Lets Play Hockey Expo Free Samples Promotional Offers And Giveaway Opportunities For Hockey Enthusiasts

The Let's Play Hockey Expo stands as the world's largest consumer hockey show, drawing tens of thousands of hockey fans to Saint Paul RiverCentre annually. This premier event offers attendees numerous opportunities to obtain free samples, promotional items, and giveaways from leading hockey brands and organizations. The expo combines product demonstrations, interactive experiences, and various free offerings that make it a can't-miss destination for hockey enthusiasts seeking to enhance their experience without additional cost.

Event Overview

The Let's Play Hockey Expo is held annually at Saint Paul RiverCentre, with the most recent documented event taking place on March 10-11. The expo operates during specific hours each day, typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday. Admission is priced at $5 for individuals aged 19 and over, while those 18 and under can attend for free. This pricing structure makes the event accessible to families with young hockey players.

The expo is powered by the Minnesota Wild and is held in conjunction with the Minnesota State High School League Boys Hockey State Tournament, creating a comprehensive hockey festival atmosphere. With over 100 exhibitors participating each year, the event showcases the newest and most innovative equipment from top brands such as Warrior, CCM, and True Hockey. Beyond equipment, the expo features training gear, hockey camps and clinics, backyard rink options, and the latest hockey apparel from various vendors.

Types of Freebies Available

Attendees of the Let's Play Hockey Expo have access to multiple categories of free promotional items and samples. The most straightforward freebies include tangible product samples that brands distribute to showcase their offerings. These samples often range from small items like stickers and bookmarks to more substantial products such as tape, pucks, and apparel.

Another significant category of free items comes through the expo's various giveaway programs. These include door prizes awarded hourly throughout the event and grand prize giveaways that require registration. Many vendors also conduct their own promotional contests and drawings, offering attendees additional opportunities to win free hockey-related products.

Interactive experiences represent another form of "freebie" that expo participants can enjoy. These include skill-testing stations, product demonstrations, and opportunities to meet hockey celebrities. While not physical items to take home, these experiences provide value without additional cost to attendees.

Examples of Freebies from Past Expos

Documentation from past expos provides concrete examples of the types of free items attendees might obtain. At the 2012 expo, one attendee collected 17 items at no cost, demonstrating the abundance of promotional opportunities available. These items included:

• A USA youth hockey jersey by K1, won as a door prize from Let's Play Hockey
• Two rolls of hockey tape from Warrior
• Two pucks from Shock Doctor
• A sticker for the upcoming NCAA West Regional tournament
• A scarf from the Minnesota Wild
• A copy of Puck Life magazine
• A Minnesota Wild backpack won from Sport Sense
• A photo signed by former NHL goaltender Andy Moog at the Vaughn booth
• A copy of Minnesota Score magazine
• Hockey cards from the Minnesota Wild
• A button in support of Jack Jablonski from his merchandise booth
• A "Design Team" t-shirt from K1 jerseys, won as another door prize
• A hockey bookmark
• A signed photo from 1960 United States hockey gold medalist Paul Johnson

The same attendee also documented collecting free items on the first day of the expo, including a free t-shirt from PureHockey.com, a coupon for 10% off and a free skate sharpening from Hockey Giant, a Kontinental Hockey League knit cap from Torspo, and a catalog of Russian hockey jerseys from Lutch Jerseys.

These examples illustrate the range of freebies available, from apparel and accessories to publications and autographed memorabilia. The variety spans multiple aspects of hockey culture, from playing equipment to fan merchandise.

How to Maximize Freebie Opportunities

To maximize the acquisition of free samples and promotional items at the Let's Play Hockey Expo, attendees should consider several strategies. First, arriving early is advisable, particularly for popular items that may have limited quantities. Documentation from past expos indicates that some freebies, particularly highly sought-after apparel, may be limited and available only to the first attendees.

Registering for giveaways represents another key strategy. The expo offers an official registration process for grand prize giveaways, which automatically enters attendees into these contests. Virtual expo resources also indicate that attendees can sign up for additional giveaways through the event's website, potentially increasing their chances of winning promotional items.

Strategic navigation of the expo floor can also enhance freebie acquisition. Focusing on both major brand booths and smaller exhibitors often yields different types of promotional items. Larger companies like Warrior, CCM, and True Hockey typically offer product samples, while smaller vendors and local organizations may provide unique, specialized items.

Sponsor and Vendor Contributions

The Let's Play Hockey Expo attracts a diverse array of sponsors and vendors, each contributing different types of free promotional items. Major equipment manufacturers like Warrior, CCM, and True Hockey commonly distribute product samples such as tape, pucks, and small accessories. These brands use the expo as an opportunity to showcase their latest innovations directly to consumers.

Local organizations and teams also contribute significantly to the freebie offerings. The Minnesota Wild, as a primary sponsor, regularly distributes promotional items including scarves, stickers, magazines, and autographed memorabilia. Team-specific merchandise, such as the Jack Jablonski button mentioned in past documentation, represents another category of freebies available at the expo.

Smaller specialty vendors offer unique items that may appeal to specific segments of the hockey community. For example, international vendors like Lutch Jerseys have been documented distributing catalogs and specialty items related to international hockey leagues. Local retailers like Hockey Giant often provide coupons for services such as skate sharpening, combining immediate promotional value with future discounts.

Special Programs

Beyond standard promotional items, the Let's Play Hockey Expo features special programs designed to remove barriers to hockey participation. One notable initiative is "Try Hockey Free" sessions, which provide gear and coaching at no cost to new players of all ages and backgrounds. These sessions are offered in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility to diverse populations.

The expo also supports initiatives aimed at making hockey more inclusive and accessible. Documentation mentions programs encouraging volunteerism, coaching, officiating, and mentoring, reflecting the hockey community's commitment to growing the sport at all levels. These programs often include informational materials and promotional items that attendees can take home.

Practical Information for Attendees

Planning ahead can enhance the expo experience and maximize freebie opportunities. Parking is available at the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard, which offers skyway access directly to Saint Paul RiverCentre. Attendees are advised to allow extra time for travel due to potential traffic congestion, as streets surrounding Rice Park may be closed during the event.

The expo's location in downtown Saint Paul means numerous additional parking ramps and lots are available within walking distance. Detailed information about these options is typically provided on the event's official website.

Attendees should consider bringing a bag or backpack to carry the numerous promotional items and free samples they may acquire throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as exploring the entire expo floor involves significant walking between vendor booths and activity areas.

Conclusion

The Let's Play Hockey Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity for hockey enthusiasts to obtain free samples, promotional items, and giveaway products from leading brands and organizations. With documented examples of attendees collecting dozens of items at no cost, the event represents a valuable resource for hockey fans looking to enhance their experience without additional financial investment.

Beyond the tangible freebies, the expo provides access to interactive experiences, skill-testing opportunities, and educational resources that contribute to the overall value proposition. The combination of free admission for minors, affordable pricing for adults, and the abundance of promotional items makes the Let's Play Hockey Expo an accessible and rewarding event for hockey families and enthusiasts of all ages.

For those seeking to maximize their freebie opportunities, strategic planning—including early arrival, registration for giveaways, and efficient navigation of the expo floor—can significantly enhance the experience. The diverse array of vendors, from major equipment manufacturers to local organizations, ensures a wide variety of promotional items that appeal to different aspects of hockey culture and fandom.

Sources

1. Third String Goalie Blog: 2012 Let's Play Hockey Expo
2. RiverCentre: Let's Play Hockey Expo Event Info
3. RiverCentre: Let's Play Hockey Expo Event Details
4. Let's Play Hockey Virtual Expo Retailers Page
5. Prime Hockey Expo Information
6. 3rd Line Draught: Hockey Articles