Buffalo Sabres

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    Learn to Play

Learn to Play is a program that provides a unique opportunity for families to join the hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills to help them succeed both on and off the ice. Created jointly by the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Learn to Play’s goal is to inspire youth and welcome more families into the hockey community.

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    Open Registrations

Rink & Address Locations

Cheektowaga
2600 Harlem Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Cornerstone Ice Arena
1 Grigg Lewis Way, Lockport, NY 14094
Dwyer Ice Arena
1 Monteagle Trail, Lewiston, NY 1 Monteagle Trail
East Aurora
41 Riley Street, East Aurora, NY 14052
Hamburg Town Arena
2982 Lakeview Rd., Hamburg, NY 14075
Lakeshore Ice Rink
123 Ling Rd., Rochester, NY 123 Ling Rd
Buffalo Shamrocks
1250 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216
Northwest Arena
319 W 3rd St., Jamestown, NY 14701
North Buffalo Ice Rink
156 Tacoma Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Tonawanda
251 Brompton Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150
The Classic Rink
41 Riley St, East Aurora, NY 14052
West Seneca Town Rink
1250 Union Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224
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    Sabres News & More

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    Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Sabres Learn to Play program!

Boys and girls ages 4-9 years old are eligible for Sabres Learn To Play.

It is recommended that your child knows how to skate prior to the start of their Learn To Play session. This way our coaches can teach your child the fundamentals of hockey right away and maximize the ice time. We recommend that your child can stand up and move around without any assistance. For information on Learn To Skate programs, please contact matthew.torres@sabres.com.

Shortly after you register for Learn To Play, you will be sent equipment ordering instructions via email. Equipment will be ordered online through Pure Hockey and sent directly to your home.

You cannot purchase the Learn To Play branded equipment at Pure Hockey retail locations. However, you can purchase additional gear from Pure Hockey retail stores such as jocks/jills, mouthguards, neck guards, etc.

Please reach out to learntoplay@purehockey.com  and they will handle all equipment exchanges.

You will meet with the program director at your Learn To Play location as the program wraps up and they will provide you with options for your child to stay in hockey.

The National Governing Bodies for youth hockey in the United States. (https://www.usahockey.com/)

USA Hockey as 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.

Yes, the membership is valid for the current youth hockey season (membership runs Sept 1-Aug 31 annually). Upon enrolling in your next hockey program beyond the current playing season, standard fees will apply.

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 annual Governing Body and state affiliate fees will apply.

For the first session of Sabres Learn To Play, we recommended that you arrive 45-60 minutes prior to your ice time. This will give you ample time to check in and get your child dressed. After the first session you will not need to check in.

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.

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.