By Ali Yenchick
Parents out there… Think about the most expensive sports your kid may be interested in trying.
Near the top of the list is hockey, largely due to costs for high-quality, specialized equipment like skates, helmets, and sticks, along with significant team fees, travel expenses for tournaments, and expensive ice time rentals. Competitive youth hockey can cost thousands of dollars annually, sometimes exceeding $10,000, as the sport is generally considered the most expensive youth sport… Eek. Let’s just hope they love it.
However, ice facilities like AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk have found a solution that is setting a new accessibility standard for community ice programs.
The facility recently ranked number one in the nation for participation in the “Try Hockey for Free” initiative, a testament to its successful strategy for growing the sport from the ground up. This achievement, combined with a significant increase in program registrations, underscores the facility’s status as an unparalleled resource for aspiring athletes and their families in the region.
Igniting a Passion for Hockey
The “Try Hockey for Free” program, a national initiative by USA Hockey, provides a no-cost opportunity for children to experience the game. Embracing this model, Bluhawk’s rink has hosted this event three times in its first year in business, attracting hundreds of new families to the ice.
“It’s a free platform for parents to bring their kids in to try the game of hockey, and that’s pretty incredible,” explains Simon Watson, Operations Director at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk. “We provide skates and sticks; they bring their own helmet and warm clothes. It’s just a chance for them to get on the ice and try the game for free.”
The community has a strong appetite for hockey, as suggested by the facility’s top ranking, which is based on attendance data reported to USA Hockey. Bluhawk’s most recent event, held on September 13, drew 123 players, earning them the top spot nationally. The same event last February was even larger with 175 participants, many of whom have since joined the facility’s hockey leagues.
From First Skate to Club Team: A Path for Growth
The “Try Hockey for Free” events are just the beginning. They serve as a crucial entry point into a well-defined development pipeline. Bluhawk strategically uses these free sessions to introduce families to its “Learn to Play” program, which then feeds into its own club organization, the IceHawks.
This model has produced remarkable results. The IceHawks club program, which is owned and operated by the facility, has seen its numbers more than double in a single year. “Our club program had 105 players last season, and this year, we’re at 290– a substantial increase,” said Watson. “And we still have 50 to 60 kids waiting to get into it.”
Watson reports that approximately 110 of the new players this season came directly from the facility’s grassroots programs. “That has been the vehicle behind all this,” he says, “generating that pipeline and keeping that base of the pyramid robust.”
To accommodate its growing talent pool, Bluhawk has expanded its offerings. The Icehawks program now includes 23 teams, spanning ages from five-year-old “mini mites” all the way through high school. The addition of a high school team this year provides a clear goal for younger players to aspire to, ensuring a long-term pathway within the organization.
A Premier Facility Driving Demand
A key factor in this success story is the shiny, new facility itself. AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk is a state-of-the-art building that attracts families from across the area. While most participants live within a 15-mile radius, some travel substantial distances to be part of the programs.
“That speaks to our facility,” Watson says. “They’re driving a further distance to get here to train.” The modern amenities, including its family entertainment center and a team of over 40 experienced coaches, create a major draw for families seeking a high-quality experience.
However, this rapid growth has presented its own challenges. With just one sheet of ice, scheduling has become a puzzle. The rink is booked from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. to accommodate everything from figure skating to the various hockey programs. The facility is effectively at capacity.
To address this, leadership is actively working on the second phase of development, which would add a second full-size rink and a smaller training rink. This expansion is critical for sustaining growth and offering more opportunities to the community. “Once we have that second sheet, we’ll be able to move things around and grow our programming even more,” Watson adds.
Looking Ahead: The Olympic Effect and Future Growth
The momentum is set to continue. The next “Try Hockey for Free” event is scheduled for March, set strategically following the 2026 Winter Olympics, an event that historically drives immense interest in winter sports.
“We will likely see another substantial turnout in March. People are going to be watching the Olympic Winter Games, and that sparks a lot of interest in ice sports and rink traffic,” predicts Watson. “That’s going to be exciting to see.”
This combination of national recognition, a proven development model, and a highly anticipated expansion places AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in an exceptional position. It has not only built a successful hockey program but has also cultivated a vibrant community, proving that with the right strategy and a world-class facility, the future of youth hockey is brighter than ever.
