• Learn to Play Hockey

    Presented by Toyota

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Our Learn to Play Hockey program provides a fun, safe, and supportive environment for kids ages 4 and up to learn basic hockey skills.

Skaters start by building a strong foundation in basic skating, then progress to essential skills like stickhandling, passing, and shooting. Led by certified USA Hockey coaches, each session includes engaging drills and games that make learning exciting and enjoyable.

Age Guidelines

4-5 Year-Olds

To join Learn to Play, 4-5-year-olds will see the most success if they have some skating experience. Although this can include public skating or outdoor skating, we recommend the Learn to Skate USA program offered by the Missoula Figure Skating Club. This program will help your child gain confidence and improve more quickly.

Not sure if your child has enough skating experience to join Learn to Play? Email Grace a video of your child skating, and she’ll help determine where your player will best fit in.

Players 6 and Older

No prior skating experience is necessary. However, we recommend that kids participate in public skating, outdoor skating, or Learn to Skate before joining Learn to Play.

Progression to the Next Level…House Leagues!

Many players, regardless of age, complete multiple sessions of Learn to Play before moving into the house program. Players ready for house will have mastered most of the skills taught in Learn to Skate’s Hockey 1 and 2. Watch the video at the bottom of this page for a demonstration of these skills.

Hockey 1

  1. Getting Up
  2. Basic Stance
  3. Balance – Reach up, touch toes
  4. March with 2-foot glide
  5. Balance – dip and 2-foot glide
  6. Swizzles forward – inside edges
  7. T-push with 2-foot glide
  8. Snow plow stop – 1-foot L/R
  9. Scooting – L/R
  10. Forward stride/alternate feet

Hockey 2

  1. Backward stance
  2. Forward 1-foot glides
  3. Backward gliding
  4. Forward C-cuts
  5. Forward stride/skating
  6. Backward C-cuts
  7. Snow plow stop – 2-foot
  8. Glide turn – 2-foot
  9. Puck handling – proper grip
  10. Sweep pass/shot

If you have questions about which program to register for or if your child is ready for our house league, please reach out to Grace.

Registration Guidelines

Hockey 1: This level is for players new to skating. Kids in this group start by learning how to fall and stand up. Most 4-6 year-olds should register for this program. Players ages 4 through 5, please see the above prerequisite. Many players will remain in Hockey 1 throughout the entire season.

Hockey 2: This level is for players who have completed multiple Learn to Play Hockey or Learn to Skate sessions or have experience playing pond hockey. Players are able to demonstrate forward strides, 1-foot glides, forward c-cuts, backward c-cuts, and snowplow stops.

Not Sure Which Option to Register For?

That’s okay! Reach out to Grace for advice. Hockey 1 and Hockey 2 levels occur concurrently on the same sheet of ice. Our program staff and coaches will evaluate your child and make adjustments as needed. immediately.

How Are Players Evaluated?

Coaches regularly evaluate players at the beginning and end of each practice to determine readiness for the next level. Players get about five minutes of free play at the beginning or end of each practice, which is an ideal time for evaluation. We encourage you to ask coaches for an evaluation to know which skills your child needs to work on.

Watch the video below to see the specific skills necessary to move to the house program.

Schedule 26-27

Sessions are six-weeks long unless otherwise noted

Girls Learn to Play Fall Session: Saturdays, September 19-October 10 (four weeks), 9:30-10:15 am

Session 1: Tuesdays, September 15-October 20 (six weeks), 5:45-6:30 pm

Session 2: Saturdays, November 7-21 and December 5-19 (six weeks – no class Thanksgiving weekend), 8:30-9:15 am or 9:30-10:15 am

Session 3: Saturdays, January 9, 23 & 30 and February 6-20 (six weeks – no class MLK weekend), 8:30-9:15 am or 9:30-10:15 am

  • February 13th class will be on the OUTDOOR rink

Learn to Play – 3v3 Transition Program

For players who are ready for a little more! This program helps players transition to our house programs. Players will compete in half-ice and cross-ice games with scorekeepers and refs each week. Players must have a coach or director’s recommendation to participate in this session.

  • 3v3: TBD

Session 4: Mondays, March 1-29 (5 weeks), 5:15-6:00 pm

Session 5 Spring Break: April 5-8 (four days), 5:15-6:00 pm M, T, W, and Th

Session 6: Tuesdays, April 13-May 18 (six weeks), 5:45-6:30 pm

Girls Learn to Play Spring Session: Tuesdays, April 13-May 18 (six weeks), 6:45-7:30 pm

Cost and Registration

The cost varies depending on the length of the session:

  • Six-week sessions: $75 per player
  • Five-week sessions: $62.50
  • Four-week sessions: $50 per player
  • Learn to Play 3v3: $20 per game

Registration fee includes:

  • 4.5 hours of on-ice instruction for each six-week program;  for each five-week session, 3.75 hours3 hours for each four-week program; 1 hours/game for the 3v3 program
  • Hockey jersey for the player to keep (one per person)
  • Rental equipment for the session (requires a credit card on file)

See our Financial Policies for information on registration refunds.

Register online through our registration system using the buttons below. You will need to create an account for yourself and your child and agree to the waiver. Registrations for all Glacier Ice Rink programs are handled through this site.

Session 1 (Sep/Oct) Session 2 (Nov/Dec) Session 3 (Jan/Feb) 3v3 Programs Session 4 (Mar) Session 5 (Apr/May)

Rental Equipment

Rental equipment is included in the registration cost and includes a helmet, protective gear (elbow pads, shin guards, shoulder pads and gloves), hockey pants, skates and a stick.

Gear fittings will be scheduled by appointment only! Use the link below to schedule your time:

Online Equipment Rental Scheduling

Equipment fittings take approximately 30 minutes.  Your child will need to be present for the fitting.

You need to provide undergarments (neck guard, socks, underwear, cup and t-shirt), plus sweatpants. Check out this video for information on how to dress your player.

Contact

Follow @Missoulayouthhockey on social media:

Thank you to our Learn to Play sponsors:

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