Plans are underway for USA Hockey’s second annual Hockey Weekend Across America celebration next month.

The nationwide event is February 13-15 and is aimed at not only celebrating the game at all levels, including collegiate programs, but also increasing the number of individuals exposed to the sport.

Each day of the weekend has a theme – Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey (February 13), Bring a Friend to the Rink (February 14) and Celebrate Local hockey Heroes (February 15).

As part of the weekend celebration, USA Hockey is also sponsoring a contest for best Hockey Across America programming with the grand-prize winner earning 25 sets of One Goal starter equipment (valued at $4,000) plus $2,000. Five $1,000 first runner-up prizes also will be awarded.

In addition, daily prizes will be given to the first 10 people to find and click on a special graphic located on HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com and fans who register on the Web site by 11:59 Mountain time February 12 will earn a chance to win one of 45 Reebok EDGE authentic National Hockey League jerseys.

Every rink in the country will receive two printed copies of Hockey Weekend Across America posters and artwork is available for download to use in signage promoting the special weekend. In addition, all NHL, minor professional, NCAA Divisions I and III men’s and women’s, United States Hockey League and North American Hockey League teams with homes games scheduled during the weekend will receive special Hockey Weekend Across America pucks to use as part of ceremonial puck drops marking the occasion.

Dave Fischer, director of media and public relations for USA Hockey, said while his organization is providing a framework for the weekend, he encouraged teams to be creative in their celebrations and share their initiatives with others by entering the activities on the Hockey Weekend Across America Web site.  

“Last year, in its initial year, Hockey Weekend Across America exceeded our wildest expectations of participation across the country. Teams and associations participated at all levels of hockey, including the NHL, minor professional leagues, college hockey, high school hockey, junior teams and local youth hockey associations,” said Fischer, who credited Central Collegiate Hockey Association Commissioner Tom Anastos with initially suggesting the idea.

Anastos said after watching coverage of Hockey Day in Canada festivities, he saw an opportunity in the United States to celebrate the game, raise its profile and hopefully grab the attention of some people who do not normally pay much attention to the sport.

Anastos noted that the level of involvement in Hockey Weekend Across America among collegiate teams varies from market to market and not every team hosts a home game on that weekend. The concept, he stressed, is about dedicating the day to the sport and allowing those involved in the sport to celebrate it in any way they desire.

In addition to integrating youth hockey activities with college teams, Anastos said CCHA schools have supported USA Hockey’s Hockey Weekend Across America in various ways. This year, part of the league’s recognition of the three-day celebration will include two televised games on FSN February 14 featuring Ohio State against Michigan State and Nebraska-Omaha versus Michigan.

“I’m pleased to see that the event continues to get traction and continues to evolve over the years – hopefully to a level that really makes a difference in raising the national profile and visibility of the sport,” said Anastos.