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ICE BEARS SUPPORT HOCKEY WEEKEND ACROSS AMERICA
date: 02/01/2012
ICE BEARS SUPPORT HOCKEY WEEKEND ACROSS AMERICA
For immediate release. For more information please contact Dave Feather
at (865) 525-7825 / (865) 254-7825 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
KNOXVILLE, TN (February 1, 2012) – The Knoxville Ice Bears in partnership with USA Hockey are pleased to announce their support of Hockey Across America presented by Reebok for the weekend of February 17 - 19. As part of the support efforts, the Knoxville Ice Bears will be working with Cool Sports home of the IceArium in celebrating the game of hockey.
The fifth‐annual Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by Reebok, will take place February 17‐19, 2012. Launched by USA Hockey, Hockey Weekend Across America is a nationwide initiative to celebrate the game at all levels and to expose hockey to new audiences.
On Saturday, February 18, rinks across the nation will host Try Hockey for Free events introducing young kids to youth hockey for the very first time. This program is a joint‐effort between USA Hockey, the National Hockey League, NHL member clubs, the Southern Professional Hockey League and the Knoxville Ice Bears.
“Through our partnership with USA Hockey and the ‘Try Hockey For Free Program’, the growth of our cross ice program has exploded. Currently we have over 80 players in cross ice and we can directly attribute our growth to this program. Over the years we have enjoyed a 35% retention rate from everyone that participated – this is way above the national average. We are thrilled to be introducing our game to new kids. Spots are filling up quickly but we still have a few remaining,” said K.J. Voorhees Cool Sports Youth Hockey Director and former Knoxville Ice Bear.
In Knoxville, the goal is to have kids between the ages of 4 to 9 participate in a try hockey for free clinic held at Cool Sports located at Watt Road and Kingston Pike in Farragut. With many beginner programs starting in February and other youth sports wrapping up, this event provides the Knoxville Amateur Hockey Association (KAHA) the perfect opportunity to introduce new families to youth hockey.
“We are thrilled with the growth in Knoxville hockey and will embrace the support from our national program. It has been an organizational goal of ours to get a hockey stick in as many kids hands as we can. We have a youth hockey area for kids to try their hands at floor hockey during our home games. Though our partnership with Cool Sports and the fantastic job KJ has done there, we hope the demand continues to grow,” said President and General Manager of the Knoxville Ice Bears Mike Murray.
As part of the annual event, the Knoxville Ice Bears would like to request the support of the local business community, area schools, and local, state and federal government agencies in allowing their employees and staff the option to wear their favorite hockey jersey on Friday, February 17, 2012 to show support for this annual event.
“With the tremendous amount of passion our players and staff have for the game, we welcome the opportunity for everyone in Knoxville show their support for hockey in showcasing their jerseys on February 17th,” said Ice Bears Head Coach Mike Craigen.
The Knoxville Ice Bears are home on Saturday, February 4th at 7:30 pm and they are welcoming members for the 501st Legion for Star Wars Tribute Night. Meet your favorite heroes and villains from the Star Wars Universe. Visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com or call 865-525-7825 for more information.
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