Brooklyn Park Association reaches out to new Hockey Families
The North Metro Hockey Association is allowing kids to try hockey for free at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center on Sunday, September 30. Organizers say numbers are down and this is a way to attract new kids to the sport.
Fastest game on ice
The North Metro Hockey Association may be having a tough time attracting new members, but the passion of organizers hasn’t dimmed.
“You can play hockey for the rest of your life,” says Chris Hay the North Metro Hockey Association President.
The North Metro Hockey Association in Brooklyn Park says playing for their organization is like being a part of a family.
“You see the same people you spend a lot of time at the rinks for practices and games,” added Hay. “At the younger ages, it’s really fun because most weekends you have an event and you get to hang out with the same kids and same families. It’s really a tight community.”
While the game of hockey is fun, the North Metro Association is having a hard time attracting new talent.
“Our kids are having tons of fun out here and we would love to have other kids joins us,” added Chris. “Especially in kindergarten, first, second, and third grade years, hockey is really expensive to start. So in those first years, we offer free registration for first year skaters.”
Along with free registration, new members can also cut costs by renting their gear.
“Basically for the first year it’s free,” says Danny Heinzman a coach with the association. “You just put a 50 dollar deposit down, just a check that they don’t even cash. At the end of the year they just rip it up.”
Benefits beyond the ice
The sport gives kids the opportunity to work together in a team environment.
“We work them on agility and how to work as a team,” added Heinzman. “It’s basically about working together rather than being an individual. We focus on their athleticisms and making sure that they are working hard.”
The kids also work with coaches who help them achieve more than just goals on the ice.
“It’s just a ton of fun being involved in the kids’ lives,” added Heinzman. “We are always trying to build their character and just makes them better athletes. It helps them focus in school and gives them a sense of purpose.”
Try Hockey for Free
To help boost their enrollment number the North Metro Hockey Association is hosting a free event this Sunday. The event will be from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center. Gear will be available for the kids to wear.
