By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena is offering two separate events in the coming weeks and months to encourage youth to get on the ice.

The arena is holding a Try Hockey For Free event on Saturday, April 19, while weekly summer camps will be held from June to July.

According to the civic complex, Alabama now has more than 1,200 registered youth hockey players, with the sport growing exponentially. The Try Hockey for Free event introduces an opportunity for kids to experience the sport, with equipment provided.

Josh Harris, the director of hockey at the PCCIA, outlined further logistics of the event.

“THFF is an offering to gain interest from all ages in the sport,” Harris said. “We have a few coaches and youth players on the ice guiding and playing with the new players. Adults are welcome to come give it a try as well.”

The event comes, according to Harris, in relation to the massive growth of hockey in the state.

“Numbers in our Learn to Play and Learn to Skate programs are steadily growing,” Harris said. “Both classes are offered year-round, so this helps other athletes that participate in other sports too.”

The typical age range served at the event is from age 4 to age 10, but all ages are welcome to attend.

“Summer heat is no joke, so why not spend it on an ice rink?” Harris said. “Hockey is growing in the state of Alabama with multiple pro teams, many college clubs and now junior hockey coming this fall. It’s exciting to be a part of the growth.”

Along with the Try Hockey for Free event, the PCCIA is hosting a summer camp featuring ice skating, games, crafts, sports, skating sessions on the ice, nature trail hikes, indoor and outdoor games and water activities.

The event is open to children ages 6 through 13. Christian Newberry, the skating director at the PCCIA, outlined what sets this summer camp apart from others in the area.

“One of the biggest things that sets our camp apart is that we offer ice skating every single day,” Newberry said. “It’s a unique way to keep kids active during the hot summer months and something you won’t find at most other camps in the area.”

Newberry emphasized that the camp is multi-faceted, with a bevy of activities to keep children entertained.

“Each day at camp is packed with a fun and engaging mix of activities,” Newberry said. “Campers can look forward to time on the ice-skating rink, hands-on arts and crafts, exciting STEM projects, kid-friendly cooking sessions and outdoor games and play. There’s something for every interest.”

Newberry added that the camp is a relatively new endeavor for the PCCIA.

“This is our first year offering camp in this particular format, with expanded dates and more variety in the activities offered,” Newberry said. “We’re really excited about what we have to offer our campers this year.”

The variety of the activities offered, according to Newberry, makes the camp have lasting power.

“We believe it’s the wide variety of activities that makes camp such a hit,” Newberry said. “Every day is different, and there’s always something new and fun to try.”

For more information on both events and the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, visit Pelhamciviccomplex.com.