Free Hockey Experiences Try Programs Promotional Events And Fan Freebies

Hockey offers numerous opportunities for fans to experience the sport at no cost, from introductory programs for children to promotional events at games. This article explores the various free hockey experiences available across the United States, including youth try programs, promotional giveaways, discounted ticket offers, and special game-day experiences.

Free Hockey Try Programs for Children

Several organizations offer free introductory hockey programs for children, providing an opportunity to try the sport without financial commitment. These programs are designed specifically for first-time players and create a pressure-free environment for children to explore hockey.

Florida Panthers Try Hockey Programs

The Florida Panthers organization offers two distinct try hockey programs for community members. The Try Ball Hockey For Free program is designed for children ages 5-14 and provides sessions where participants can experience ball hockey for the first time. The program has specific eligibility requirements, as participants should be first-time hockey players with no previous organized ball hockey or ice hockey experience. Importantly, participation in the Panthers Learn To Play introductory ice hockey program does not disqualify a child from participating in Try Ball Hockey For Free.

Scheduled sessions for the 2025-26 season will take place at Weston Regional Park (20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston, FL 33327) on December 20, 2025, with three time slots available: - 12:00pm-12:45pm for ages 5-8 - 1:00pm-1:45pm for ages 9-14 - 2:00pm-2:45pm for girls only

The program also has a weather policy stating that any sessions canceled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled. If a session cannot be rescheduled within an appropriate timeframe, all participants will receive a partial refund.

The Florida Panthers also offer a Try Ice Hockey For Free program for community members ages 5-9. This program provides a similar pressure-free environment for children to try ice hockey for the first time. Participants must be first-time hockey players with no previous organized ice hockey experience, including the Florida Panthers Learn To Play program. Safety requirements include participants providing their own bike helmet or other type of helmet with a chin strap to take the ice for the session.

National Try Hockey Events

National Try Hockey events are available for children between the ages of 4 and 9 across approximately 450 participating locations nationwide. These events provide children with the opportunity to play hockey for free in a structured environment. To find a participating location near them, interested individuals can enter their zip code to discover local dates and availability of these hockey experiences.

Promotional Giveaways and Special Theme Nights

Hockey teams frequently offer promotional giveaways and special theme nights as part of their game-day experiences, providing fans with free items and unique opportunities.

Grand Rapids Griffins Promotions

The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League have announced their promotional schedule for the 2024-25 season, which includes numerous giveaway nights and special events:

• Opening Night (October 11, 2024, vs. Milwaukee Admirals) features a magnet schedule giveaway, $2 beers and $2 hot dogs, and a post-game open skate.
• October 18 and 19 games against the Manitoba Moose include $2 beers and $2 hot dogs, with the October 19 game also featuring a calendar giveaway courtesy of Fox Motors.
• The November 13 School Day Game (11 a.m. start) against the Rockford IceHogs includes "Winning Wednesday" presented by Michigan First Credit Union.
• Military Appreciation Night (November 15, vs. Chicago Wolves) includes a camo hooded t-shirt giveaway, military jersey auction post-game, and $2 beers and $2 hot dogs.
• Post-game open skates are scheduled for October 11, December 31, February 21, and April 12.

The Griffins also offer ongoing promotions throughout the season: - Friends and Family 4-Packs are available for all Saturday games, including four or more game tickets and $20 or more in concession cash. - Sunday is Fun Day features $1 small Pepsi drinks and $1 small ice cream cups from 3-5 p.m. for all Sunday games, while supplies last. - Pepsi Reading Goals allows children with completed reading bookmarks to redeem them for two free Upper Level tickets to specific games. - Applied Innovation Island provides premium seating with La-Z-Boy chairs and amenities for groups. - Free Ride Friday on The Rapid offers complimentary fare to and from Friday games when showing a game ticket. - Winning Wednesdays provides each fan in attendance with a free ticket to the next Wednesday game if the Griffins win at home on a Wednesday. - Library Nights offer discounted tickets for fans who present their Grand Rapids Public Library card or Kent District Library card.

Milwaukee Admirals Promotions

The Milwaukee Admirals also offer a variety of promotions and special events:

• Summerfest Winning Weekday provides a free light blue or navy ticket to the next weekday game with a Summerfest ticket.
• Family 4-Packs offer four tickets starting at $44.
• Aurora Sports Health Autograph Corner features two Admirals players signing autographs after select games.
• Hockey Fights Cancer Night pays tribute to those affected by cancer.
• EMO Night features local tattoo artists, an EMO DJ, and other entertainment elements.
• The sAdmirals Ticket Package includes a ticket for Emo Night, an sAdmirals Beenie, and a ticket to the post-game Sadboy Saturday Show for $35.
• Ian's Student Nights offer a ticket plus Ian's Pizza Voucher for $13.
• Fair Deal Friday provides a ticket to the game plus a ticket to the 2026 WI State Fair for $24.
• Youth Jersey Giveaway gives the first 1,000 kids 14 and under a youth jersey courtesy of Children's Wisconsin.
• Pride Night celebrates LGBTQ+ community members.

Special Game-Day Experiences and Opportunities

Beyond promotional giveaways, hockey teams offer various special experiences and opportunities for fans to engage with the sport in unique ways.

Post-Game Activities

Several teams provide post-game activities as part of their promotional schedule. The Grand Rapids Griffins offer post-game open skates on select dates, allowing fans to bring their skates and take to the ice after the game. Van Andel Arena, where the Griffins play, has a no-bag policy but makes exceptions for fans bringing skates.

The Milwaukee Admirals host an Aurora Sports Health Autograph Corner after select games, where two players sign autographs for fans. This provides an opportunity for fans to meet players and obtain signed memorabilia.

Special Sections and Amenities

Some teams offer special seating sections with enhanced amenities. The Grand Rapids Griffins feature Applied Innovation Island, located on the terrace level above section 118, which provides premium seating with La-Z-Boy chairs and other amenities for groups of up to 30 people.

Discounted Ticket Programs

Teams implement various discounted ticket programs to make games more accessible:

• The Grand Rapids Griffins offer College Night tickets with a limit of one ticket per ID if purchasing in-person.
• Library Nights provide discounted tickets for fans with library cards from Grand Rapids Public Library or Kent District Library.
• The Milwaukee Admirals offer Ian's Student Nights, providing a ticket plus pizza voucher for $13.

Conclusion

Hockey offers numerous opportunities for fans to experience the sport at little to no cost, from introductory programs for children to promotional events at games. Free try programs like those offered by the Florida Panthers and through national initiatives provide children with an opportunity to experience hockey without financial commitment. Teams across the league offer promotional giveaways, special theme nights, and discounted ticket programs to enhance the fan experience and make games more accessible. For those interested in these opportunities, checking with local teams or visiting their official websites is recommended for the most current information on schedules, requirements, and availability.

Sources

1. Florida Panthers Try Hockey Programs
2. National Try Hockey Events
3. Grand Rapids Griffins Promotional Schedule
4. Milwaukee Admirals Promotions