The Mentor Ice Arena and officials with the youth hockey programs are encouraging area youths to come give the sport a try, regardless of experience or skill level and with no concerns about available ice time or equipment rental cost.
On Oct. 3, the Mentor Ice Arena is hosting a USA Hockey Try Hockey for Free event at Mentor Ice Arena for kids ages 4 to 9.
Try Hockey for Free is an opportunity for kids who have never played hockey before to get on the ice and see what hockey is all about. No previous hockey experience is needed, as there will be equipment available to use and there will be coaches and volunteers on the ice to help.
Parents will also be able to learn more about how to get their child started in hockey.
There will be two sessions available:
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Register at tryhockeyforfree.com/event_detail/4903.
• 4:45-5:45 p.m. Register at tryhockeyforfree.com/event_detail/4904.
Families only need to register for one session.
Nick Ciani, head coach of the program working with children ranging from 3 to 8 years old, hopes for a large turnout.
“Hockey is such a fantastic lifelong recreation that children can participate in,” Ciani said. “It teaches intangible values that carry over for lifelong lessons. Please take the time to give the gift to your child of having the opportunity to be exposed to this wonderful game. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
Hockey Director Brady DeMell echoed Ciani’s comments that hockey is more than just a sport, it can prove to be a valuable life skill.
“Our Try Hockey for Free events allow children and parents to see the positive environment that Mentor Youth Hockey provides to allow players to develop physically, socially and emotionally as they grow up through the program,” DeMell said. “We have current players and coaches that volunteer their time to come out and make our events fun and informative, so the participants can join our youth hockey program.
“Also, this year we are bringing back our Learn to Play program for ages 7 to 14 to learn the game of hockey at the beginning stages and eventually transition to our travel hockey program.”
“Our goal at Mentor is to not only grow our players’ hockey skill, but also help them develop into young adults as they exit the program and continue into their respective high school programs,” DeMell added.
Recreation Coordinator Michelle Walters said a big reason for the success of the event is because of the volunteers from the leagues at the Mentor Ice Arena.
“This event is one of the most visited and most fun events of the year,” Walters said. “Try Hockey for Free can only be that successful with wonderful volunteers from the Arena’s own Men’s Hockey League and Youth Hockey League. They make sure every new player who steps on the ice has an enjoyable experience while learning a little about hockey and skating.”