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Official Home of Michigan Amateur Hockey Association 

Try Hockey For Free - Association Program

Michigan Try Hockey For Free Program for local associations

APPLY TODAY TO HOST A 2023-24 TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE EVENT!

The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is proud to accept applications from associations and rinks interested in hosting a Try Hockey for Free event during the 2023-24 season!

With the support of Growth Partners, such as BIGGBY Coffee, MAHA has the opportunity to offer a calendar of growth events (i.e. Try Hockey for Free, Girls Try Hockey for Free) in order to generate membership growth. These free clinics are designed to put boys and girls on the ice for the first time, offering their first chance to experience the game of ice hockey – a great way to grow your association! All events will be supported by MAHA through online registration, event coordination, on-ice instruction, equipment rental, event promotion and communication.

Approved host sites will be required to provide the following:

  • One hour of ice*
  • Grassroots promotion of event*
  • Access to rental skates
  • Event Volunteers:
    • On-Ice: Bantam/Midget/HS age players to help with tutoring (provide 1-on-1 help for brand new skaters)
    • Registration – Check-in & check out
    • Equipment – Distribution and return, provide assistance to first-time participants
    • Recruitment – Off-ice liaison (director) to answer parent questions about association and its future programs
  • Post-Event Program to Entice Participants to Join Association
    • Example: 4-week Learn to Skate / Learn to Play, priced at less than $100

(* Equipment needs and activation may be supported by BIGGBY Coffee and our Hockey Events Manager, Jon Hosking (jhosking@maha.org). Applicable to non-national dates only)

All requested dates are subject to MAHA approval. Approved clinics may begin as early as September 2023, and potentially run through Spring 2024. While weekend dates are optimal, week night events are also available. Due to limited availability, all applications must be received by Sunday, October 1st .

National Try Hockey for Free Days November 4, 2023 & February 24, 2024 (tentative)

Try Hockey For Free Days provides youth hockey associations a national platform and opportunity to acquire new players locally. Associations will attract new players for this season as well as capture interested families for the following season.

2023 - 2024 National Try Hockey For Free Days
Register with USA Hockey to be included in the national promotion of the event. You will also receive materials form USA Hockey for the event. (This usually includes jerseys for the players)

Click here to register as a host association

EVENT HOSTING RESOURCES

Preparing to host an upcoming Try Hockey For Free event? Review the resources below for step-by-step guidance on how to execute a successful Try Hockey For Free event for your association. You'll also find some helpful marketing and promotional ideas to maximize awareness and ensure a great turnout!