If you're a local hockey player aged 3-17, the Alpena Hockey Association wants you to come out and play this season.
The AHA is hosting a sign-up for the 2012-13 season tonight from 6-8 p.m. in the lobby of Northern Lights Arena.
There are scholarships of up to $300 available for qualifying players and there will also be a used equipment sale during the registration for those interested in getting hockey equipment.
"Before, everyone said hockey was an expensive sport, now there's no excuse," AHA President John Fisher said. "We want as many kids as we can get."
The AHA is hoping to register around 220 kids for the year.
For any kids who are on the fence about playing hockey, Fisher was quick to point out the athletic and social benefits of playing.
"It's fun, it's gets you in shape and you can make new friends. Plus hockey is one of the coolest sports around," Fisher said.
Depending on the level, players get to play anywhere from 20-50 games and scheduling this season will allow for more home games.
Fisher also pointed to several of Alpena's successful hockey teams as a source of inspiration for playing. Not only is the Alpena High School team improving, but the Thunder Bay Wrecks travel program has won titles and house teams and midget travel teams have also done well.
To spark further interest in playing, Northern Lights Arena has held free skating sessions all summer and there will be a free goalie clinic starting in late October for players at all levels who are interested in playing goalie.
For the registration, every player registering needs to go to usahockey.com and click on the "Player" tab at the top, click "Register Online" and register as a hockey player. Bring the barcode receipt you receive at the end of the registration process to register for hockey.
Players and parents can also go to alpenahockey.com and under "Online Documents," click on registration forms and a file will come up with all the forms you will need to process your registration. Fill them out and bring them to registration.