BROOKINGS — The Brookings Ice Skating Association in conjunction with USA Hockey is hosting a “Try Hockey for Free” event at the Larson Ice Center on Sept. 21.

The event will take place with two sessions from 9 to 9:30 a.m. and 10 to 10:30 a.m. to introduce a non-structured environment for kids to experience hockey without financial pressure.

“We try to make sure everybody gets involved or has the opportunity to get these kids started,” Brookings Rangers hockey director Justin Kirchhevel said. “It’s a good starter program that they passed down to local affiliates and we just make sure that we get a chance for these kids to be on the ice in a non-structured environment.”

The event offers boys and girls the chance to use free equipment and ice time to get an introduction to the sport. Kids from older levels of the Rangers program and adult volunteers will also be at the event to help kids get dressed, skate and make sure they are comfortable and supported on the ice.

“They get to be around the older players, see how that goes and give them to be on the ice without committing to anything,” Kirrchevel said.

While the event is designed to give kids their first experience with hockey, the support doesn’t stop when they get off the ice. A 2023 article by FloHockey estimated that equipment for beginners can cost between $400 and $600, but BISA offers rental equipment for players as long as they need it during their time with the program while registration fees for Termites and Mites are paid for by Rounds Construction. 

“It’s a great opportunity and a great sponsor that’s paying for the 8u program, so it’s about as cheap as you can get,” Kirchhevel said. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to have the opportunity to try hockey and see if they like it.”

Kids who continue to play hockey past the 8U levels continue to get support. BISA has started a mentorship program where an older hockey family can mentor a newer family and help with questions they may have and the South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association also offers assistance to families as travel increases at the Squirt and Wee Wee levels.

“Obviously, we have our directors too, but sometimes it’s nice to be a little more personable with the family you’re getting used to and get that relationship started right,” Kirchhevel said.

It starts with the Try Hockey For Free Program on Sept. 21. Those interested are encouraged to sign up for the event at BrookingsRangers.com but can also show up on the day of the event. 

Kirrchevel suggests that the Rangers’ support on and off the ice has helped roughly 15 to 35 kids join the Rangers program each year and many become acclimated to the ice in as little as two weeks which is one of the thrills of hosting the program.

“Everybody loves coming to this event because you see so many smiles on their faces,” Kirchhevel said. “You see the older kids interacting with the younger kids and then realizing that they can skate. It’s a tough thing to do because you jump on the ice and think you’re going to just start skating at the next level, but the older guys and girls do a great job of mentoring these young kids and making them feel welcome and making them feel safe.”