Everyone’s journey of how they got involved in the game is unique – the drivers and motivations are quite varied. For some it was watching an older sibling or family member play. For others it was that they are simply following their friends and wanted to be involved in similar activities. And for some it is at the urging and coaching of their parents wanting to get them involved in a sport. For us, it was getting a chance to try the game before making a commitment to the sport, after which my daughter absolutely loved putting on her gear and getting on the ice.
I still have a picture of my daughter lined up against the boards waiting to get on the ice with apprehension in her eyes and a nervous smile, and I also have the subsequent picture of her after practice as she took off her equipment, donning an ear-to-ear smile. In the car ride home, she told me “I really like playing that game, when is the next practice?”, and from that point on she was hooked.
I realize that just “trying” a sport like hockey can be financially taxing to many, especially if you consider the amount of equipment required and its associated cost (even if you’re buying second-hand) as well as the cost of the ice time and coaching sessions. However, there are a few cost-effective ways to get started. Let’s start with the most basic ice hockey fundamental – skating – and then move on to learning the game. Many local rinks will offer Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs. For example, the youth hockey programs at the Blackhawk’s community ice rink lay out the progress from learning to skate without full equipment to getting the gear on and learning to play the game (https://www.fifththirdarena.com/hockey/youth-hockey-programs).
When participating in a Learn to Skate program, only skates, helmets, and shin/knees pads and gloves are required. These don’t have to be hockey pads as long as they effectively protect the child from falls, which anyone who has witnessed these sessions will tell you is about 60-70% of their time on ice. It may also require some parental effort to get the child on the ice, and keep them there, especially if they are less independent by nature. After moving through the Learn to Skate program then next stop is generally a more advanced Learn to Skate, where sticks and pucks are introduced, or on to Learn to Play program depending on the child’s progress.
Luckily the NHL still runs the Learn To Play Program (https://www.learntoplay.nhl.com) which allows the kids to 1) get the equipment needed including skates, helmet, elbow pads, shoulder pads, pants, socks, shin pads, gloves, stick, and jersey (https://www.learntoplay.nhl.com/equipment), 2) 4-8 on-ice coached sessions that cover skating in gear and basic stickhandling concepts, and 3) provides them with the next steps in their hockey journey and into local programs through coaching recommendations. The cost will vary by program, but usually run around $150-200. That’s a good deal considering the helmet and skates alone are around that same price, not to mention all of the on ice sessions that are included. If all that still seems like too much, there are National Try Hockey days put on by USA Hockey (https://www.tryhockeyforfree.com) or through your local rinks or facilities. These are usually 1-day events that give younger players (usually ages 4-9) a chance to try the game before going into a Learn to Skate or Play program.
The next post will focus on the 3rd point above on Where To Next? Once your child has completed a Learn to Play what are their options? What is ADM and what is the difference between a Tier I, II, and III organization? It is important to note that your child can only attend Learn to Play one time, and after has graduated to playing in a league or recreational club program…
