By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Those interested in learning the basics of hockey will have a chance to do so for free during an upcoming event at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

The Pelham Youth Hockey League is teaming up with USA Hockey to host a “Try Hockey for Free” event on Saturday, March 1. The event will be held from 10-11 a.m. at the Civic Complex, which is at 500 Amphitheater Road in Pelham.

According to Pelham Hockey Director Randy Murphy, the event is aimed at giving kids their first experience with ice hockey in a “fun, safe environment taught and coached by many of the qualified and certified coaches who volunteer with (the city’s) hockey program.”

A limited number of sticks, helmets and skates will be available, and children are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Those interested in participating in the program can pre-register for the event by visiting Tryhockeyforfree.com and entering their ZIP code. The Pelham Youth Hockey League will also post more information on the program at its website at Pyhl.org.

For more information on the class, contact Murphy by emailing randy@pelhamonline.com or calling (256) 348-7984.