CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – From beginners to more advanced skaters, all are welcome to join the Adult Hockey League at the new Ford Ice Center. The league started shortly after the center opened, and the opportunity allowed for a few friends to recruit players for the new league.

“The best way to jump into the sport is with the Rookie/D League,” said Rink Manager for Ford Ice Center Andy Franklin said. “Rookie D is geared more toward beginners and is not too serious. It’s enjoyable, and you can have a beer afterwards,” Franklin said.

Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)
Men’s Hockey League playing on the Main Ice at F&M Bank Arena (Contributed by Michael Rios)

Currently there are eight teams. Four are part of the BC League: The Wampas, Taphouse57, Backcheck and Chill, and KBB Pour Choices. Four other teams make up the Rookie/D League: Lucky Puckers, Moose, Skyhawks and the Ice Rockets Northwest.

League referees are certified hockey officials and have at least USA Hockey Level 1 or better certifications, giving players experience in rules and flow of the game, Franklin said.

Josh Tobin, Captain of Taphouse 57, said programs like this really help promote the game of hockey. Tobin also encourages people to try the other programs at Ford Ice Center, like the hockey free skate and the Nashville Predators youth program.

Some of these programs help younger kids acquire gear, training and coaching, which in turn allows kids to learn the game and help with the cost that comes with the sport.

The Rookie/D League plays on Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and the BC League plays on Thursdays at 8 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Tobin says anyone who is interested is welcome to come.

You can find more information on the Adult Hockey League at the Ford Ice Center website.