SAN JOSE, California – Sharks Ice at San Jose, the official training center of the San Jose Sharks, in conjunction with the San Jose Jr. Sharks Club, is hosting “Girls Give Hockey a Try” on Sun. Oct. 14. The program is a part of the annual International Ice Hockey Federation’s Girls Hockey Day.

There will be two free sessions for girls ages 5-12 held at Sharks Ice at San Jose – 9-10 a.m. and 10:15-11:15 a.m. Both sessions will be held on the facility’s East Rink. Equipment and coaching will be provided.

Nearly 140 locations across the United States will participate in the second annual IIHF Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend this on Oct. 13-14.

The IIHF World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend is an opportunity to celebrate female participation in the sport. The goal of the event is to grow the game through a variety of events that aim to introduce beginners to basic skills in a positive, fun, and safe environment; provide more opportunities to play ice hockey; teach fair play, sportsmanship, and teamwork; create new friendships; and develop a lifelong love of the sport.

“We’re extremely pleased with the enthusiasm and number of locations participating in World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “USA Hockey has been, and will continue to be, a leader in helping grow participation in girls' and women's hockey."

Events being hosted include American Development Model clinics, hockey jamborees, Try Hockey for Free opportunities, female-only tournaments, introductory informational sessions about the sport, and numerous other hockey-themed gatherings.

Girls hockey is thriving with the San Jose Jr Sharks Girls hockey teams boasting over 100 players ages 5-16 that play against girls all over North America.

Space is limited for the Sharks Ice sessions with only 45 spots available per session. To sign up, visit: www.sjjrsharks.com

Sharks Ice at San Jose is located at 1500 S. 10th Street (corner of 10th and Alma) in San Jose.