Hockey Across America at the Darien Sportsplex

In the Chicago area, the sport of hockey has drawn greater attention with the Stanley Cup win of our Chicago Blackhawks. Among many families, however, hockey has always been a sport of choice. 

USA Hockey and area ice rinks/hockey clubs recently celebrated "Hockey Across America," an event that celebrates the sport of hockey and the love of the game. The event identifies a three-day recognition-"Wear your favorite jersey day," "Try Hockey Day," and "Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes Day." This nationwide event took place February 17th-19th, and according to USA Hockey, more than 6,000 boys and girls tried hockey for the first time!   Several ice rinks and hockey clubs in our area celebrated this year's event by offering the Try Hockey for Free Day--providing the necessary equipment and experienced player support to children ages 2 through 13. 

The Darien Sportsplex and the Chicago Hawks Hockey Club partnered once again this year and the participation was overwhelming. Not only did children from across the area lace up skates for the first time, experienced players and coaches took to the ice to ensure this was a safe and fun event for all.

The Chicago Hawks Hockey Club also provided the proper equipment for those interested, in order for the families to "try hockey for free" before committing to the purchase of equipment.  As the regular season of hockey has entered Playoff Season, soon players will be transitioning to spring hockey--and based on the response of several of the youth that joined in on the Darien event, the Chicago Hawks Learn to Skate program will also enjoy a new pool of future hockey stars! 

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 more information about this event, please visit the USA Hockey webpage: http://www.usahockey.com/2012_Weekend_Recap.aspx