Mandan Hockey Hosts Open House | Video

Joel Porter | 11/3/2012

Hockey season is underway, and at least a dozen youngsters had a chance to play on the ice for free on Saturday morning. The Mandan hockey club was hosting Try Hockey for Free at the All Seasons Arena.

The initiative is a national program through USA Hockey and the NHL. For two hours, around 20 kids learned about the fundamentals of the game, from skating to passing and shooting.

Like any novice player, the kids had a little trouble staying on their feet, but coaches say that`s just part of learning the game.

"It`s just fun to watch them from at first they get on the ice and they`re slipping and falling everywhere. And then they get up and by the end, they`re skating around, it`s just amazing to watch," youth coordinator Amy Zachmeier with the Mandan Hockey Club said.

The Mandan hockey club includes 15 teams made up of boys and girls from three years old up to 12. There is still time to register.

Kids who are between four and eight have the option of playing their first year for free. Equipment will be provided.

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