By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Pelham’s youth hockey program is partnering with USA Hockey to bring Try Hockey for Free Day to the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena on Saturday, Nov. 8.

“(USA Hockey) puts this day on every year across the country,” Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena Director of Hockey Randy Murphy said. “It helps promote the sport to young kids who have maybe never experienced it before.”

Any boy or girl, ages three to 12, interested in hockey is invited to come by the rink between 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Nov. 8 and give the sport a try, no experience is required. Equipment will be provided and 10 to 15 coaches will be on hand to help even those who have never skated before, Murphy said.

“This is a great tool for us to educate them on the sport and what our program does,” Murphy said. “Hopefully you get hooked.”

Parents will also be provided with information about hockey and the youth hockey program at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

In the past year, the Pelham Youth Hockey program has grown from less than 100 players to more than 130 athletes, Murphy said. The program offers a variety of classes and leagues for players from less than 8 years-old to 18 years-old, starting with the introductory level Learn to Play Hockey.

“It’s the foundation of … our hockey program,” Murphy said.

Through coaching and skill development, athletes progress from Learn to Play Hockey into the newly started house league and the travel league, the Junior Frozen Tide, which travels as far as Nashville, Biloxi and Pensacola.

The hockey program recently introduced the Pelham Hockey Development Academy to build players’ skills and technique, Murphy said. The specialized program is offered every Wednesday evening at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Those interested in attending the Nov. 8 Try Hockey for Free Day are encouraged to pre-register online at Tryhockeyforfree.com. More information about the Pelham Youth Hockey program can be found at Pyhl.org.