WSET.com - ABC13Local Kids Get Free Hockey Lessons

Reporter: Melinda Zosh

Lynchburg, VA - About 20 local kids got to play hockey for free! It's part of a nationwide effort called Hockey Weekend Across America. Locally, the Lynchburg Youth Hockey hosted the free event at the LaHaye Ice Center.

Once a seasoned hockey player hits the ice, there's no stopping him or her.

"It's more aggressive and it's a faster game," hockey player Jack Neenan said.

"Personally, I just like hitting people but that's just me," hockey player William said.

Then, there's newcomer Amaya Nixon, 9, who's not afraid to join the boys.

"I just come to see if I'll be able to play with aggressive people," Nixon said.

People who are all fighting for the puck.

"How to get it back from someone who stole it from you," Nixon said.

And you've got to stay  steady on the ice.

"Play with others without falling down on them," Nixon said.

Five years ago, Tyler Stadtherr was one of the newcomers.

"I didn't know how to skate and I was falling down all over the place," Stadtherr said.

Then, his mom brought him to a free hockey clinic, just like this one.

"He fell in love with hockey and he's been playin ever since," Tyler's mom Annette Stadtherr said.

But coaches say it's hard for many to stick with it because of the expense.

"A lot of kids like to watch it on TV, but they never get a chance to try it," President ofLynchburg Youth Hockey Association Shane Turner said.

"Once they get on the ice, they're going to love it and bring the girls, we need more girls too," Annette Stadtherr said.

Girls like Amaya Nixon, who left their sticks behind but didn't exactly leave empty handed.

"That's what we as coaches get the most pleasure, seeing them leave with a smile on their face," Head Coach of Lynchburg Youth Hockey Frank Mutchler said.

If you'd like to learn more about Lynchburg Youth Hockey, go here:

http://www.lynchburgyouthhockey.com/