COME PLAY HOCKEY MONTH
 

There are more than 440 sites registered to host a Try Hockey for Free event on November 5, 2011, as a part of Come Play Hockey Month, an initiative led by USA Hockey and the NHL. Each host site will receive 40 USA Hockey jerseys, 40 goodie bags, on- and off-ice guidelines, USA Hockey sanctioning, online management and registration tool, customizable promotional tools, best practices on attracting new families and national marketing. All total, we anticipate more than 10,000 kids will try hockey on November 5!

HELP CELEBRATE USA HOCKEY'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
 

The 2011-12 campaign marks USA Hockey's 75th anniversary season and we invite you to join in the celebration. We encourage you, if you haven't already, to download the special 75th anniversary logo and use it throughout the season. Click here to download the logo.

Watch for special content in USA Hockey Magazine and on USAHockey.com throughout the year. A special book to commemorate USA Hockey's 75th anniversary titled Star Spangled Hockey was commissioned and is now available. Click here to purchase this incredible book.

USA HOCKEY DIGITAL GUIDEBOOK
 

USA Hockey's new digital guidebook has information to help new parents get their child started in youth hockey this fall. This online publication will be distributed to all Try Hockey for Free participants by USA Hockey. If you would like to use it for your event, please contact your program services manager. Click here to view the digital guidebook.

WELCOME BACK WEEK
 

Over 140 associations participated in Welcome Back Week to personally invite youth players back for the upcoming season. If you missed the opportunity this time, you still have time to encourage players to play. Click here for best practices instructions.

2 & 2 CHALLENGE: ARE YOU ON BOARD YET?
 

Associations across the country are signing up to participate in USA Hockey's 2 & 2 Challenge. The 2 & 2 challenge is a target for growth at the 4-to-8 year-old age group for local associations, regardless of size. Don't miss out on being a part of USA Hockey's national initiative. Find out what your association's 2 & 2 goals are for this year by clicking here.

The 2 & 2 Challenge is supported by USA Hockey's membership development department with designated staff to assist local associations in reaching the 2 & 2 Challenge. Here is the breakdown:

Kevin Erlenbach
(719) 538-1119 • kevine@usahockey.org
Districts: Central, Michigan, Northern Plains, Pacific

Kevin Kavanagh
(719) 538-1115 • kevink@usahockey.org
Districts: Massachusetts, New England, New York, Rocky Mountain

Shannon Webster
(719) 538-1118 • shannonw@usahockey.org
Districts: Atlantic, Mid-American, Minnesota, Southeastern

5th ANNUAL HOCKEY WEEKEND ACROSS AMERICA | FEB. 17-19, 2012
Registration Has Opened To Host A Free Clinic On Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012
 

Once again, Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by Reebok, will be highlighted by a Try Hockey for Free program on Saturday February 18, 2012. This is a national effort to have local rinks and associations introducing youth hockey to children and families.

This year's goal is to have 200 rinks host a clinic. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow the game in your area! Every facility participating will be promoted through the Hockey Weekend Across America website. In addition, each facility will receive up to 40 jerseys and goodie bags to give to Try Hockey for Free participants.

If your facility is interested in participating, please register here. For other questions, please contact your program services manager.

COACHING EDUCATION
 

Throughout the month of September USA Hockey is launching its new online, age-specific coaching education modules. These modules represent a revolutionary approach to provide coaches with information specific to the age level of play they are coaching. The full release schedule is as follows:

September 6th: 8 & Under (Mites)
September 13th: 10 & Under (Squirts)
September 20th: 12 & Under (Peewees)
September 27th: 14 & Under (Bantams), and 16/18/19 & Under (Midgets)

Coaches must complete the module(s) pertinent to the age level they're coaching by Dec. 31. Once a coach registers for a module, he/she will have 30 days in which to complete the module. All modules started after December 1 must be completed by December 31. Please click here to find out more information on the modules and to register.

MAKE HOCKEY HAPPEN
 

As part of the RBC Play Hockey initiative, USA Hockey partner RBC® has already awarded over $100,000 in grants in the U.S. this year and there is still money in the bank to be handed out this fall.

If you are making a difference for hockey in your community, RBC would like to assist. Grants will be awarded this November in the amount of $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 to community hockey organizations, sports associations and hockey-minded individuals with great ideas to grow the game and keep hockey vital. Submit a grant application by September 30, 2011, to get in the game for a Play Hockey grant. Click here for rules and regulations, eligibility, application timelines, and to apply for an RBC Play Hockey Grant.

RBC Play Hockey Grants is a community grant program focused on helping to build and encourage hockey at all levels. From the early morning practices to the Saturday night game, from the pond to the podium – RBC is proud to support the hard work and dedication that helps hockey happen.

Want brand new jerseys for your team? Need more practice pucks or travel bags? How about a nice chunk of money to help fund a new rink? Or some financial assistance to support your team's entry and travel to an upcoming holiday tournament?

Here's your chance to help your association earn one of the twenty $2,500 grants USA Hockey partner Liberty Mutual Insurance is awarding this fall.

From now to November 30, all you have to do is register your association, rally your community to earn points from a quick 5-minute online quiz, and then spread the word. That's it! We'll help with customizable fliers, an email tool, tips to get people involved, and more ideas and materials to give your association the best chance to win.

Get started at ResponsibleSports.com/Grant.

2011-12 REGISTRATION UPDATE
 

Registration for the 2011-12 season is in full swing. As of September 12 over 350,000 coaches, players and officials have registered! To register please click here.

LINKS OF INTEREST

• Recreation: Pro hockey players hit the ice with region youngsters
• Breaking Ground on New Ice Rink
• Washington Capitals Charities Donates $25,000 to Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey
• Hetland Youth Hockey Hoping To Build Off Bruins' Championship Run

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