An Arizona-based organization is attempting to expand low-cost opportunities for youth, including some in the Chandler area, to play ice hockey.

Whether a child has never stepped onto the ice, or is looking to enhance their skills in hockey, the Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Legacy Foundation provides those opportunities, according to a news release.

After completing one of several programs, coaches will guide parents and kids to the next steps in the sport.

The programs are hosted at rinks all around Arizona, including Ice Den Chandler, located at 7225 W. Harrison Street, near 54th and Galveston streets in west Chandler.

Programs currently offered and available for youth include:

• Shott’s Tots – Beginner level and open to all for children ages 5-11 to provide a risk-free introduction to the sport of hockey. There are six on-ice sessions, and each child receives a set of equipment to keep which includes ice skates, hockey stick, equipment bag, shin guards, elbow and shoulder pads, gloves, neck guard, hockey pants, socks and a Shott’s Tots jersey.

• Little Leightons: Girls-only, beginner level and open for girls ages 5-11. There are six on-ice sessions, and each child receives a set of equipment to keep which includes ice skates, hockey stick, equipment bag, shin guards, elbow and shoulder pads, gloves, neck guard, hockey pants, socks and a Shott’s Tots jersey.

• Try Hockey for free: Throughout the year, the Foundation hosts free events where new players can experience hockey with equipment and instruction provided at no charge, including local schools in Arizona.

The programs are also hosted at rinks around the state, such as the Ice Den locations in Scottsdale and Gilbert, as well as AZ Ice Peoria, AZ Ice Arcadia, Coyotes Community Ice Center in Mesa, the Tucson Convention Center and the Jay Lively Activity Center in Flagstaff.

Learn more at azhockeylegacy.org.

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