Try Hockey For Free - Sunday, September 21st, 2025

presented by SCHEELS

Get padded up and join us for some fun on the ice!

Never skated before? Not a problem, we will teach you! Equipment is provided but limited. Try Hockey for Free is recommended for ages 4-9. All skaters are welcome, but we cannot guarantee we will have proper fitting equipment for skaters outside the age range listed above.

This event is sponsored and hosted by SCHEELS, Appleton Ice, Appleton Area Hockey Association, and Fox Valley Youth Hockey Association as a gift to our community!

All participants will receive a free gift.

Yes, registration is required to help us properly plan equipment and staffing needs for the day. Registration will close at noon on the Thursday before each Try Hockey for Free event to allow time to pull and pack skater equipment. All participating in Try Hockey for Free will need to sign a waiver before enjoying time on the ice. Adults may join their child on the ice but it is not required. We will have volunteer staff available to help on the ice. Any adult planning to join their child on the ice must sign up as a participant and all adults on the ice need to wear a helmet.

A full set of hockey gear. A hockey helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shinguards, hockey gloves, skates, a hockey stick and a hockey jersey will be provided for each participant to use during the event. An equipment bags will be packed in advance of the event. Please make sure to enter the measurements and sizes requested to help us prepare the correct fitting gear for each participant. Equipment provided is from the hockey association's rental fleet.

Equipment measurements: Multiple measurements and clothing sizes will be requested during registration to help determine equipment needs for your skater. If you do not have a cloth measuring tape, a string is a great substitute. Mark the string with your finger then lay it across the ruler or measuring tape to obtain your measurements. If you have any questions during this process please reach out to us through the contact email provided at the bottom of this page.

The program is designed for kids ages 4-9 but all ages are welcome. We can not guarantee we will have equipment for kids outside the listed ages but they are welcome to join in the fun.

Skating experience is not needed! If you have never skated before this is an awesome opportunity to get padded up and give it a try!

We split the skaters up into three groups based on their skating experience.

Beginners group - just learning to stand and move on skates. Volunteers will be available to give tips on the basics of skating and encourage the beginners. This group will play games on the ice that encourage movement as they get used to skating.

Intermediate group - participants have some skating experience. This group will do skating drills, hockey drills and may scrimmage if time allows.

Experienced group - participants are confident on skate and may or may not have played some hockey. This group will do advanced skating drills, advanced hockey drills and may scrimmage if time allows.

If needed, coaches will adjust drills and activities based on skater's abilities. Participants are allowed to change groups before and during the event.

We suggest arriving at least 20 minutes before the event time listed. It will take about 20-30 minutes to get fitted with equipment and we want you to spend as much time on the ice as you can. Registration will open 45 minutes before all events.

Wear comfortable athletic clothing. You will be moving around on the ice and you will be warmer than you think. A long sleeve t-shirt or a light weight sweatshirt and sweat pants are all you will need.

Please bring any of your own protective equipment that you wish to use. Equipment is provided but sometimes does not fit right. The following list is equipment you may want to bring. Hockey, skateboard, BMX, or multi crash helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, winter gloves and snow pants. All on the ice must be in a helmet. Snow pants are only needed if you do not want to wear hockey pants.

If your skater would like water, please bring a water bottle for them.

Appleton Ice: appletonice.org

Appleton Area Hockey Association: appleton.pucksystems2.com

Fox Valley Youth Hockey Association: www.foxvalleyyouthhockey.com

Call SCHEELS at 920-830-2977, ask for Stacy Danz

Email: [email protected]

Host or Publisher presented by SCHEELS