Q: How do I make sure that I am not liable if a child get injured?

A: In order to be a host site, we will contact your Associate Registrar and sanction your event as a grow the game event. Then participants will need to register through TryHockeyForFree.com and they will be covered by USA Hockey insurance for your try hockey for free clinic.

Q: How many kids can I expect to attend?

A: Sites that follow our recommendations, and do at least three of our marketing programs, have averaged 32 new kids.



Q: Who is responsible for the ice?

A: The local association/rink host is responsible for securing ice and the associated cost.



Q: Who organizes the coaches and administrative help?

A: The host site is responsible for collecting volunteers to make sure the event is well-staffed and managed.



Q: What about equipment?

A: To run a sanctioned USA Hockey growth event, every player must be wearing a minimum of skates, helmet, and winter gloves. You can do a used equipment drive or solicit association members to see if you can borrow helmets. Please ensure your rink has rental skates available for use.



Q: When will I receive my jerseys and pre-event marketing items?

A: They arrive in two separate shipments prior to the event. In order to receive these items, a representative from the host site must completely watch the online training video in your Try Hockey portal. The earlier you watch the video, the earlier your materials will arrive. If you have questions, contact your Membership Development rep.



Q: What if more than 40 kids show up and we don't have enough for everyone?

A: Associations that succeed at attracting a large group will need to get creative; unfortunately, there are not enough jerseys and goodie bags to send more. Most groups use them as an incentive for early online registration, promoting that the first 40 to sign up will receive a jersey and goodie bag.



Q: How do I get printable marketing pieces?

A: There will be customizable templates for flyers, Halloween cards and posters. If you need help customizing, please communicate with your Program Services rep. A limited amount of Halloween cards will be shipped to you; these are to be distributed to your association's families for their trick or treaters. All other printing costs are left up to the host site.



Q: Why is the event only being promoted to 4 to 9 year olds?

A: Almost all kids begin playing youth hockey between the ages of 4 to 9. Your association will benefit most by focusing your recruitment efforts to kids in this age group. Maximizing the amount of players that can easily transition into your existing programs will increase your chances for player retention.