When it comes to growing the game, NYSAHA is always moving forward thanks to a set of equipment trailers that help support associations around the state with their Try Hockey For Free events.

The trailers allows NYSAHA to take its show on the road, literally, by bringing sets of equipment as well as sleds to areas that are looking to give more kids an opportunity to get on the ice. The kids love it because they feel invincible decked out from head to toe in protective gear, and parents love that they don’t have to invest in something their kids may or may not stick with.

“Hockey has become an expensive sport, so you don’t want to really sign your kid up at first and then have them not like it,” said Linda Groff, who oversees the trailer program in the West Section. “This way you can give them a chance to be out on the ice and see what it’s like, put skates on their feet and a stick in their hand and hopefully have them fall in love with it and get that shine in their eye.”

Funding for the trailers and all the gear comes from the USA Hockey block grant program, that gives a percentage of yearly registration fees back to each Affiliate based on the number of registered players from the previous season. The grants are designed in part to help with growth initiatives around the country.  

NYSAHA took a portion of the money it received to purchase trailers and equipment from Total Hockey and local pro shops. Groff said the gear is basically sized to fit youngsters ages 5 to 12 years old, but she added that every attempt is made to outfit any player who wants to get on the ice.

There are currently eight trailers available around the state. The West, North and East sections each have two trailers, while the Central Section has one. There is also a trailer specifically designed for try sled hockey events.

When an association wants to host a Try Hockey for Free event, they contact their local growth coordinator or section president to reserve a trailer for a specific day or weekend. (Program requirements along with contact information can be found in the NYSAHA annual guidebook or at NYSAHA.com.) 

Some weekends, especially around national Try Hockey For Free events in November and February, are booked well in advance. Still, associations find a way to take advantage of the trailers throughout the season.

Organizations are responsible to pick up the trailer at a predetermined location and drive it to their local rink where each child is properly fitted with protective gear, including skates and a hockey stick. After the session is over the gear is returned, cleaned and stored back in the trailer so it’s ready for the next association.

Sara-Placid Lakers Youth Hockey Association is one of a growing number of programs that has taken advantage of the trailers to get more kids on the ice. Andrea Kilbourne-Hill has served in numerous roles within the association, including organizing try hockey events. She said without the trailers it would be difficult to accommodate the number of kids they have helped get on the ice over the years.

“I think the trailer is huge to get kids interested and open the door to new families who aren’t really typical hockey families,” said Kilbourne-Hill, a native of Saranac Lake who played on the 2002 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team before returning home to help develop the next generation of players, including her son and daughter.

“The big thing about hockey is it requires a lot of equipment. It’s not like soccer where a kid can literally just go out and kick the ball around. So, there is a barrier to even try it.”

As important as getting kids to try hockey, the follow up is really where the rubber hits the road. After a session, Kilbourne-Hill or one of her colleagues emails participating families to see if they want to sign their son or daughter up for a Learn to Play program or a local house league.

Growing the game takes a team effort, whether it’s at the local, state or national level. Even in a state like New York, which has a rich hockey history, there are many families who can be intimidated to give the game a try. Efforts like NYSAHA’s equipment trailer program is just another way of breaking down barriers and creating a welcoming environment for every boy and girl to get in on the fun.

“Whether we sign up one kid or a hundred kids,” said NYSAHA President Eric Guzdek, “we’ve done our job because we’re introducing kids to the game of hockey.”