Progression Path/How To Get Started

First, you will begin your journey in our learn to skate program: https://www.wchockey.org/program/learn-to-skate/265

·     All levels must be completed before moving on to Learn To Play Hockey.

The general guidelines set by Winter Club Hockey in order to move on to the Learn to Play Hockey program the skater must be able to do: 

·      Two-Foot Glide 

·      Right and Left One-Foot Glides 

·      Forward Swizzles 

·      Complete stop on both sides

·      Backward Swizzles 

·      Forward Crossovers In Both the Clockwise and Counter-Clockwise Directions 

·      Backward Crossovers in Both the Clockwise and Counter-Clockwise Directions Right

Everyone begins in the learn to skate program; all participants are learning the basics of skating; balance, edges, and form are key elements of instruction. There are no pucks, sticks, or hockey in the learn to skate class.

After each session players are evaluated, and discussions with parents in regard to development will occur. Once a collaborative decision is made between the participant, parents, and coaching staff the player will either remain in LTS for another session or be moved into the learn to play hockey program.

Players will only be allowed to move on from learn to skate to the learn to play after the conclusion of a session and at the coach's discretion.    

Equipment Needed for Learn to Skate: ice skates, helmets, and gloves

Equipment Needed for Learn To Play Hockey: hockey skates, hockey helmet with a cage, hockey gloves, shin guards, elbow pads, hockey breezers, hockey stick

Getting Ready

First, it's important to wear a base layer under all of the hockey gear. Under Armor is a great choice or use thin long-sleeve shirt/pants.

When putting the shin guards on attach all the velcro around the legs and press together firmly. Next either hockey socks or sweat pants over the shin guards. Sweat pants are the easiest way to get into the game and won't fall down during practices.

Most new players will not wear cups, but most cups now come as shorts with the cup built in, and velcro to attach the hockey socks. We do not require cups at Learn to Play hockey but they are required once players move into Mite hockey.

So there are two options.

1. Shin guards with larger sweatpants over the shin guards.
2. Jock shorts or jock pants that hockey socks can attach to. The links for examples of these are below:

In the picture below the shin guards are under the sweatpants.

Next will be the hockey pants (sometimes referred to as breezers). Pull the pants over the shin guards. Suspenders are also helpful and the link is below.

Shoulder pads and elbow pads.

Notice that the suspenders go over the shoulder pads, this helps to keep the suspenders from falling down off the shoulders and down the arms. Nearly all pants have buttons where suspenders can be attached.

Skates: When tying your player's skates, make sure to tie them up through the skates, and not just the top eyelets. Players need support throughout the entire skate, not just at the top. Skates need to be tied tightly, but not so tight the player is uncomfortable.

Helmet: Helmets need to have the cage attached as youth players are required to wear face protection on the helmet. Helmets are sold with and without the cage. The player's helmet should fit comfortably, and the cage should be adjusted so the player's chin is touching the chin cup.

Gloves: Gloves are the last piece of equipment and are sized in inches. Player gloves start at 9" and go all the way to 15". 9" gloves are the best for younger new players.

Stick: The stick is confusing to many. There are left-handed sticks and right-handed sticks. The dominate hand is on the top of the stick, therefore a right-hand dominant player MAY use a LEFT-HANDED stick. A left hand dominate player MAY use a RIGHT-HANDED stick.

Stick length is also a common question. Below is a diagram that can aid in understanding stick length.

Taping the stick is also important. Both end of the stick need to be taped, the blade and the knob where the player holds their top hand.

Then, you will be ready for HOUSE LEAGUE!