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 National Hockey League 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, head-to-toe equipment, weekly sessions of age appropriate on-ice instruction and certified coaching, led by National Hockey League Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere. Learn to Play on-ice instruction plans have been developed in collaboration with experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada and taught by certified instructors and led by National Hockey League Alumni.
Program Fees
The program provides 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.
Additional Program Information
This program is designed for first-time players only.
If your child does not know how to skate, we highly recommend you sign up for a "Learn to Skate" class at a local rink. Most of the participating rinks have these programs.
Participants must register online. Phone and/or in-person registration at individual rinks will NOT be accepted.
If your preferred locations are sold out before you register, please complete the waiting list form. If an opening becomes available, you may be contacted.
Hockey participation offers families value beyond making an individual a better player or even a better athlete. The game of hockey is a powerful platform for participants to build character, foster positivevalues and develop important life skills. These benefits are available to all players, desirable to every family and transcend the game.
Hockey participation offers families value beyond making an individual a better player or even a better athlete. The game of hockey is a powerful platform for participants to build character, foster positivevalues and develop important life skills. These benefits are available to all players, desirable to every family and transcend the game.
WE BELIEVE:
Hockey should be an enjoyable family experience; all stakeholders—organizations, players, parents, siblings, coaches, referees, volunteers and rink operators—play a role in this effort.
Hockey's greatest value is the role it plays in the development of character and life skills.
All hockey organizations–regardless of size or level of competition–bring value to players and families in their ability to deliver a positive family experience.
Physical activity is important for a healthy body, mind and spirit.
There are significant benefits of youth participation in multiple sports.
Hockey programs should be age-appropriate for all players, accounting for each individual's physical, emotional and cognitive development.
There is great value in all forms of hockey, both on and off the ice.
All hockey programs should provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment for players and families regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. Simply put, hockey is for everyone.
We believe in our ability to improve lives and strengthen communities globally through hockey. We believe that living by these Principles will provide a healthy, balanced and enjoyable experience for all and inspire impactful service beyond the rink.
Hockey
Equipment
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Head-to-toe equipment for registered participants. Each participant will receive the following new equipment to call their own, customized by your local NHL team:
Ice Hockey Helmet with a cage
Shoulder pads
Elbow pads
Hockey gloves
Hockey pants
Shin guards
Skates
Jersey
Socks
Stick
Equipment bag
In addition to the equipment provided, we recommend that you purchase a mouth guard and athletic supporter.
Upon completion of the Learn to Play program, participants will be able to keep the equipment.
Register your child for Learn to Play today!
Choose a Learn to Play event that's convenient for you.
Click on 'Play' to register your child.
Space is limited!
When you register, you will receive an email confirming your spot in the Learn to Play program as well as important information about your event and a link to your own personal Learn to Play web page.
If you have questions before registering, please see our What is Learn to Play program page for more information.
MUSKEGON LC WALKER ARENA
470 W Western Ave
Muskegon, MI 49440
Beginning on Sat., January 25, 2020 8:00am
Participants birthdate must be between Mon., January 25, 2010 and Sun., January 25, 2015
Choose a Learn to Play event that's convenient for you.
Click on 'Play' to register your child.
Space is limited!
When you register, you will receive an email confirming your spot in the Learn to Play program as well as important information about your event and a link to your own personal Learn to Play web page.
If you have questions before registering, please see our What is Learn to Play program page for more information.
CLARK PARK
1130 Clark Ave
Detroit, MI 48209
Sat., January 25, 2020 10:00am
Participants birthdate must be between Mon., January 25, 2010 and Sun., January 25, 2015
Choose a Learn to Play event that's convenient for you.
Click on 'Play' to register your child.
Space is limited!
When you register, you will receive an email confirming your spot in the Learn to Play program as well as important information about your event and a link to your own personal Learn to Play web page.
If you have questions before registering, please see our What is Learn to Play program page for more information.
Lookup Your Personal Page
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Learn to Play program?
The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association have identified the need for a unified growth strategy as a priority for the sport of hockey. As a result, the Learn to Play Initiative (LTP), a joint (NHLPA/NHL) grassroots hockey initiative was created to offer more families an opportunity to see what makes youth hockey great. For potential first time participants to the sport, this program changes the way hockey is offered to inspire new families to join the hockey community and provide an age-appropriate program based on the latest child development research.
The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association have identified the need for a unified growth strategy as a priority for the sport of hockey. As a result, the Learn to Play Initiative (LTP), a joint (NHLPA/NHL) grassroots hockey initiative was created to offer more families an opportunity to see what makes youth hockey great. For potential first time participants to the sport, this program changes the way hockey is offered to inspire new families to join the hockey community and provide an age-appropriate program based on the latest child development research. With certified coaches, led by NHL Alumni, the on-ice program will provide a fun and safe atmosphere for learning the basic skills of ice hockey.
Who is eligible to register for the Learn to Play Hockey program?
The program is offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls). First-time participants are those participants who have not previously been registered to a USA Hockey or Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey program.
Does my child need to know how to skate before they sign up for the Learn to Play Hockey program?
It is recommended for a child who has no prior ice skating experience to enroll in a “learn to skate” program, but not required. Most rinks also have regular ice skating sessions which are open to the public and a great way to gain experience and confidence on the ice.
Where will the Learn to Play Hockey be offered?
A list of locations offering Learn to Play in your area can be found on this page.
How much do the Learn to Play Hockey sessions cost?
The program provides head-to-toe equipment, however, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee may vary by facility.
What do these costs include/cover?
These costs cover ice time and other associated fees.
What equipment is included/required for the Learn to Play program?
Upon being accepted into the Learn to Play program, each participant will receive head-to-toe equipment. The equipment package includes; a helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, hockey skates, a hockey stick, jersey, socks and an equipment bag. We also recommend a mouth guard and athletic supporter for all participants. All equipment is required to be worn during each on-ice session. Participants may keep the equipment upon graduating from the Learn to Play program.
Can I register my child for multiple years?
Unfortunately not. The LTP program is offered to only new, first-time participants. Host facilities/organizations will provide participants with direction on transitional, next-step programming available in your market.
What is USA Hockey (USAH) / Hockey Canada (HC)?
The National Governing Bodies for youth hockey in the United States and Canada, respectively.
Does the National Governing Body membership expire?
Yes, the membership is valid for the current youth hockey season. Upon enrolling in your next hockey program beyond the current playing season, standard fees will apply.
Why does my child have to be registered with the National Governing Body?
The Governing Body provides a number of resources for the Learn to Play program, including; age-appropriate training modules and practice plans, coaching certification, background screening and insurance for all Learn to Play participants.
What is the Governing Body fee for the Learn to Play program?
Registration with the Governing Bodies is included for the Learn to Play program. Should you elect to enroll in a future hockey program upon graduating from the Learn to Play Program, standard Governing Body fees will apply.
What time should I arrive at the arena?
You should arrive a minimum of 60 minutes prior to start time for your first on-ice session to provide enough time for your child to check-in and get dressed before taking to the ice.
I want to register my child for the Learn to Play Hockey program, but it is sold out, is there a waiting list?
Yes. In the event that the session that you are attempting to register for is sold out, you will automatically be added to a waiting list and contacted should a spot become available.
How will I know if my child has been accepted into a Learn to Play Hockey session from the waiting list?
If you have been moved off the waiting list and have been placed into a Learn to Play Hockey session, you will be contacted via email by a NHL Club/program representative. In the event that no spots become available, you will be contacted by a NHL Club representative to discuss future Learn to Play program opportunities.
What is the next step after the Learn to Play Hockey program?
You will be provided with an overview of next step/transition programs by your host facility/organization prior to graduating from the Learn to Play program. Additional information will be available for families at the LTP Graduation Event.
Information
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I believe in hockey.
I believe it strengthens character, fosters positive values and develops important life skills -- all of which transcend the game.
I believe in hockey culture, and the power of the people involved in the game. I believe hockey is at its best when it is an enjoyable family experience, and I believe I have a role to play in this effort.
I pledge to be a positive influence on my family, friends and my entire hockey community.
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Waitlist
Sorry, this event is currently full, but you have been added to the waiting list. You will receive an email with further information.
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