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Date: 11/1/2022
AMHERST – The Amherst Hockey Association (AHA) will host its annual Try Hockey for Free Day on Nov. 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. at the UMass Amherst Mullins Center Community Rink at 200 Commonwealth Ave.
Kristin Balboni, Registrar of the AHA, said that the event is part of a national program with USA Hockey.
“Try Hockey for Free Day is a national initiative from USA Hockey to provide opportunities for kids to get to experience hockey for the first time. Amherst Hockey partners with USA Hockey for [the day’s events],” she said.
At 12:30 p.m. the used gear sale will commence. Items are donated by AHA members and Amherst residents in general. Balboni explained the used gear sale as eliminating hockey’s financial barriers to entry.
“Hockey can be a very expensive sport,” Balboni said. “The gear sale provides a way for people to get the equipment at a big, big discount.”
She mentioned that the gear sale is still accepting donations, and anyone who would like to donate can reach out to her via the AHA website.
The day’s on-ice portion begins at 1:30 p.m. Balboni said it is “open for people of all abilities, people who’ve never skated before or people with some skating experience,” from ages three to 12.
Participants will be grouped according to skill level. Those with no skating experience will be provided with buckets and skating aids to balance. Those who skate independently will do some drills, and then play in a scrimmage at the end. According to Balboni, USA Hockey has supplied “some gifts” for the participants.
Balboni spoke highly of the Try Hockey for Free Day program, including a testimonial from her own family.
“Nobody in my house growing up played hockey. We went to Try Hockey for Free, my kids really had a good time, then they did the Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs, and now, six years later, they’re playing travel hockey,” she said.
The week after this event, the AHA will begin its Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs, as well as its Girl’s House program for players who identify as female or nonbinary.
Balboni encouraged families to attend, promising fun for children and parents alike.
“We love to see all the little kids out there learning how to skate and how to play hockey. It’s really exciting how quickly they develop and pick it up. It’s really fun to watch,” she added.