[imagebrowser id=1752]

Area girls got a taste of the ice Saturday.

The Austin High School girls hockey team hosted a clinic for young girls to try out drills and get a feel for the ice at Riverside Arena.

The yearly practice helps recruit future AHS players, and it promotes youth hockey in Austin.

Denny Bray, AHS girls hockey coach, said it’s a good way to introduce youngsters to the sport.

Bray estimated about 70 girls attended the practice, but not all were inexperienced. Much of his high school squad ran the drills, and some youth hockey players attended to hone their skills.

Bray said the practice also helps his team bond and show leadership heading into its season.

“They’re running the show out there,” he said of his team.

Youth hockey is already underway. The Packers start practicing Oct. 31, with their first game Nov. 19.