Try Hockey for Free – World Stage Edition Recap

On Saturday, February 28, the rink at Ice in Paradise was buzzing with excitement as families from across the community joined us for our Try Hockey for Free – World Stage Edition event. The special day introduced dozens of new players to the sport of hockey while celebrating the global stage that makes the game so inspiring.

From the moment participants stepped onto the ice, the energy was contagious. Young skaters—many trying hockey for the very first time—laced up their skates, borrowed helmets and gloves, and proudly pulled on their free USA Hockey shirts to keep before heading onto the ice with our dedicated coaches and volunteers. Through fun drills, skating exercises, and small-area games, players got their first taste of the speed, teamwork, and joy that make hockey such a special sport.

A Special Olympian Guest

One of the highlights of the day was a special meet-and-greet with former Olympian Steve Heinze. Heinze currently serves as the head coach of the Santa Barbara Royals Varsity hockey team, who proudly call Ice in Paradise their home ice.

While the on-ice portion of the event was led by our volunteer coaches and helpers, Coach Heinze spent time off the ice meeting with families and participants, sharing stories from his hockey journey and offering encouragement to the next generation of players. Kids had the chance to ask questions, take photos, and hear firsthand what it’s like to compete at the highest levels of the sport—including representing your country on the Olympic stage.

Having a former Olympian at the rink made the World Stage Edition theme especially meaningful. It was a reminder that every hockey journey begins somewhere—often with that very first stride onto the ice.

First Strides, Big Smiles

For many families, Try Hockey for Free was their first experience with the sport. With borrowed helmets and gloves available and guidance from experienced coaches and volunteers, new players were able to focus on what mattered most: having fun and learning the basics.

Laughter echoed across the ice as participants practiced stickhandling, shooting, and skating skills. By the end of the session, many players who started the day cautiously stepping onto the ice were confidently gliding and celebrating their first goals.

Growing the Game in Our Community

Events like Try Hockey for Free are a cornerstone of our mission at Ice in Paradise—making ice sports accessible and welcoming to everyone. By removing barriers and creating a supportive environment, we hope to spark a lifelong love of hockey in the next generation.

We are incredibly grateful to the coaches, volunteers, families, and community members who made this event possible, and especially to Coach Steve Heinze for sharing his time and inspiring our young players.

Whether it was their very first skate or the beginning of a future hockey journey, February 28 was a day full of unforgettable moments on the ice—and we hope to see many of these new players back at the rink again soon.