Ice arena offering free hockey session.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — The West Shore Community Ice Arena, in collaboration with USA Hockey, will be holding a “try hockey for free” session on Sat., Dec. 12, with check-in beginning at 3 p.m. and an hour-long on-ice session beginning at 4 p.m.

The session is available to children ages 4-9 years of age. At this event, children will be outfitted with skates and full hockey gear provided by USA Hockey including stick, pads, helmet, and gloves.

USA Hockey will also provide experienced instructors to help the children on the ice and making it a fun learning experience. In addition, members of the Manistee Chippewa varsity hockey team will be on the ice to help and encourage their team’s future. No prior skating or hockey experience is necessary.

“West Shore Community College is home to an incredible ice arena that provides our surrounding communities affordable ice time. I am very excited to see the ‘learn to skate’ and ‘learn to play’ hockey numbers growing.  It is the goal of the Ice Arena and the West Shore Wolves Hockey Association to spread the word about all of the exciting events happening at the rink,” says Ted Malt, West Shore Wolves U-8/mites head coach.

All participants will receive a free hockey jersey and a free family pass (up to 5 people) to the Manistee Chippewa’s varsity hockey game to be held after the free hockey session.  The Chippewas take the ice for warm-up at 5:30 p.m. with a game at beginning at 6 p.m.

Sarah Slater, West Shore Wolves president adds, “It is truly exciting to have the opportunity, thanks to the generosity of USA Hockey and the Community Ice Arena, to provide a 100 percent free event for our future hockey community. It is our goal to answer any questions parents may have about getting their son or daughter involved in our hockey program. I believe this is great first step in introducing this sport to both the parents and the player.”

USA Hockey’s primary emphasis is on the support and development of grassroots hockey programs. Its cutting-edge programs provide hockey associations nationwide with a blueprint for age-appropriate athlete development.

Parents who are interested in enrolling their child can visit the ice arena website atwww.westshorecia.weebly.com and click on “try hockey for free registration.” Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.  Walk-ins will be accepted.

For additional information, contact John Slater, ice arena assistant manager at 231-843-5948 orjrslater@westshore.edu