TAMPA, Fla. — Hockey Day took place in Tampa Bay Sunday, which gives kids a chance to learn a sport they may not otherwise be exposed to.

  • Hockey Day trying to expose kids in the Bay Area to hockey
  • Part Tampa Bay Lightning's "Hockey Week"
  • Read the full schedule of events below ⇣

It's all a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning's "Hockey Week."

“It honestly doesn’t matter, boy, girl. It crosses all (socioeconomic) boundaries. It’s something different,” said Josh Dreith, Community Hockey Manager.

Sunday’s event included a series of tournaments, bringing out some newer players.

“All my friends, they said hockey was super fun and they all played it, so I thought I’ll give it a try, and it’s been really fun,” said 10 year-old Blaise DePasquale.

There were also some who have been playing for years.

Spectrum Bay News 9 Reporter Ashley Paul asked, “How do you guys get in the right mindset? How do you get in your game day mode?”

“I stretch and I think, ‘We can win this.’ And I keep thinking it, drink a lot of water,” said 9-year-old Jackson Blankship.

Other players said they would encourage kids to give it a try.

“It’s a great game, the thrill of scoring a goal is just amazing. And seeing your teammates happy for you, it’s great,” said 10 year-old George Mitchell.

Hockey week will continue all week— with the special dedication of three new hockey rinks around Tampa Bay.

Here’s the full schedule of events:

  • Sunday, Feb. 9: Hockey Day in Tampa Bay 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 10: Ruskin Rink, Grand Opening 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 11: Try Ice Hockey for Free 5:10-6:10 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 12: High School Hockey Showcase
  • Thursday, Feb. 13: Lightning Made Training Center Open House 10 a.m. – end of the Lightning game
  • Friday, Feb. 14: Rowlett Park Rink, presented by Chase, Grand Opening 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 15: College Hockey Day Game times are 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 16: Girls Hockey 3 v 3 Series 6:10-7:10pm
  • Monday, Feb 17: Sadie Park Rink, presented by Florida Blue, Grand Opening 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information on the location of these events, visit the NHL's website.