Introduce your child to ice hockey by going to one of the OSU Women’s Ice Hockey games this winter. Give your wee one the chance to feel the thrill when their team scores a goal, or simply enjoy watching the players skate and pass the puck. I think the fact that the sport is played on ice is enticing to the little ones, plus the kids get an excuse to yell indoors by cheering on their team. Oh, and let’s not forget the Zamboni. Something about that ice resurfacer makes kids go wild. The games are free and many of the home games are played in the afternoon. Check the schedule here. The games are played at the OSU Ice Rink, which is located beside St. John’s Arena across from the old Holiday Inn on Lane Avenue. It is easy to get to from SR 315 or Olentangy River Road and there is plenty of parking.
My hubby took our preschool-aged daughter and her friend to a game. The girls loved it. They sat in the very front with their little pompoms, and every now and again got up and smashed their faces on the glass to get a closer look. A ten year old figure skater danced on the ice between sessions and the girls were giddy over seeing her pretty dress and ice skates (this doesn’t happen every game, so don’t promise it!). Forty-five minutes was about all they stayed, and that was sufficient for two three-year-old girls. Just enough time to cheer on their team, watch a young ice dancer, and see that women are just as good at hockey as men.
I’ll have to admit, even though I am not typically the type to wear team garb, I rather enjoyed putting my daughter in her hand-me-down OSU dress. She loved supporting the team by wearing her little scarlett and gray Buckeyes cheerleader outfit. She came home and couldn’t put her little pompom down her daddy purchased for her, which because it is shiney and noisey has become a sought after toy for the dogs. I really need to put that thing away so darling girl can cheer on future OSU games sans dog slobber.
OSU Women’s Hockey
OSU Ice Rink
390 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-4154
Going:
- Have your child wear team colors or even a shirt with the team’s logo on it. It is really fun for them.
- Don’t stress about getting there right when the game starts. If you are running a little late, that’s okay.
- Bring a snack that isn’t too crumbly and a water bottle for them, or feed them a late lunch.
- Be prepared for them to lose focus, not listen to you as you explain the rules or even be interested for that matter. Try to focus on how cool the skating is or watching the players hit the puck with a stick!
- It is up to you, but I wouldn’t bring a baby because it can be loud, cold, the seating isn’t conducive to bucket seats, and strollers aren’t easy to maneuver in sporting event areas.
- Have fun!
