Hockey Weekend Across America Begins

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The third annual Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by Reebok, begins Friday (Jan. 29) and runs through Sunday (Jan. 31).

Hockey Weekend Across America was started by USA Hockey in 2008 to provide a framework for the hockey community to celebrate the game at all levels, while also exposing the sport to new audiences.

"There are tremendous things happening in our sport in all parts of the nation," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, "and it's only appropriate that we utilize Hockey Weekend Across America to celebrate those accomplishments."

Each of the three days of Hockey Weekend Across America has a theme, including:

Friday (Jan. 29) - Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey, sponsored by ShopUSAHockey.com
Saturday (Jan. 30) - Bring a Friend to the Rink, sponsored by the NHL
Sunday (Jan. 31) - Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes, sponsored by the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program

For the past two months, USA Hockey and Reebok have conducted a "Why Hockey Rocks" video contest as part of Hockey Weekend Across America. Fans were asked to submit one-minute videos explaining why hockey is the best sport in the world. Following a voting process that began on Jan. 1, a total of 16 winners received a voucher for $300 worth of Reebok Hockey gear and had their videos entered into a tournament-style competition for the chance to win up to $2,500 in Reebok Hockey merchandise. The final round of voting is currently taking place at HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com, and the winner will be announced Sunday (Jan. 31).

USA Hockey is also conducting a best Hockey Weekend Across America programming contest for its local associations across the country, with the grand-prize winner receiving a voucher for $5,000 of Reebok Hockey gear. Additionally, five runners-up will receive $1,000 of Reebok Hockey goods. The entry form can be obtained at HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com.

NOTES: USA Hockey will stage media conference calls as part of Hockey Weekend Across America with members of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team on Wednesday (Jan. 27); members of the gold medal-winning 1998 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team on Thursday (Jan. 28); and members of the gold medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team on Friday (Jan. 29) ... Hockey Day in Michigan is slated for Jan. 30 as part of Hockey Weekend Across America ... A total of 135 rinks in 33 states will participate in USA Hockey's Try Hockey for Free initiative on Saturday (Jan. 30) as part of Hockey Weekend Across America. The 135 rinks will provide those new to hockey an opportunity to try it without cost ... From Jan. 29-31, disabled hockey players from all four disciplines (sled, deaf/hard of hearing, standing amputee and special hockey) will visit all 54 rinks in the state of New Jersey in conjunction with Hockey Weekend Across America. Their goal will be to raise awareness for disabled hockey among disabled athletes and encourage rinks to support new or existing disabled hockey programs. The event will officially kick off Friday (Jan. 29) at a special event at the NHL Powered by Reebok Store in New York City. Bill Daly, deputy commissioner of the National Hockey League, will be on hand to help launch the "Everybody Skates New Jersey" program beginning at 10 a.m. EST. ... Saturday (Jan. 30), the 2010 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team will take part in four Try Hockey for Free clinics as part of Hockey Weekend Across America. Two U.S. players will be at each of the following locations: World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo. (12-1 p.m.), Pueblo Plaza Ice Arena in Pueblo, Colo. (9-10 a.m.), Family Sports Center Ice Arena in Centennial, Colo. (9-10 a.m.) and Edge Ice Arena in Littleton, Colo. (9:30-10:30 a.m.) ... Beginning with its home game against the New York Rangers on Saturday (Jan. 30) at 6 p.m. MT, the Phoenix Coyotes are sponsoring "24 Hours of Hockey" as part of Hockey Weekend Across America. The event continues throughout the night and into Sunday with a total of 15 consecutive youth and adult hockey games. All age groups will be represented at the event, which will end with a game featuring Coyotes and NHL alumni at 5 p.m. on Sunday.