"Nate's been anticipating this day all week.  Every morning when he wakes up he asks, 'Is today the day we go to the rink, Dad?'" 

Erik Patek 's son is almost five years old, but he's been a big hockey fan for years.  The USA Hockey Across America event, locally hosted by SAYHA and the San Antonio Rampage, is perfect for a kid like him. 

Nate had a chance to don hockey skates, pads and even a bright red USA hockey jersey and take his stick onto the ice for a real live "stick and puck" experience.  Tongue wagging, Nate skated circles, weaved in and out of players and shot on the net time after time. 

Nate wasn't the only one on the ice with a smile from ear to ear.  Over 63 new skaters took the ice to give hockey a try. 

"We had kids of all ages and abilities," said organizer and SAYHA Board member Lisa True.  "We just want to give kids a chance to try hockey for free.  We know it's a great sport and we want to share that experience with anyone who's willing to give it a go."

On a recent Facebook wall post, Nick Roso writes, "Our son Dominic had a great time! He started the day being scooted in a chair by one of your volunteers, and ended the day skating all by himself!" Way to go Dominic!  Keep up the good work!

We'd like to extend our special thanks to the San Antonio Rampage organization for their support in advertising the event and to T-Bone and the Ice Girls for making an exciting appearance and for signing autographs. 

Also thanks to all of the SAYHA volunteers, Jr. Rampage players who suited up for the event and to Jeff Kline for the excellent photos capturing the fun and smiles of the day. 

(See more of Jeff Kline's photos at www.jdklinephoto.com)