CBJ launch Get Out And Learn! for ages 5-8 to try hockey at free clinics

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Columbus Blue Jackets invite first-time participants, ages 5 to 8, to try hockey for free through the club's new Get Out And Learn! (G.O.A.L!) initiative. Designed for boys and girls who have no formal hockey or skating experience, these on-ice clinics are intended to remove barriers of entry to the sport and offer kids the opportunity to try hockey without the cost of purchasing equipment. The program kicks off with its first clinic on Thursday, February 22 from 6-7 p.m. at Blue Jackets Winter Park, presented by Worthington Industries. Advance registration for all sessions is required and open now at BlueJackets.com/GOAL.

During each one-hour session, G.O.A.L! will teach the basic skills of skating and hockey including stickhandling, passing and shooting. Participants will receive on-ice instruction from USA Hockey certified coaches and complimentary skate rental. Each participant will also receive an ice hockey stick and a Blue Jackets G.O.A.L! jersey to keep.
Upon graduating from G.O.A.L!, parents will receive a "Next Steps" guide with information on how to continue on the path to becoming a hockey player through programs or classes offered at local OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks.
Participants are encouraged to bring a helmet from home (bike helmet is acceptable) along with a pair of winter or hockey gloves. A limited number of helmets and gloves will be available at each session. Hockey equipment is not required to participate. Basic skating experience is recommended, but not required.
In an effort to accommodate as many families as possible, GOAL! is a one-time participation program. Each session can accommodate up to 50 skaters. The first series of clinics follows with additional dates to be announced.
Click here for more information about dates, times and locations.
The G.O.A.L! program is supported by the Industry Growth Fund (IGF), which was created by the NHLPA and the NHL as part of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, in order to help grow the game of hockey.