Try Hockey For Free This Weekend

Chelmsford Hockey Association will give kids between 4 and 9 an opportunity to try this Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Chelmsford Forum.

The event, which usually happens twice per season, is meant to give kids the opportunity to decide if they like the sport enough to keep at it.

Association President Scott Millin said the day is an opportunity to expose all kids to hockey.

"Our on ice instructors will teach the fundamentals to beginner and recreational skaters who are considering organized hockey as a sport, or who just want to see what it's like to lace up skates and strap on a helmet," he said. "Ice hockey is unique in terms of venue and equipment and CHA is utilizing our resources to help grow our membership but also to increase awareness and interest about the sport."

Ice hockey is also an expensive sport to pay thanks to increasing fees for ice time, but Millin said there are resources that can help families who want to play.

"The CHA Board of Directors is working hard to make our beginner level programs more affordable and we recently invested in twenty "starter kits" for our instructional program skaters, allowing families to rent for the season a set of equipment (excluding stick and skates) for only $15," he said.

Older, travel program players are also eligible for grant money from outside funding sources, said Millin.

"And while new equipment is expensive, our families often hand down used equipment or purchase it from places like Play It Again Sports of Chelmsford. There is also a local, non-profit organization called Restore Hockey that collects, cleans, and makes available used equipment to families in need, at no cost," he said.

The spirit of the game is always present at Try Hockey For Free Day, Millin said.

"The atmosphere of Try Hockey For Free Day is all about fun and learning the basics of hockey.  The same is true of our association: our coaches encourage players to achieve and develop but to also try their hardest, enjoy the camaraderie of their teammates, and to have fun," he said.

Millin said the number of kids trying hockey for free - and the number of kids learning to play - has been increasing each year.

"This is CHA's third year of hosting a Try Hockey For Free Day and many participants have gone on to join our Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs and have continued through to our travel league," he said.

But Try Hockey For Free Day is also about making hockey accessible and breaking down the barrier that hockey is just a sport for the wealthy, Millin said.

"Ice hockey is a great equalizer and provides a chance for boys and girls to achieve individual and collective success. Not everybody was born to be a hockey player but everybody deserves a chance to give the game a try," he said.

Try Hockey For Free Day is Sat., Feb. 18 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Chelmsford Forum. To register your child on-line go to the registration website.

The first 40 registers receive a free jersey and goodie bag, which includes a winter hat.