Saturday (Nov. 7) was a great day for hockey in America as 14,129 children were introduced to the sport for the first time through USA Hockey's Try Hockey For Free Day, presented by Kraft Heinz. The skating scene played out in arenas nationwide as part of the fifth annual Come Play Hockey Month.

In all, nearly 500 sites hosted Try Hockey events across 48 states. Equipment was provided free of charge to every child attending the events, while thousands of USA Hockey-certified coaches provided instruction and encouragement.

"This event is all about making local rinks an inviting place for new families," said Pat Kelleher, USA Hockey's assistant executive director of development. "It's such a thrill to see all the smiling faces and hear parents talk about the memorable experience of watching their child try hockey.

"Volunteers across the country deserve a ton of credit. Their energy and passion made it a great introduction to the sport. We're also grateful for the support from the NHL and its member clubs."

USA Hockey, which conducts two national Try Hockey For Free Days each season, will conduct its second Try Hockey Day of the 2015-16 campaign Feb. 20, 2016, as part of Hockey Weekend Across America.

USA Hockey's Try Hockey For Free Days are designed to provide a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge. Total Hockey and Liberty Mutual Insurance are official sponsors of Try Hockey For Free Day, presented by Kraft Heinz.

NOTE: Now in their sixth season, USA Hockey's national Try Hockey For Free Days have introduced more than 100,000 children to the sport ... Try Hockey For Free Day in November is part of Come Play Hockey Month, a component of the NHL's Hockey is for Everyone™ (HIFE) program, which provides children of all backgrounds the opportunity to play hockey ... Join the conversation on social media using hashtag #TryHockey.