The Path to WC Hockey
The path to Winter Club Hockey
WC Hockey starts with the Little Polar Bear Program which includes Learn to Skate (LTS) and Learn to Play Hockey (LTPH). The Little Polar Bear program is for WC members AND non-members as well.
Learn to Skate (LTS)
Skaters begin their hockey careers with the LTS program. This is a structured skating program that does not incorporate sticks, pucks, or hockey equipment. The program focuses on the basics of skating, balance and learning edges.
Fun, interactive drills are utilized to enhance development while getting players accustomed to the ice.
There are 4 sessions throughout a season.
Required for LTS: Skates and a helmet
Learn to Play Hockey (LTPH)
Within the Little Polar Bear program is our next step for aspiring hockey players, the Learn to Play Hockey (LTPH).
The WC coaching staff will work with you to decide when your skater is ready to move up from LTS to LTPH. This is done on a rolling basis throughout the season to keep your skater having fun!
Learn to Play Hockey starts to focus on utilizing a stick, working with a puck, and PLAYING hockey games.
There are 4 sessions throughout a season which take place at Hot Shot and the Winter Club.
Skaters with prior experience can enter the LTPH hockey program without participating in the LTS program, (with approval from the WC coaches).
Since sticks and pucks are utilized, full hockey gear is required: Helmet, skates, pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards and shin guard socks.
Winter Club Hockey
Once players graduate from the Little Polar Bear Program, they are ready to enter the WC Hockey program. Our hockey program is co-ed.
This is a traditional youth hockey program where teams are selected by tryouts and play league games throughout Illinois. We also take our teams to a tournament or two each season, which are some of the most memorable events for players and families alike. All of our teams participate in Central States Development Hockey League.
WC Hockey is different! The distinguishing feature of WC Hockey is that it’s community based. Many hockey programs recruit throughout the entire state of IL. WC Hockey primarily serves the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff communities. For those who keep playing after their Winter Club days, most go on to play for Lake Forest High School.
Those teammates your player once pushed in a chair at Learn to Skate end up being close friends through high school. Outdoor ice, Friday night games under the lights & lifelong friends – this is truly a special place to play hockey.
Want more information regarding hockey? Follow the link below: