Overview

The Learn to Skate & Play ("LTSP") program is an introduction to the sport of ice skating, with an option to learn and experience the basics of ice hockey. Led by professional hockey instructors from the Tier1 Hockey School, children will be taught basic skating skills. As they progress in ability and confidence, they can transition to learning basic hockey skills. The aim of the program is to provide a fun environment for all participants to become capable skaters, and progress to playing hockey, if desired, at their own pace.

Structure

During the initial sessions of the program, children will be grouped together based on their skating ability. We will use colored helmet stickers to identify them as follows: 

• "Craters" - new or inexperienced skaters who need a balance aid, e.g., a crate
• "Skaters" - skaters who can stand without a balance aid
• "Beginners" - skaters just beginning to develop a proper skating stride
• "Advanced Beginners" – skaters who demonstrate basic control of skating, stopping, and edge turns

During each session, multiple learning "stations" will be set up for each ability group, to maximize the opportunity for skaters to receive instruction. As the program moves forward, the exercises used within each station will be adapted so all skaters continue to increase both their skills and confidence. As skaters advance, they will be moved to new groups as appropriate, with the goal that all participants are at least "Beginners" by the end of the program.

Please have your child dress in warm clothing, e.g. snow pants and sweatshirts. Every child should have single-blade hockey or figure skates. Each child should have appropriate protective gear including a HECC-approved hockey helmet with a wire face mask and protection for knees and elbows (not necessarily hockey-certified). Additionally, each child should wear warm gloves or mittens or hockey gloves. 

All skaters must register with Hockey USA before registering for this program
https://membership.usahockey.com/

2024-2025 Tuition and Dates

 **$250/skater
Learn to Skate:

Sundays 11:50 AM to 12:50 PM

Learn to Play:

Sundays 1:00 to 2:00 PM

December 1 - March 16 

Hockeytown, Saugus

**Any new skaters enrolling after December 8 will be charged a pro-rated discount rate.

Please note there is no Learn to Skate or Learn to Play sessions on December 29th

Registration Link - https://wakefieldyouthhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/160944808

WYSA will once again be offering game only Middle School Hockey for players in grades 5-8.  Our teams will be playing in the Valley Middle School Hockey League.  These are co-ed teams, and the cost is $350 for skaters, $75 for goalies. Register now at this link. Deadline to register is Friday, October 4.

(From the 1972 WYH Supplement to the Wakefield Daily Item)

Charlie Kirk and Donald MacKay started it all back in 1946 with a handful of boys, and it has now grown to the program you see today. The children of Wakefield can thank these dedicated men for starting it all.

The Wakefield Youth Skating Association (WYSA) as it is know today was organized in 1969.