Gwinnett Gladiators Offer Try Hockey to Kids Nov. 3

The Gwinnett Gladiators, in conjunction with USA Hockey and the Duluth Ice Forum, will host a "Try Hockey For Free" day at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth on Saturday, Nov. 3, for boys and girls ages 4-9 who have never participated in organized hockey.

"This is a great opportunity for kids in our community to take to the ice and for their parents to get some information on how to get their kids playing one of the most exciting and fun games on earth," said Gladiators President Steve Chapman in a press release. "Hockey is addictive, and kids love it because they are constantly moving and hustling. Both of my kids, a boy and a girl, have been skating almost since they could walk.  Skating is a great skill for them to learn when they are young, and hockey is the most fun that you can have skating."

"Try Hockey for Free" will be held between 12:25 and 1:25 p.m. on the Gladiators home ice at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. There will be a limited amount of equipment on hand for participants to utilize which includes ice skates, a stick, a helmet and gloves.  Kids who have never skated or participated in organized hockey will have the opportunity to get on the ice and try out the sport. In addition, the participants will have the opportunity to have questions answered by Gladiators coaches at the session.

In partnership with the Duluth Ice Forum Youth Hockey Program, there are a limited number of spaces available for the "Try Hockey For Free" program and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kids who participate in the program will receive a certificate for their completion of the program as well as a free ticket to the Gladiators game that same evening, Saturday, Nov. 3, against the South Carolina Stingrays at 7:05 p.m. The Gladiators will also offer additional game tickets to the parents and family members of each participating kid at a discounted price. Participants also receive a free hockey jersey and a goodie bag as part of the program.

To register for "Try Hockey For Free," parents should sign up their kids by visiting the Gladiators website www.gwinnettgladaitors.com. For more information about "Try Hockey for Free" should contact the Gladiators at phoulihan@gwinnettgladiators.com.

The Gladiators are the ECHL Affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League and are members of the ECHL, the Premier "AA" Hockey League, and play all home games at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.