River City Youth Hockey leaders Matt Binsfeld and Lucas Schwaller in the WIZM studio for La Crosse Talk last week discussing welcoming everyone to play at the Green Island Ice Arena on the south side, and maybe even getting to ride the zamboni.

The two say the public-private partnership with the City of La Crosse has made the organization stronger.

An upcoming event, “Try Hockey for Free” will allow people to get in the gear, put on the skates and feel out being on the ice Oct. 20.

Binsfield and Schwaller said they’re proud of how they turned a major change at the arena into a success. Just before the pandemic, the city approached the organization about running all of the use of ice inside Green Island. The group now plans figure skating, free skating, adult hockey, youth hockey and more inside the city-owned facility.

This parent-led group talks about the positive, co-ed opportunities that bond, not only the kids, but also parents. Learn more about the the "Try Hockey For Free" event here.