There isn't much about youth ice hockey that's cheap, much less free. It costs between $800 and $1,800 a year to play this sport in the Baltimore region, depending on the level of a child's skill and commitment (and a parents' willingness to pay for the sport and drive to the rink). But if your kids come to love this particular sport -- often over all others in the fall and winter -- you usually go with it. Parents find ways to make it happen for their kids. Hockey, unlike other sports, covers two seasons, from fall through late winter, which adds to the cost. (The main expense is ice time, which can run up to $300 an hour in our area.)

I mention this because there are a couple of events coming up Saturday where kids can get a taste of hockey for free. Both are sponsored by Baltimore Youth Hockey, a non-profit club I've been associated with since my college-bound son was 6.

Free ice hockey clinics for boys and girls  
Boys and girls from 6 to 16, who wish to give ice hockey a try, are invited to two free Let's Play Hockey events on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at new Reisterstown rink in the morning, and at Ice World in Harford County in the afternoon. Prospective players will try on equipment and get on the ice with coaches and experienced players. There is no charge and no registration necessary prior to the event.

Parents should RSVP at byhstars@aol.com

Baltimore County: Reisterstown Sportsplex: May 10, 2008, 9:40 AM - 11:30 AM on the ice.
Please arrive for your fitting, registration and instructions between 8:30 and 9 am.
Harford County: Ice World, Abingdon, Md. May 10, 2008, 4:00 PM-5:15 PM.  on the ice.
Please arrive for your fitting, registration and instructions between 3:00 and 3:30 pm