2. Hockey builds character. Since hockey is a team sport, children who play learn the value of working with others. They figure out how to rely on teammates and understand that cooperation is key to success. Children on hockey teams experience a team spirit that encourages trust, responsibility and sportsmanship. These lessons extend into adulthood as teammates turn into coworkers, coaches become bosses, and teams become the companies for which they work. An often overlooked benefit of team sports, including hockey, is developing the ability to accept the highs and lows in life with poise and balance. Experiencing the wins and losses that come with hockey helps a child deal with the wins and losses in life all that much better. Hockey also promotes a strong sense of self, a positive self-esteem and pride. Utilizing positive self-talk and managing stress help balance a child's outlook on life.

3. Hockey improves mental agility. Hockey is a fast sport. Plays develop in seconds, and momentum can shift in the blink of an eye. A child who can learn how to operate in that sort of environment will improve his or her ability to make quick decisions and think on his or feet. Concentration is also improved; being able to concentrate while playing will make it easier to concentrate while learning. It's also a sport of strategy. Understanding how one event can lead to—or even create—another is essential to life success. When a child develops the skills to do that on the ice, that child can then translate the skills to life. Children also learn how to use mental imagery, a skill that can aid in understanding how to do something. Mental imagery is also frequently used by adults to achieve goals.

Research has shown that kids who play hockey at a young age are more likely to continue to play that sport throughout their lives. In fact, youth hockey players are three times more likely than basketball players and nearly two times more likely than baseball, soccer or football players to go on to play the sport in college (NCAA). By putting a child in a hockey program, you are creating a lifelong enthusiast and health-oriented individual.

With this in mind, the NHL and USA Hockey have teamed together to create Try Hockey for Free Day. Ice rinks around the country will be offering children ages 4-9 the chance to step on the ice and experience the wonders of hockey.

*Article by C. Bradley for SB Nation*