Learn to Hockey Skate

Skaters in Learn To Hockey Skate (LTHS) Level 1 & 2 will be learning in “regular” skates (rental figure skates). Figure skating blades are designed to be longer and are gently curved. This design helps with balance. The curve of the blade (known as the rocker) is at the ball of the foot and are therefore easier to learn in. Hockey skate blades are more strongly curved and the rocker is set in the middle of the foot. This configuration makes hockey skates easier to generate speed in, turn, and stop. Once basic skating skills have been achieved in LTHS Level 1 & 2, participants can transition to the Learn To Play-Hockey 1 (LTP-H1) program.

Skaters in Hockey 1 & 2 will be learning in “regular” skates (rental figure skates): Figure skating blades are designed to be longer and are gently curved. This design helps with balance. The curve of the blade (known as the rocker) is at the ball of the foot and are therefore easier to learn in. Hockey skate blades are more strongly curved and the rocker is set in the middle of the foot. This configuration makes hockey skates easier to generate speed in, turn, and stop. Once basic skating has been achieved in Hockey 1 & 2, the transition to the hockey skate will begin in Hockey 3.

Winter 2023 Registration

Dates:  January 8th to March 12th

Day of Week: Sundays

Time: 10:15am to 11am

Skip Dates: February 19th

Mondays 6pm to 6:35pm

Dates: January 2nd to March 27th

No Class Date: February 20th

Wednesdays 6pm to 6:35pm

Dates: January 4th to March 29th

No Class Dates: February 22nd

Dates: January 7th to  March 11th

Day of Week: Saturdays

Times: 9:40am to 10:25am or 10:25am

Skip Dates: February 18th

Full – Renton
Register for Snoqualmie
Full – Kirkland
Learn to Play - Hockey 1

Learn to Play – Hockey 1

Ages 5-10

The focus and goal of the Learn To Play-Hockey 1 (LPT-H1) is to teach beginner ice skaters agility, balance and coordination (the ABC’s) within the American Development Model (ADM) guidelines which promote high activity through fun, station based practices and games. Players will also learn the fundamentals of hockey like basic hockey stance, how to hold a stick, moving with a puck, and basic passing and shooting skills. Players will continue to become comfortable on the ice by reinforcement of skating skills previously learned in pre-requisite skating classes. A Gear Rental Fee is included in the registration cost for those who need it. A request can be made for an account credit for this fee if a player has their own gear.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED WEDNESDAY EVE TO SUNDAY at 3PM in order to accommodate weekly gear fittings. Schedule your player’s gear fitting appointment ASAP after completing registration. Gear fittings are available on Wednesday evenings in Kirkland and Thursday evenings in Renton. Choose a day/location that fits your schedule. Gear fittings will NOT be done on the first class day.

Fall 2022 Dates

Kirkland Session 222

Dates: November 5 – December 17

Days: Saturdays

Times: 9:40-10:25am OR 10:25-11:10am

Skip Dates: Nov 26

Session 2

Dates: November 6 to December 18

Day of Week: Sunday

Times: 11:20am-12:05pm

Skip Dates: November  27

Snoqualmie Session 222

Dates: November 6 to December 18

Days: Sundays for 6 weeks

Times: 8:15am to 9am OR 9:10am to 9:55am

Skip Dates: November 27

Register for Renton
Register for Kirkland
Register for Snoqualmie

Prerequisites:

Completion of Learn To Hockey Skate-Level 2 (LTHS-L2), OR Learn To Skate-Level 2 (LTS-L2), OR Tots 3 or above; Equivalent skating experience will be considered with Coach approval. Kids not able to perform basic skating fundamentals at the first class may be recommended back to LTHS or LTS to better position them for success in a future LTP session.

Progression

Players must be evaluated and receive Coach recommendation to move to Learn To Play-Hockey 2 (LTP-H2).

Series Length:

6 – 8 Weeks, 45-min group classes, 1x per week (may join at any time IF space is available)

Cost:

Rates are automatically pro-rated every Sunday afternoon. Cost is $38.00 per weekly class.

Equipment:

Rental gear is available and included in the registration fees.

Learn to Play - Hockey 2

Learn to Play – Hockey 2

Ages 5-10

10 weeks of instruction and 6 weeks of games!

Learn To Play-Hockey 2 (LTP-H2) is designed for players ages 5 to 10 who have basic skating skills and are ready for more hockey. This program consists of small groups of players on the ice with similar skill levels skating in full hockey gear.  LTP-H2 follows the American Development Model (ADM) guidelines which promote high activity through fun  station-based practices and games.

Fall/Winter

Dates:  October 8 to February 25

Days: SATURDAYS

Times: 11:15AM to 12pm OR 12:00PM to 12:45pm

SKIP DATES: Nov 26, Dec 24, 31, Jan 14, Feb 18

Dates: October 9 to February 26

Days: SUNDAYS

Times: 10:15am to 11am

SKIP DATES:  Nov 27, Dec 25, Jan 1, 15, Feb 19

Dates: October 9 to February 26

Days: SUNDAYS

Times: 10:05am to 10:5oam or 11am to 11:45am

SKIP DATES:  Nov 27, Dec 25, Jan 1, 15, Feb 19

Email Youth Beginner Hockey Director

Prerequisites:

Coach Recommendation and Graduation from Learn To Play-Hockey 1 (LTP-H1)

Series Length:

16 Weeks, 1 class per week

Players may join late if space is available at a prorated fee up to 7 weeks into the session.

Cost:

Rates are automatically pro-rated every Sunday afternoon. Cost is $38 per weekly class. Additional USA Hockey Membership Fee is required (once per year)

Equipment:

Rental gear is available and included in the registration fees.

Learn to Play – Tweens N Teens

Ages 11-17

Our Learn to Play-Tweens and Teens (LTP-TNT) program involves learning the skills of a great sport in a fun and challenging environment. This program is meant to prepare new players ages 11-17 for eventual matriculation into full ice hockey. It covers the basic skating skills that are taught in our Learn To Play-Hockey 1 (LTP-H1) and Learn To Play-Hockey 2 (LTP-H2) programs, as well as additional skills. Players learn the basics of passing, shooting, and stickhandling.

TNT1=Completed 0 to 2 LTP-TNT Sessions

TNT2=Completed 3 or More LTP-TNT Sessions

Winter 2023 Sessions

TWEENS AND TEENS BEGINNER WINTER PROGRAM

Renton: Sundays

Time: 9:25am to 10:10am

Dates: January 8th, January 22nd, January 29th, February 5th, February 12th, February 26th, March 5th and March 12th

Skip Dates: January 15th and February 19th

TWEENS N TEENS INTERMEDIATE WINTER PROGRAM

Renton: Sundays

Time: 8:30am to 9:15am

Dates: January 8th, January 22nd, January 29th, February 5th, February 12th, February 26th, March 5th and March 12th

Skip Dates: January 15th and February 19th

TWEENS N TEENS INTERMEDIATE WINTER PROGRAM

Snoqualmie: Sundays

Time: 9:15am to 10:00am

Dates: January 8th, January 22nd, January 29th, February 5th, February 12th, February 26th, March 5th and March 12th

Skip Dates: January 15th and February 19th

Register for Renton
Register for Snoqualmie

Prerequisites:

Completion of Learn To Hockey Skate-Level 2 (LTHS-L2), OR Learn To Skate-Level 2 (LTS-L2); Equivalent skating experience will be considered with Coach approval. Kids not able to perform basic skating fundamentals at the first class may be recommended back to LTHS or LTS to better position them for success in a future LTP session.

Series Length:

13-16 Week Series – one class a week (may join at any time if space is available)

Cost:

Rates are automatically pro-rated Sunday afternoon. Cost is $32.00 per weekly class. Additional USA Hockey Membership Fee is required (once per year)

Equipment:

Players MUST provide their own gear for this class.  If you do not have gear, please contact Elevate Sporting (locations at Sno-King Renton and Snoqualmie, and stand alone retail location in Bellevue) to discuss options for acquiring gear. Additional information on gear can be found on our equipment information page.

Learn to Play – Late Start Pond Hockey

This drop-in 3v3 class if for Learn To Play-Late Start (LTP-LS) participants only. MUST be registered in the current LTP-LS session

Saturdays

Location: Small ice

Times: 4:10pm to 5:10pm

Register Now

LEARN TO PLAY FAQs – GETTING STARTED

Our Learn To Play programs utilize the American Development Model (ADM), which is a framework to help all individuals realize their athletic potential and utilize sport as a path toward an active and healthy lifestyle. The ADM is based upon key tenets taken from research and best practices in youth sports, human development, coaching, and the sports science that promote sustained physical activity, health & safety, and age-appropriate development.

Kids between the ages of 4-16 who have NEVER tried or played hockey can register and attend one of our 60-minute Learn To Play-Try Hockey Free (LTP-THF) events. These are offered one time per month and rotate between our three locations in Kirkland, Renton and Snoqualmie. Kids only need to bring a bike/ski helmet and warm gloves/mittens. We’ll provide the rental skates, stick, and FUN!

Pre-registration is required. If you’ve attended in the past, we ask that you kindly save these open spots for kids who haven’t attended before. Players currently enrolled in any of our Learn to Play programs (LTP-H1, LTP-H2 or LTP-LS) are not eligible to participate as this event is geared towards kids who have NEVER tried hockey before.

No. Your child does not need to know how to skate. Kids who have never stepped on the ice before are placed into a group of their own. There are plenty of coaches available to help your child learn the most basic aspect of skating: falling and getting up. In most instances, kids who have never stepped on the ice or have little skating experience are making their way around on the ice by the end of the event. Frankly, that’s pretty darn cool!

We love to hear about kids getting jazzed about playing hockey after participating in one of our Try Hockey Free events. The next step is to determine whether your child meets the age and basic program pre-requisites of the Learn To Play-Hockey 1 (LPT-H1). If they do, then you can register them into our LTP-H1 program

Our Learn To Play-Hockey 1(LTP-H1) and Learn To Play-Hockey 2 (LTP-H2) programs are designed for kids 5-10 years old. We also have a Learn To Play-Late Start (LTP-LS) program that is designed for kids 11-16 years old. Kids can be considered for early entry into the program if they can meet the basic program pre-requisites.

Yes. Children do have to meet the minimum program pre-requisites of completing one of the following:  LTHS Level 2, LTS Level 2, or SnowPlow Sam TOTS Level 3

There are three options for kids to explore to meet the minimum program pre-requisites. There is either the Learn To Hockey Skate (LTHS) program or Learn To Skate (LTS) program or if they have taken previous skating classes elsewhere.

The main difference between the LTHS and LTS programs is that once kids reach a certain level in LTHS, they transition to hockey skates. Other than that, the programs are very similar in terms of skills taught. Either program is a great way to get you potential player the basic skating skills they need to start in the LTP program.

No. Once skaters meet the basic LTP-H1 program pre-reqs (LTHS/LTS Level 2), you can register them into the program. However, skaters are highly encouraged to continue in the LTHS/LTS program concurrently with the LTP-H1, LTP-H2, or LTP-LS programs.

Currently the LTP-H1 session is 6 to 8 weeks, while the LTP-H2 session is 16 weeks, and the LTP-LS session is 13 to 16 weeks.

LTP classes meet one time per week for 45 minutes.

Depending on location and available ice, we allow between 30-40 kids in a class. We generally work to have a of 10:1 kid to coach ratio. However, since most of our on-ice help are volunteers, we are continually adjusting to balance the ratio based on the number of kids that attend on any given class day.

At the beginning of a new session, kids are grouped in a random fashion. As classes progress and after we’ve had a chance to gauge skill levels, we then work to put kids with similar skill levels together.

CLASS ADMINISTRATION

Classes fill up quickly so it’s best to register as soon as registration opens which is typically about 30 days before a new session starts. Classes do have a maximum capacity due to the availability of volunteer coaches and in order to keep the kid to coach ratio optimal.

We understand that hockey is not for everyone. So, if your child decides that they don’t want to play after they attend the first class, we will refund you for the remaining class days in the session as long as you notify the Youth Beginner Hockey Director BEFORE the second class day

We realize that sometimes kids will miss class due to previous family obligations. However, the registration fee remains the same and it is not adjusted for these circumstances and we are not able to offer any make ups.

Registration is required to attend EACH session/class. Required registration fees would need to be paid in order to participate in the second class, unless you are only attending one time to make up a previously missed class.

PROGRESSING THROUGH LEARN TO PLAY (LTP)

The mastery of the foundational LTP-H1 skills will help ensure your player’s success as they continue to move forward into LTP-H2 and eventually into league play. We look at basic skating and hockey skills.

Skill evaluations for consideration to move up to LTP-H2 are conducted in October and March. In order to be eligible, players must be registered into their third LTP-H1 session. This means they must have completed a minimum of two (2) LTP-H1 sessions, or a minimum of 12-16 weeks in LTP-H1, prior to being eligible. Players who can demonstrate the necessary skills at the time of evaluations will be recommended to move into LTP-H2 starting in October/November or March/April of the current season.

The best thing you can do to help your child progress faster within the LTP program is to get them onto the ice as much as possible. Kids will not likely make huge strides in their progress by only attending one 45-minute class per week. Kids don’t necessarily need to be in a structured class in order to progress either. So take advantage of our public skating sessions, the drop in Stick & Puck sessions, or private lessons. Kids can also learn a lot off ice by practicing rollerblading and street hockey.

There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding whether your player is ready for league play. We utilize the USA Hockey’s Learn To Skate evaluation criteria to focus on basic skill acquisition. Other factors include their motivation to play and practice both on and off the ice, general disposition, having a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, and their coachability. Coaches will give their recommendations on whether they believe your child is ready based on the criterion.

League registration happens only one time per year in the summer for Fall league. Once the season has started, there is not an opportunity to add players to the rosters.

Yes. However, LTP-H2 and LTP-LS players MUST BE registered, and the initial deposit made for the league, in order to take part in the player evaluations in the Fall. Once they are registered, you will receive additional information from our Registrar regarding when and where evaluations will happen.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND PURCHASE INFORMATION

Getting into a new sport means learning what is needed for your child to play and succeed. Check out our Equipment Rental and Purchase Information page to learn about the gear that will be needed.

Yes. Rental gear is available for a nominal fee paid at the time of registration for any LTP-H1 or LTP-H2 player that is ACTIVELY participating in a current LTP session. LTP-LS registrations DO NOT include gear rental. They need to supply their own gear.

We partner with Elevate Sporting & Goods for all your gear needs. They will work with each family to help work within any budget. In addition, they will give NEW TO HOCKEY LTP-H1 and LTP-LS families a 25% discount. Proof of first-time registration is required. Visit one of their pro shops located in our Renton and Snoqualmie rinks or one of their retail locations in Bellevue or Tacoma.

Rental gear is available in both our Renton and Kirkland locations. Once your child is registered, you should schedule your gear fitting appointment as soon as possible. Information can be found on our Equipment Rental and Purchase Information page on our website. Appointments fill fast especially at the beginning of a new session.

Of course. You will be reimbursed for the gear rental fee that’s part of the registration fee. Contact the Youth Beginner Hockey Director to request a refund.

You’re right! There is a lot of hockey “stuff” (a.k.a. protective gear) and trying to figure out how to put it all on can certainly be confusing. So where do you start? Go to the handy little “How To Dress a Youth Hockey Player” video located on our Equipment Rental and Purchase Information page. And don’t worry, you’ll be a pro at getting your player dressed in no time.

Kids grow like crazy, don’t they? Yes. You can exchange rental gear that no longer fits. Make a gear fitting appointment to replace any gear

Absolutely! Most of the rental gear that we lend out is from donations that we’ve received from Sno-King families. Renting used gear is not only a cost-effective option for new families getting into the sport but it’s also a more sustainable option. Thanks for helping to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE!

If your player is active in a current LTP session, you can continue to rent the gear for a nominal fee with EACH new session that you register for. Gear must be returned if any of the following events occur: 1) you purchase new gear for your player (Yay for new smelling gear!); OR 2) your player transitions from LTP-H2 to league play; OR 3) your player is no longer an active participant in one of our LTP programs.

Rental gear needs to be returned to the location (Renton or Kirkland) that you rented it from. Be sure that ALL equipment is included in the gear bag provided: helmet, shoulder pads, (2) elbow pads, (2) gloves, pants, (2) shin guards, (2) skates, and stick. Take the gear bag to the Front Desk and a staff member will confirm that all gear has been returned. Unreturned gear is subject to the Gear Replacement Fee as noted on the Sno-King Learn To Play Programs Rental Gear Agreement.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Yes. We have volunteer opportunities both on and off the ice, including assisting with LTP classes-helping coaches run drills, managing/running a drill station, class set up and take down, helping players; help distributing jerseys (LTP-H2 only), and assisting/coaching teams on ice during games (LTP-H2 only).

No. If you can skate and have a desire to help the kids grow, we welcome you on the ice. Volunteers interact with all kids on the ice through the various duties listed above.

All on-ice volunteers are required to obtain a USA Hockey Player # (no cost if listing as a volunteer), complete a 4-6 hour USA SafeSport Training, complete our coaching application and an annual background check ($30/year). Contact the Youth Beginner Hockey Director for more information.

Still have questions? Contact Chris Longfellow, Youth Beginner Hockey Director