NHL - Learn to Play Hockey

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.

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 FREE 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 FREE 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.

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NHL Club Waiver

I hereby request that the Detroit Red Wings, Inc. ("DRW") allow my child to participate in the 2016-17 "Little Wings" hockey program and all related activities (the "Activities"). I certify that my child is in good mental and physical condition. My child and I understand and assume the inherent risks associated with performing the Activities, which will include but are not necessarily limited to ice skating, playing hockey and other strenuous physical activities on various surfaces. In consideration of DRW allowing my child to participate in the Activities, to the fullest extent permitted by law, I, on behalf of myself and my child and each of our personal and legal representatives, assigns, heirs, children, dependents, spouses, relatives, parents or anyone else who might claim or sue on behalf of myself and/or my child (collectively, the "Releasing Parties"), agree not to sue and forever release, waive and discharge the DRW, each venue and facility at which Activities will be held, the National Hockey League and its member clubs, NHL Enterprises, L.P., NHL Enterprises Canada, L.P., NHL Enterprises B.V., NHL Interactive CyberEnterprises, LLC, Olympia Entertainment, Inc., Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and each of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parents companies and, if applicable, political subdivisions, and each of the aforementioned entities respective employees, governors, affiliates, agents, partners, shareholders, directors, owners, members, representatives, officers, attorneys, vendors, sponsors, players, licensees, successors and assigns (collectively, "Releasees") from any and all liability to me and my child and any of the other Releasing Parties for any and all claims, causes of action, losses, judgments, liens, costs, demands or damages that are caused by or arise from my and/or my childs participation in any Activities (including but not limited to any injury (including death) to my or my childs person or property regardless of the cause(s) of such injury and any use of my or my childs Image (defined below)). I and my child assume all risks associated with my childs participation in the Activities. I further agree that if, despite this Waiver/Release I, or anyone on my or my childs behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save and hold harmless each of the Releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage or cost which may by incurred as the result of such claim. I further irrevocably grant the DRW and Olympia Entertainment, Inc., a worldwide, royalty-free, freely assignable and transferable right and license to use my and my childs name, voice, image, and likeness (collectively, "Image") in any media or technology now known or hereinafter developed, relating to my and/or my childs performance in any Activities including, without limitation, a videotape recording of such Activities, without compensation to, or right of review and/or approval by, me or my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, children, dependents, spouse and relatives. My child and I understand that while participating in Activities, my child may appear in a light that is unflattering, embarrassing, humiliating or otherwise detrimental to my and/or my childs reputation and rights to privacy. I hereby acknowledge that I have carefully read this Waiver/Release, that I fully understand its content and the fact that I am giving up certain legal rights on behalf of myself and my child and agree to its terms, that I am over the age of 18 and the parent or legal guardian of the child listed below, and that I am signing this Waiver/Release voluntarily and under no duress or threat of duress and intend for it to be legally binding. If any provision of this Waiver/Release is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain valid and enforceable. This Waiver/Release shall be construed broadly to provide a release, indemnification and waiver to the maximum extent allowed by law. This Waiver/Release will be interpreted in accordance with, and governed by, the substantive laws of the State of Michigan notwithstanding the potential application of the laws of any other state.

I agree to the Terms.

Initials

USA Hockey Waiver

Waiver of Liability, Release Assumption of Risk & Indemnity Agreement It is the purpose of this agreement to exempt, waive and relieve releasees from liability for personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death, including if caused by negligence, including the negligence, if any, of releasees. "Releasees" include USA Hockey, Inc.,its affiliate associations, local associations, member teams, event hosts, other participants, coaches, officials, sponsors, advertisers, and each of them, their officers, directors, agents and employees.For and in consideration of the undersigned participant's registration with USA Hockey, Inc., its affiliates, local associations and member teams (all referred to together as USAH) and being allowed to participate in USAH events and member team activities,participant(and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of participant, if applicable) waive, release and relinquish any and all claims for liability and cause(s) of action, including for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death occurring to participant, arising out of participation in USAH events, member team activities, the sport of ice hockey, and/or activities incidental thereto, whenever or however they occur and for such period said activities may continue, and by this agreement any such claims, rights, and causes of action that participant (and participant's parent(s) or legal guardian(s), if applicable) may have are hereby waived, released and relinquished, and participant (and parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) does(do) so on behalf of my/our and participant's heirs, executors, administrators and assigns.Participant (and participant's parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge, understand and assume all risks relating to ice hockey and any member team activities, and understand that ice hockey and member team activities involve risks to participant's person including bodily injury, partial or total disability, paralysis and death, and damages which may arise therefrom and that I/we have full knowledge of said risks. These risks and dangers may be caused by the negligence of the participant or the negligence of others, including the "releasees" identified above. These risks and dangers include, but are not limited to, those arising from participating with bigger, faster and stronger participants, and these risks and dangers will increase if participant participates in ice hockey and member team activities in an age group above that which participant would normally participate in. I/We further acknowledge that there may be risks and dangers not known to us or not reasonably foreseeable at this time. Participant (and participant's parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge, understand and agree that all of the risks and dangers described throughout this agreement, including those caused by the negligence of participant and/or others, are included within the waiver, release and relinquishment described in the preceding paragraph. I/We agree to abide by and be bound under the rules of USA Hockey, including the By-Laws of the corporation and the arbitration clause provisions, as currently published. Copies are available to USA Hockey members upon written request. Participant (and participant's parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge, understand and assume the risks, if any, arising from the conditions and use of ice hockey rinks and related premises and acknowledge and understand that included within the scope of this waiver and release is any cause of action (including any cause of action based on negligence) arising from the performance, or failure to perform, maintenance, inspection, supervision or control of said areas and for the failure to warn of dangerous conditions existing at said rinks, for negligent selection of certain releasees, or negligent supervision or instruction by releasees.As further consideration for registration and participation in USAH events and member team activities, participant (and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of participant, if applicable), hereby (1) consents and agrees that USAH, its licensees and designees may make video and/or audio recordings of and/or otherwise film, photograph or memorialize some or all of participant's participation in such events and activities, and (2) grants to USAH, its licensees, designees, successors and assigns, a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, fully-paid, royalty-free, transferable and sublicenseable right and license to use, copy and disseminate participant's image and personal attributes, and to modify and present same in any form, manner and media, now known or hereafter devised, for any purpose whatsoever.If the law in any controlling jurisdiction renders any part of this agreement unenforceable, the remainder of this agreement shall nevertheless remain enforceable to the full extent, if any, allowed by controlling law. This agreement affects your legal rights, and you may wish to consult an attorney concerning this agreement.Participant (and participant's parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) agree if any claim for participant's personal injury or wrongful death is commenced against releasees, he/she shall defend, indemnify and save harmless releasees from any and all claims or causes of action by whomever or wherever made or presented for participant's personal injuries, property damage or wrongful death.Participant (and participant's parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge that they have been provided and have read the above paragraphs and have not relied upon any representations of releasees, that they are fully advised of the potential dangers of ice hockey and understand these waivers and releases are necessary to allow amateur ice hockey to exist in its present form. Significant exclusions may apply to USA Hockey's insurance policies, which could affect any coverage. For example, there is no liability coverage for claims of one player against another player. Read your brochure carefully and, if you have any questions, contact USA Hockey or a District Risk Manager.

I agree to the Terms.

Initials

By initialing above and clicking “Agree & Continue", you agree that the information you provide will be shared by us with the National Hockey League, National Hockey League Players' Association, USA Hockey, Hockey Canada, and your local ice rink as necessary in order to administer your child’s participation in the program (and related hockey programs). For more information on how each of these organizations may treat this information, please review their privacy policies.

Additionally, by initialing above and clicking “Agree & Continue” a one time survey will be sent to the registered email address at the conclusion of the program. The NHL and NHLPA place a high value in creating a positive experience for you and your family. This feedback is extremely important to the success and growth of the Learn to Play Initiative.

Yes, I want news and offers from the NHL and Member Clubs.
Yes, I want news and offers from NHL business partners.

Yes, I want the NHL and its Member Clubs to send me news and offers about the NHL and its Member Clubs.
Yes, I want the NHL to send me offers on behalf of its Business Partners, and share my its Business Partners so they may send me similar messages.

NHL is seeking your consent on behalf of itself and its Member Clubs, and Business Partners. You may withdraw your consent at any time.
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All sales are final. Refunds or exchanges are not available. Requests for refunds will not be considered except in extraordinary circumstances. Any player who has previously participated in Little Wings is not eligible and will be removed from the program without refund.

Waitlisted

Sorry, this event is currently full, but you have been added to the waiting list. You will receive an email with further information.

Learn to Play Hockey gives kids an opportunity to skate through life

What is Learn to Play?

Additional Program Information

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Register your child for Learn to Play today!

Welcome, and thanks for your interest in learning to play hockey!