As the Chicago Blackhawks commence their training camp this week, the organization has announced the return of “Try Hockey For Free” weekend. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. Registration is currently open for free clinics at more than 27 local rinks across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The participating rinks will host on-ice sessions for children aged four to 13 who are interested in trying hockey. Each participant will receive a jersey, t-shirt, hockey stick, and a ticket to a Blackhawks game for the upcoming 2024-25 season at no cost. Skate rentals will also be provided by each rink; however, participants must bring their own helmets. Representatives from the rinks will be available to assist attendees with registration for learn-to-skate programs and provide information on further steps if they wish to continue playing.
“Our ‘Try Hockey For Free’ event is designed to help parents overcome the initial barriers to trying out the sport and offer kids an easy and fun way to see if they want to come back for more,” said Jaime Faulkner, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Our first event last year exposed hundreds of children to the game, and we’re excited to build upon that success by doubling the number of available spaces this year through the partnership and generosity of our incredible local rink partners. Together, we are committed to sharing our love for the game with families across the region to grow and advance our local amateur hockey community,” Faulkner added.
A marquee event will take place at Fifth Third Arena, the Chicago Blackhawks' official practice facility and community ice rink on Saturday, Oct. 12. Participants can enjoy kid-friendly interactive activities in addition to the on-ice session.
Families interested in floor hockey or dekhockey can register for sessions at Tinley Park District or Glencoe DekHockey respectively.
Advanced registration is strongly encouraged as capacity is limited and few walk-ups will be accepted. To find a local rink and register, visit Blackhawks.com/TryHockey.
The initiative aims not only to introduce young players to hockey but also supports other programs such as 'Little Blackhawks' learn-to-play program, High School Rivalry Series, Illinois State High School Hockey Championships at United Center in partnership with Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI), among others. Further details about these programs will be announced throughout the 2024-25 season on Blackhawks.com/Amateur.