• Learn to Play Hockey

    Presented by Toyota

Learn to Play Hockey Program

Learn to Play Hockey introduces children to the game in a fun, supportive environment. Players develop skating, stickhandling, passing, and shooting skills, while building confidence and making new friends.

Sessions run throughout the season and are 4 to 6 weeks in length. They’re designed for kids ages 4 and older with no hockey experience* and include everything your child needs to get started:

  • Professional on-ice instruction
  • Learn to Play jersey (one per player)
  • Equipment rental for the session (credit card required)

*kids under age 6 benefit from skating experience first (see the level descriptions below)

2026-2027 Sessions

Sessions are six weeks unless otherwise noted.

Click on the “REGISTER” button to register for the session through our registration system software.

Fall Girls-Only

  • Dates: Saturdays, September 19–October 10, 2026 (4 weeks)
  • Time: 9:30–10:15 am
  • Cost: $50 per player
REGISTER

September/October
(Session 1)

  • Dates: Tuesdays, September 15–October 20, 2026
  • Times: 5:45–6:30 pm
  • Cost: $75 per player
REGISTER

November/December
(Session 2)

  • Dates: Saturdays, November 7–21 & December 5–19, 2026
  • No class Thanksgiving weekend
  • Times: 8:30–9:15 am OR 9:30–10:15 am
  • Cost: $75 per player
REGISTER

January/February
(Session 3)

  • Dates: Saturdays, January 9, 23 & 30 and February 6–20, 2027
  • No class MLK weekend
  • February 13 class will be held on the outdoor rink
  • Times: 8:30–9:15 am OR 9:30–10:15 am
  • Cost: $75 per player
REGISTER

March
(Session 4)

  • Dates: Mondays, March 1–29, 2027 (5 weeks)
  • Time: 5:15–6:00 pm
  • Cost: $62.50 per player

REGISTER

Spring Break
(Session 5)

  • Dates: April 5–8 (Monday–Thursday)
  • Time: 5:15–6:00 pm
  • Cost: $50 per player
REGISTER

April/May
(Session 6)

  • Dates: Tuesdays, April 13–May 18
  • Time: 5:45–6:30 pm
  • Cost: $75 per player
REGISTER

Spring Girls-Only

  • Dates: Tuesdays, April 13–May 18
  • Time: 6:45–7:30 pm
  • Cost: $75 per player
REGISTER

3v3 Transition Program

  • Coach recommendation required

  • For players ready for the next step, this program bridges Learn to Play and House Hockey through half-ice and cross-ice games with referees and scorekeepers.

  • Dates: Schedule TBD

  • Cost: $20 per game

Choosing the Right Level

When you register, you will be asked to register your child for a level. Children will generally be grouped into one of two levels depending on their experience and/or age:

Hockey 1

Designed for players who are new to hockey and still developing basic skating skills. Most first-time players and children ages 4–6 begin in Hockey 1.

For children ages 4 and 5, we strongly recommend some skating experience before joining Learn to Play. Public skating, outdoor skating, or the Missoula Figure Skating Club’s Learn to Skate program can help young players build confidence and have more fun in the program.

Children ages 6 and older may join with little or no skating experience, although prior skating experience is still beneficial.

Hockey 2

Designed for players who have completed multiple Learn to Play or Learn to Skate sessions and are ready to build on their skating and hockey skills in a more advanced group.

Not sure?

Contact our Hockey Director for guidance. Hockey 1 and Hockey 2 share the ice during each session, and coaches regularly evaluate players. If a different level would be a better fit, they’ll make adjustments as needed.

Rental Equipment

Registration includes rental equipment for the session, including a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, skates, and a stick.

Schedule an equipment fitting before your child’s first session. Fittings take approximately 30 minutes, and your child must be present.

You will need to provide your own:

  • Neck guard
  • Athletic cup (boys)
  • T-shirt
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sweatpants

HockeyWolf is located across the street from the rink, and SCHEELS in Southgate Mall also carries basic hockey gear.

Use the button below to schedule an equipment fitting and watch our “How to Dress for Hockey” video.

Schedule Equipment Fitting

Registration Information

Finnly Sport Software

New for 2026-2027: Glacier Ice Rink has transitioned to a new online registration system. You will need to create an account before registering your child, as information from our previous system cannot be transferred.

Refunds

See our Financial Policies for information on registration refunds.

Moving to House Hockey

Players progress at different rates, and many complete multiple Learn to Play sessions before moving into our Missoula Bruins house hockey program. Coaches regularly evaluate skaters throughout the season and will recommend when a player is ready for the next step.

Players ready for house hockey have typically mastered the skills taught in Hockey 1 and Hockey 2. Watch our “How to Know When Your Player is Ready” video to see the skills needed to advance.

Have questions about your child’s progress or which program is the best fit? Talk with one of our coaches or our Hockey Director.

Contact

Follow @MissoulaYouthHockey on social media:

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Thanks to Dave Mountan for the use of his image on this page.