Nearly 130 locations across the United States will help celebrate the sixth annual International Ice Hockey Federation World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend this Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 8-9). As part of the festivities, past and present members of the U.S. Women's National Team will take part in select events across the nation.

The IIHF World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend is an opportunity to celebrate female participation in the sport. The goal of the event is to grow the game through a variety of events that aim to introduce beginners to basic skills in a positive, fun and safe environment; provide more opportunities to play ice hockey; teach fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork; create new friendships; and develop a lifelong love of the sport.

"It's terrific to see all the activity happening around the country this weekend as we join the IIHF and celebrate girls' hockey weekend," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "We are proud to be a leader in the continued advancement of girls' and women's hockey and are most grateful to all the dedicated volunteers who help showcase these events and our sport."

Events being hosted include youth hockey clinics featuring the American Development Model, jamborees, Try Hockey for Free opportunities, female-only tournaments, introductory informational sessions about the sport and other hockey-themed gatherings.

Those taking part in the festivities this weekend are encouraged to share their experiences by posting photos and stories on USA Hockey's Facebook page and on Twitter using the hashtag #girlshockey.

Thirty-three states are hosting activities as part of the sixth annual IIHF World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend. Click here for more information on the IIHF World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend.

NOTES: Teams from the NHL and NCAA are among those celebrating the IIHF World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend ... Participation in girls and women's hockey in the United States has increased by nearly 35 percent in the past decade and USA Hockey has more than 73,000 registered female players.