Learning to play hockey is more than just learning a game. More than skating, passing and stick-handling, hockey is about responsibility, respect and teamwork. As children learn the skills needed to succeed on the ice, they also build and solidify important character traits needed to succeed off the ice. With that in mind, the Learn to Play initiative was developed jointly by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association to offer more families a chance to experience everything that makes youth hockey so rewarding.
Developed with the help of experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, the Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, between four to eight years of age, free head-to-toe equipment, age appropriate instruction and certified coaching, led by NHL Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Each participant will receive the following new equipment from CCM to call their own, customized by your local NHL team:
In addition to the equipment provided, we recommend that you purchase a mouth guard and athletic supporter.
FEES
The program provides FREE head-to-toe equipment for your child to keep as they continue exploring youth hockey. However, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee may vary by facility and market.
Scarlette with Nate Schoenfeld, emergency back up goaltender AZ Coyotes 15/16 Season
Scarlette A. is just 4 years old but she already knows that hockey is for her! According to her dad Michael Scarlette has been watching hockey since she was a baby and has always wanted to be a player. She loves being around the coaches and other kids and looks forward to hockey every week at Az Ice Peoria! Good luck Scarlette and keep skating!
Jeremiah at his Little Howlers Session
According to dad Zack, Jeremiah wants to be part of the action! After going to a few Roadrunner games, he decided to try the game without ever touching the ice before. At 9 he is loving the Superman and Batman slides and skating backwards in his home rink in Tucson. Jeremiah is looking forward to joining a team next year and may be a budding goaltender; he thinks the goalies look cool! Good luck Jeremiah and keep skating!
Lucy on the ice with her Small Frys Class
Lucy M. comes from a hockey family. Her dad, big brother and big sister all play and she started skating on Grandma's pond in Colordao. Since Lucy loves being in her big sister's locker room with all the girls, mom Tanja wanted her to have that camaraderie for herself. While Lucy thought she might want to dance instead, she changed her mind after her first Small Frys class! Now she asks daily when she can skate again and mom is confident they have another hockey player in the making! Good luck Lucy and keep skating!
