Nashville Predators let kids try hockey for free

Hockey can be an expensive sport to get your kids involved in as skates, sticks, pads, hockey instruction, ice time and other incidentals can add up to hundreds of dollars.

But the Nashville Predators regularly offered a free chance for youngsters to get a taste of hockey to see how they like it before parents get iced for a big investment.

The Preds have announced two upcoming sessions of the Get Out And Learn! (G.O.A.L!) program, where boys and girls 5-8 years old with no prior hockey or skating experience can get a proper introduction to the sport.

These wonderful free beginner programs, presented by Erie Insurance, are being offered in a three-week session on Wednesdays: Sept. 9, 16, 30 from 5:40 to 6:30 p.m. at Centennial Sportsplex at 222 25th Ave. N.

Or a four-week session on Mondays: Sept. 21 and 28 and Oct. 5 and 12, from 5:15 to 6 p.m. at Ford Ice Center, 5264 Hickory Hollow Pkwy., in Antioch. They are taught by members of the amateur and youth hockey department, as well as instructors/employees at Ford Ice Center.

Not only is this GOAL program free, but equipment will be provided at no cost, too, so it really is a true "try hockey for free" opportunity.

Registration is open for either session, but space is limited. For more information or to reserve your child's spot to Get Out And Learn!, visit www.nashvillepredators.com/goal.

About 50 children can participate in each of these sessions, and Predators officials say some GOAL opportunities for 9-12-year-olds will be announced soon.

They say the best way for parents to stay informed is to sign up for the email updates.

A free look at the Preds

If you are a hockey enthusiast and/or a Preds fan, you should know that you can get a free insider look at the Nashville Predators by catching a practice and seeing the players work on the ice. The Preds' practices at Centennial Sportsplex are free and most are open to the public. Rookie camp starts with open practices Sept. 10-11, and full team practices begin Sept. 18. Your best bet is to check www.nashvillepredators.com or call 615-770-7800 to inquire about a specific practice date.

Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282. Follow her at Tennessean.com/mscheap, at Facebook.com/mscheap?_rdr. and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap, and catch her every Thursday at 11 a.m. on WTVF-Channel 5's "Talk of the Town."