By James Carlton • Official Kids Mag
Photos Special to Official Kids Mag
Ice hockey isn't something most people
associate with Northwest Arkansas, but,
with the help of some fun-loving locals, it's
growing in popularity. The Jones Center,
located in the heart of Springdale, is home to
the NWA Youth Hockey League's Ice Hogs,
and they have a real, high-quality ice rink!
The Ice Hogs divisions are all coed, and
include the Mites (kids age 8 and under), Squirts
(ages 9-10), Peewee (11-12), Bantam (13-14),
JV and Varsity (15-18). The youth league doesn't
allow checking (rough contact) until age 13, so it's
a safe and fun
learning environment for everyone.
Jade Ross, 10, and her sister Lotus-Pearl, 8, are
hockey ambassadors to girls everywhere.
"There's not much difference between boys and
girls," says Lotus-Pearl, "and your gender doesn't
matter. With enough practice, anyone can play
hockey."
Jade works alongside the President of the Youth
Hockey League, actively recruiting more girls to
play. She wants to be faster and better than all the
boys. "Hockey is more than just a game," says Jade.
"It teaches you good values and life lessons like
teamwork, self-confidence and perseverance. You
won't get anywhere in life if you don't try again when
you fail."
Lincoln and Kendyl Forseth have been
playing hockey since they were 2 and
4 years old. When they saw their dad
playing in a rec league, they wouldn't
take no for an answer!
"Win or lose, I just want to play,"
says Lincoln, age 5. He thinks kids
everywhere should give hockey a
try. "My favorite part is just having
fun," he says, "passing, shooting, and
fighting for the puck."
The next Try Hockey For Free day
is February 23rd at the Jones Center,
where they lend out equipment and
teach some basic skills to kids who
might be interested in playing hockey.
NWA YOUTH
HOCKEY
More Than Fun for
Boys and Girls
OFFICIALKIDSMAG.COM
KIDS
PICK
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12 • Off icialKidsMag.com • JANUARY 2019
