- By Mary M. Grainger
- Sports
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The Community Recreation Center (CRC), Ithaca Youth Hockey Association (IYHA), and Tompkins Girls Hockey Association (TGHA) are sponsoring a free "Learn to Play Hockey" program this fall at The RINK on East Shore Drive near Lansing. Ice sessions are scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 16, and 23 from 11:00 a.m. -12:00 noon; and Tuesday, September 12, 19, and 26 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Girls and boys of preschool through elementary school age are invited to attend one or more of the six ice sessions geared to first-time players. Qualified coaches from TGHA and IYHA will instruct players through various skill-building drills and fun games related to learning the basics of ice hockey.
All participants must have a hockey stick, a helmet with a hockey face guard, gloves, pants and elbow pads. Shin pads are also recommended. Some of the younger players will be able to use thick snow pants or ski gloves in place of hockey gear. Properly fitted bike elbow pads may also be used in place of hockey elbow pads. There will be some loaner equipment available at the ice sessions including hockey skates. CRC and The RINK are offering free rentals and fitting for the participants.
Equipment can be obtained from Instant Replay Sports or Penalty Box Sports who have a limited supply of used hockey gear as well as new for purchase. If you are having problems finding gear, please contact Steve Vrana at 277-6008. IYHA and TGHA have some gear for loan, but we encourage you to reserve it before the first session on September 9.
TGHA and IYHA are also registering new members for their programs which begin with Initiation once or twice a week during the October-March hockey season. Their websites include program descriptions and schedules: www.ithacagirlshockey.com and www.ithacayouthockey.com. New players can sign up throughout the fall or at Registration Day, Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at The RINK lobby. Questions about IYHA can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; TGHA to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 266-8724.
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