Indy a hockey town?

It’s March. For some, that means spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about outdoor activities. For others, it means “let the hoops madness begin.” But in the world of youth hockey, it means it’s time to get ready for end-of-the-year tournaments, trophies and celebrations.

DON’T CLICK TO A DIFFERENT PAGE JUST YET! I know that “roundball” is the sport of choice in Indiana, but you can’t deny that hockey is gaining a strong foothold – even in the Heartland.

TV ratings for the “Winter Classic,” the NHL’s annual outdoor New Year’s Day game, are strong here in the Circle City. And how about that Olympic Gold Medal Game – weren’t you on the edge of your seat? According to NBC, 29 percent of all Indianapolis residents watching TV were tuned in to Canada’s dramatic overtime win over Team USA… and that’s while Purdue was battling Michigan State for first place in the Big Ten on a different channel!

I believe that Indy does have a strong hockey culture and that youth hockey is really starting to thrive here. The Pepsi Coliseum Youth Hockey League presented by St. Vincent Health is doing everything possible to grow the sport for both boys and girls by offering:
· Free ice time and equipment for kids through its Friday Night Hat Trick program
· The cheapest league dues in town
· Payment plans for parents on a budget (and who isn’t?)
· Expert coaching through a partnership with the Indiana Ice

Although it’s too late to get kids involved this season, it’s something to think about next fall if your son or daughter likes to ice skate or just be around a great family activity. And who knows… maybe one day you could be in the stands rooting for your kid at the Olympics shouting “U-S-A, U-S-A.”

Submitted by Andy Klotz