Discover the NHL Learn to Play Program: A Comprehensive Guide
The NHL Learn to Play program represents a collaborative effort by the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) to introduce hockey to new audiences. With the support of organizations like USA Hockey and local teams such as the Hershey Jr Bears and the Pittsburgh Penguins, the initiative aims to make hockey accessible, enjoyable, and affordable for families. This article delves into the various facets of the Learn to Play program, exploring its structure, benefits, and impact on youth development.
The Core Mission: Inspiring the Next Generation of Hockey Players
At its heart, the Learn to Play initiative seeks to inspire youth and welcome more families into the hockey community. By providing a positive and engaging introduction to the sport, the program hopes to cultivate a lifelong love of hockey and instill valuable life skills in young participants. The Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community.
Program Structure and Key Features
The Learn to Play program is designed with first-time players in mind, typically targeting children between the ages of 5 and 9. The program includes a full set of hockey gear and 8 weeks of classes. Several key features contribute to the program's success:
Comprehensive Equipment: Upon registration, each participant receives head-to-toe equipment, including a helmet (with a cage), neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, skates, a jersey, hockey socks, a hockey stick, and an equipment bag. Participants may need to purchase their own athletic supporter (jock/jill), hockey stick tape, and a mouth guard. All equipment is required to be worn during on-ice sessions.
Structured On-Ice Sessions: The program typically consists of eight (8) hour-long on-ice training sessions over the course of eight (8) weeks. These sessions focus on developing fundamental skills such as skating, puck-handling, and basic hockey techniques. USA Hockey provides a number of resources for the Learn to Play program, including age-appropriate training modules and practice plans, coaching certification, background screening and insurance for all Learn to Play participants.
Read also: The Eat. Learn. Play. Approach
Affordable Cost: The NHL and NHLPA have partnered to provide a low-cost opportunity for kids to try hockey for the first time. For example, the Lightning Learn to Play Program registration fee is $299 per child.
Eligibility Requirements: The Little Penguins Learn to Play program is offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls), between the ages of five (5) and nine (9). First-time participants are those who have not been previously participated in a hockey league/program (house/rec league, learn to play, mini-mites, camps, etc.) or registered with USA Hockey. It is strongly recommended that children complete a "Learn to Skate" session through their local ice rink prior to enrolling in Little Penguins.
Benefits Beyond the Ice
While the Learn to Play program focuses on developing hockey skills, it also emphasizes the importance of character development and life skills. The value of learning to play hockey goes beyond skating and puck-handling skills. Its’ greatest value is the role it plays in the development of character and life skills such as RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, INTEGRITY, PERSEVERANCE and TEAMWORK. Learn to Play is the start of a new experience, extending further than the ice.
Examples of Local Programs
The Learn to Play program is implemented through various local initiatives, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few examples:
Future Caps Learn to Play Program: Presented by World Wide Technology, this program provides a unique opportunity for families to join the hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills to help them succeed both on and off the ice.
Read also: Play as a Key to Learning
Little Penguins Learn to Play Program: Offered at over twenty local ice rinks throughout the Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia region, this program provides a convenient and accessible entry point for young players in the region. There are three sessions of the Little Penguins program offered annually: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Host locations vary each session.
Tampa Bay Lightning Learn to Play Program: The NHL and the NHLPA have partnered with the Tampa Bay Lightning to provide a low-cost opportunity for kids to try hockey for the first time. Participants must have completed a Learn to Skate program before signing up for the Lightning Learn to Play Program presented by Outback.
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
Equipment Sizing: Equipment sizes must be submitted during the registration process. Please utilize the Equipment Fit Guide to determine sizes PRIOR to registering.
Registration Process: Registration MUST be completed online through LeagueApps.
Equipment Pickup: Equipment pickup will take place on a specified date at a local DICK'S Sporting Goods location selected during registration. Please double check the selected location, as it cannot be changed.
Read also: Nurturing Child Development
Refunds: We understand that things change and ask that you contact us as soon as possible with any refund requests. Please understand the Little Penguins Learn to Play program cannot offer refunds for participants that: do not meet the program eligibility requirements; register for multiple locations/sessions; or cancel after the registrant’s equipment is kitted and/or picked up. This policy is in place because once registration fees are collected, preparations for an individuals participation begin quickly by the Penguins as well as host sites to kit equipment, plan ice time/coaches and other fixed costs. All of which are expenses that cannot be recouped if a registrant cancels in the above instances. We care about your customer experience and will work to accommodate each request individually.
Full Sessions: We have waitlists for all Little Penguins programs. If you are interested in a session that is full, please register for the waitlist.
Multiple Children: If you successfully registered your children for the same session, then yes. All participants will be on the ice at the same time.
Missed Classes: It is strongly recommended that participants arrive 30-60 minutes early to the first on-ice session. Please arrive in enough time to ensure that your child is able to get checked in, dressed, and on the ice on time.
Repeat Participants: Unfortunately, no. The Little Penguins program is offered to only new, first-time participants. Sessions are not progressive and participants may only register for one session (Fall, Winter or Spring).
Next Steps After Learn to Play
The Pittsburgh Penguins encourage all Little Penguins participants to continue playing hockey!
Has your child already completed the Tampa Bay Lightning Learn to Play program and are you looking for what to do next? Join our Tampa Bay Lightning Rookie League! The Tampa Bay Lightning Rookie League (TBLRL) is a next steps program for young players who are preparing to participate in a local hockey league. TBLRL is another 8-week program for ages 4-12 years old and is coached by Lightning Alumni and Staff. It is intended as a buffer program between Learn to Play and your rink's local Rec/House League. It was designed to be repeatable in order for progression until you and your child feel comfortable transitioning into the Rec League.
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