recruiter o Marketing
Equipment
o Minimum of 40 helmets, skates & gloves (can be winter gloves) are required o Full sets of equipment to let participants borrow is recommended if available
WHAT HOST SITES RECEIVE:
- 40 USA Hockey/NHL jerseys
- 40 goodie bags
- On and off ice guidelines
- USA Hockey Sanctioning
- Online management and registration tool
- Grassroots promotional tools
o Customizable templates for printable material
- Best practices on attracting new families
- National marketingKEY DATES:January 9—15, 2014
Webinar Week
o To receive your marketing material, jerseys, goodie bags and to be promoted as a
participating location, a representative from your host site will need to participate in one of the webinars being offered this week
February
- Jerseys arrive
- Goodie bags/Valentine’s Day cards will come in a separate shipment March 1st
Try Hockey For Free Day
Common Questions:
Q: How many kids can I expect to attend?
A: Sites that follow our recommendations, and do at least three of our marketing programs, have averaged 32 new kids.
Q: Who is responsible for the ice?
A: The local association/rink host is responsible for securing ice and the associated cost.
Q: Who organizes the coaches and administrative help?
A: The host site is responsible for collecting volunteers to make sure the event is well-staffed and managed.
Q: What about equipment?
A: To run a sanctioned USA Hockey growth event, every player minimally must be wearing skates, helmet and winter gloves. You can do a used equipment drive or solicit association members to see if you can borrow helmets. A limited amount of OneGoal Starter Equipment is available for $70 a set through USA Hockey. Please make sure your rink has rental skates.
Q: How do I make sure that I am not liable if a child get injured?
A: In order to be a host site, we will contact your Associate Registrar and sanction your event as a grow the game event. Then participants will need to register through TryHockeyForFree.com and they will be covered by USA Hockey insurance for your try hockey for free clinic.
Q: When will I receive my jerseys and goodie bags?
A: They arrive in two separate shipments at least 1 to 2 weeks prior to the event. In order to receive these items, a representative from the host site must attend one of the webinars being offered January 20-28, 2014
Q: What if more than 40 kids show up and we don’t have enough jerseys/goodie bags for everyone?
A: Associations that succeed at attracting a large group will need to get creative; unfortunately, there are not enough jerseys and goodie bags to send more. Most groups use them as an incentive for early online registration, promoting that the first 40 to sign up will receive a jersey and goodie bag.
Q: How do I get printable marketing pieces?
A: There will be customizable templates for flyers, Valentine’s Day cards and posters. If you need help customizing, please communicate with your Program Services rep. A limited amount of Valentine’s Day cards will be shipped to you; these are to be distributed to your association’s families for their Valentine’s Day parties. All other printing costs are left up to the host site.
Q: Why is the event only being promoted to 4 to 9 year olds?
A: Almost all kids begin playing youth hockey between the ages of 4 to 9. Your association will benefit most by focusing your recruitment efforts to kids in this age group. Maximizing the amount of players that can easily transition into your existing programs will increase your chances for player retention.
