Free Learn-to-Play Hockey Event Gets Girls on the Ice and Into the Game

For girls who want to lace up their skates, strap on some pads, and hit the ice for some adrenaline-pumping hockey action, the passion for the sport is there, but not necessarily the finances to purchase the necessary equipment.

Thanks to the St. Louis Lady Cyclones, an ice hockey club offering development and recreational programs for girls ages 5-19, and Total Hockey’s First Stride™ initiative, which removes the financial barrier to play, newbies can try out hockey for the first time at a special free event on April 2.

During the Cyclones First Stride Event at the St. Louis Outlet Mall Ice Zone in Hazelwood, girls ages 4-10 years old can join in a one-hour clinic that teaches basic ice hockey skills. Other than skates, all gear for the day, including helmet, pads, stick, gloves, and equipment bag, is donated by Total Hockey. If girls register for the Cyclones’ eight-week Spring Learn to Play Program in April, the equipment, valued at $250, is theirs to keep.

For years, girls had the opportunity to play competitive ice hockey in co-ed youth leagues, but were often underrepresented on the rink. Since 2002, the Lady Cyclones has given any girl the chance to build their athletic skills in order to dominate the game, and in turn, build the confidence and friendships to take them long into adulthood. With an impressive lineup of alumni, including Jincy Dunne of the U.S. Women’s National Team, the Cyclones have changed the face of St. Louis hockey.

Now through the First Stride event, the organization is doing what it can to get every girl on the ice.

Remarked Dale Greenbury, Cyclones board member and its volunteer coordinator, “Put simply, our goal with this particular event is for girls to have the best possible first experience with this great sport of hockey. The idea behind this event is to open up opportunities for girls to get exposed to ice hockey for very little financial commitment. One of the main roadblocks to girls getting involved is the upfront cost of the equipment; this event removes that barrier.”

To enroll your daughter in the First Stride Event, visit the Total Hockey website by March 27 and choose the St. Louis Cyclones option. Girls will need to be fitted for their equipment at Total Hockey, 254 THF Blvd. in Chesterfield, from March 27 – March 31 by appointment only. The event starts at the Ice Zone with check-in at 11:15 and the program at 12 p.m.

Those girls who decide to join Spring Learn to Play can sign up that day and take their free equipment home with them. Learn to Play runs April 6 – May 25 at All American Ice Arena, 11133 South Lindbergh, every Wednesday from 5:40 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. The program is $105 for eight weeks of instruction.

Thanks to the Lady Cyclones, girls have the opportunity make their mark in one of St. Louis’ favorite pastimes and discover in themselves the ability to achieve the incredible. To learn more about the organization, visit www.stlcyclones.org.