Registration is now open for our 2023-2024 Learn to Skate/Learn to Play program is full. Click here to be added to our wait list.

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.
 

Learn to Skate 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. We recommend that your skaters wear a face covering on the ice. Face coverings must be worn before & after being on the ice. 

Session Guidelines

To have the best experience for you and your child, we recommend following these guidelines:

• During the first few sessions, skaters (especially those younger than 5) may only stay on the ice for 10 to 20 minutes. This is perfectly fine! Please remember that every child will progress at their own rate, and we will work together to eventually get them happily skating for the full 60-minute session.

• Use layers when dressing your skater, so you can adjust their clothing as needed during the sessions.

• Bring extra mittens or gloves, in case your child's first pair gets wet.

• Only authorized Tier I / WYSA instructors are allowed on the ice.

Learn to Play Hockey Structure

For a skater to be eligible for Learn to Play Hockey, he/she should be able to move forward, turn and glide. Participants in Learn to Play will attend the 1pm session separate from Learn to Skate. In addition to developing skating skills, instructors will introduce exercises to begin teaching players basic hockey skills such as stick handling.

Learn to play participants will take part in exercises with and without sticks to improve the skating skills of turning, stopping and skating backwards. The focus on the ice will be on fun to keep the kids engaged and happy as they progress in skating and stick skills.

All participants who enroll in Learn to Play Hockey or progress to the program from Learn to Skate need a full set of protective gear. This includes hockey gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, hockey pants, and knee pads. 

Choosing Appropriate Level and Moving Between Levels
When registering your child, please choose the level according to your best estimate of where he or she should begin the program. Beginning with the first session, staff will evaluate skaters and ensure they are assigned to the appropriate level. For example, “craters” will progress to skating without a balance aid on a rolling basis. Similarly, there is the option of skaters not requiring a balance aid progressing to Learn to Play Hockey if they wish to do so. Parents who are unsure if their child is ready for Learn to Play Hockey should register them for Learn to Skate without balance aid and request that staff evaluate their readiness for Learn to Play Hockey. Our staff works constantly to ensure children are placed at the appropriate level, switching their groups on the first day and/or as they progress.

Transitioning to WYSA Youth Hockey Programs
WYSA staff are committed to helping each child progress according to their own skills, age and interest. If and when a child has made appropriate progress, the child may have the opportunity to transition mid-program to playing hockey on a team, e.g., at the I-Mite level. Such transitions are at the discretion of WYSA staff, and subject to space on the corresponding team roster.

Dates and Times:

Learn to Play Hockey - $250/skater
15 Weeks

November 26-March 10 
 

Location
Hockeytown Saugus

 

Refund Policy
If your child does not attend any of the sessions, or wants to drop out after 2-3 sessions, you will be issued a full refund of the WYSA program, minus any fees (banking or registration-based). After 4 sessions, only partial refunds will be available, and will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Note that missed sessions due to other commitments does not result in a reduced rate, nor consideration for a refund.

Please note that USA Hockey Registration fees are not refundable.

Tier I Hockey School
For over 15 years, the Tier I Hockey School has been offering training and guidance in all aspects of skating. Their programs are designed to work on the development of skating skills eventually leading to a basic foundation providing the necessary techniques to skate with a high degree of confidence and lead towards the development of hockey skills. The TI staff is comprised of male and female instructors, who are still involved in competitive levels of hockey. The instructors have been trained and educated to understand the philosophy and methods of teaching that Founder and Lead Instructor Jamie Boyle has developed and are committed to offering the best program possible, so each participant will be able to enhance their overall skills.