By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena will give kids interested in learning to play hockey a chance to take to the ice with members of the University of Alabama hockey team.

The Civic Complex is partnering with the Pelham Youth Hockey League and the University of Alabama Frozen Tide to give kids ages 4-12 an introductory lesson to skating and hockey on the complex’s ice rink.

The free event will be held from 2:30-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. No prior ice skating or hockey experience is necessary to participate, and all required equipment will be provided.

“All you need to do is dress warmly and bring your desire to have a great time,” read an event flier.

After the clinic, participants can attend the 4-6 p.m. public skate session for free.

To learn more about the event, call Scott Norton at 620-6448 or email snorton@pelhamonline.com. To learn more about the Frozen Tide, which plays its home games at the Civic Complex, visit Bamahockey.net, and to learn more about the Pelham Youth Hockey League, visit Pyhl.org.

The hockey clinic is one of several recent free events at the Civic Complex designed to introduce kids to ice skating and hockey, said Civic Complex Director Danny Tate. The free events have led to an increase in the number of participants in Civic Complex programs such as skate school and the Youth Hockey League.

“It’s really starting to roll now,” Tate said. “We are trying to develop our programs by doing some things we haven’t done in the past.”

To learn more about the Civic Complex’s programs, visit Pelhamciviccomplex.com.