Hockey Weekend Across America begins Friday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Hockey will lead the nation in the ninth annual Hockey Weekend Across America this Friday through Sunday (Feb. 19-21). Each of the three days of Hockey Weekend Across America features a special theme."Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day" on Friday (Feb. 19), sponsored by ShopUSAHockey.com, is the day for fans to show off their hockey pride by wearing their prized hockey jerseys. USA Hockey's Facebook and Twitter pages will accept photos from families, friends and colleagues in search of the most passionate hockey fans.On Saturday (Feb. 20), as part of "Try Hockey Day," sponsored by the NHL, more than 300 rinks in 45 states will host Try Hockey for Free clinics, presented by Kraft Heinz, allowing thousands of children to experience hockey for the first time. To find a participating rink near you and register, visit TryHockeyforFree.com.To cap off the weekend, "Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes Day" on Sunday, Feb. 21, encourages all involved in the game to develop ways to honor their local hockey heroes. USA Hockey invites fans to post pictures and stories on its Facebook and Twitter pages. The day also includes NBC's Hockey Day in America coverage that comprises an NHL tripleheader. The day begins at 12 noon ET with a half-hour pre-game show on NBC in advance of two games on the network (Pittsburgh at Buffalo; Chicago at Minnesota). NBCSN will conclude Hockey Day in America coverage on Sunday evening with the Detroit at New York Rangers game. Along with its game coverage, NBC will also produce content in and around the games showcasing hockey at all levels in the United States.