Sharpen your skates and tape your sticks as Hockey Week Across America glides its way nearer.

Hockey Week Across America, which includes Hockey Weekend Across America, will start Sunday, Feb. 19, with a broadcast on NBC of some NHL games.

The week will include “Salute to Players” and “Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey” days, as well as National Try Hockey for Free Day.

Sophomore Gerald Balcer hopes the week will help people gain an interest in the sport.

“Nobody cares about the sport,” Balcer said. “I hope it will promote it.”

Hockey Week Across America is an initiative to celebrate, as well as promote involvement in hockey, and was founded by USA Hockey.

More information can be found at the Hockey Weekend Across America website.