'Try Hockey For Free' event displays growing hockey, skating community

RIO RANCHO — “I would say the biggest thing is just making sure everyone in Rio Rancho knows that we have an ice rink.”

Jason Foist isn’t referring to "Disney on Ice"" coming back to the Rio Rancho Events Center this fall, but instead the youth hockey opportunities at the McDermott Athletic Center.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, the New Mexico Amateur Hockey Association and USA Hockey are partnering for “Try Hockey For Free,” an event for kids new to skating or hockey to get out on the ice.

“It's called try hockey for free, but it might as well be called try ice skating for free as well,” Foist said. “Because we end up with a lot of young kids, ages 4-9 is the target, but we will take kids up to 15. If they can hold a stick, then great, but if they just want to get on the ice and try ice skating, especially the little ones, we have that as well.”

The NMAHA and USA Hockey put together this event once or twice a year, with this session marking the beginning of their hockey season. Skates and gear are provided at the rink; all you have to do is sign up online.

While hockey remains the name of the game, there are many opportunities at the MAC for newcomers to take the ice.

“You don't necessarily have to do hockey, but if you want to learn more, there's a learn to skate program that's hosted by the MAC. It's a twice-a-week program that usually runs for eight to 10 weeks,” Foist said. “You can start at 4 and 5; that's where my boy started when he was 5, before he started playing hockey.”

Outside of normal skating classes, the MAC offers sessions with a focus on figure skating or hockey, skating coaches on site that can be reserved for a lesson, and even free year-round skating lessons for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities.

“It's just kind of an introduction. Obviously, our kind of selfish goal for hosting it is that at some point we get kids interested in hockey, and they can go through learning to skate or learn to play hockey,” Foist said. “And then sign up for our season registration and come play some recreational hockey.”

While hockey and skating are offered around the clock at the MAC, the interest in the sport might be the highest it has ever been. The NMAHA currently houses seven different teams out of Rio Rancho, ranging from ages 6-18.

With numbers increasing and professional hockey set to return to the city in 2026, there has never been a better time to head to the rink.

“We have an ice rink. It's not just ice at the events center; the MAC is here, so just getting the word out is huge,” Foist said.

To sign up for the event, visit tryhockeyforfree.com or visit themacsports.com for more information on skating opportunities.