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How to Start Your Child in Hockey: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

How to Start Your Child in Hockey: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

Lawrence Cutlip-Mason

As a parent and youth hockey coach, I’m often asked, "My child wants to start playing hockey, but I don’t know where to begin!" If your child is interested in hockey, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started. While I focus primarily on the U.S. scene, these general steps apply no matter where you are ; you just need to find your local rinks and regional hockey association.

What Is the Ideal Age to Get Started?

While the most inclusive answer might be "any age," the reality is that options begin to decrease between ages 13-18. The older a child starts, the fewer opportunities they may have to join structured youth programs. By age 18, players can transition into adult hockey, often referred to as "Beer League" hockey. Each rink and region varies in the programs offered, with larger markets such as the Northern U.S. and Southern Canada typically providing more options.

I personally recommend starting as early as age 4 for learning to skate, with the ideal target age to enter house hockey in 8u and 10u. It usually takes about a year or two of various classes before starting House Hockey.

How to Start Your Child in Youth Hockey

1. Find a Local Rink and Explore Available Programs

Start by checking your local rink’s website to see what classes and programs they offer. You’ll typically be looking for the following classes:

    1. Basic Skating Lessons
    2. Hockey Skating Lessons
    3. Learn to Play (Hockey)

If your in the DC, Maryland or Virginia area here is a list of rinks.

2. Start with Skating

Before jumping into hockey, your child should develop strong skating skills. Most rinks offer "Learn to Skate" and "Learn to Hockey Skate" programs. Policies may vary by location, so check with your local rink. In the U.S., these programs usually follow the "Learn to Skate USA" curriculum, which progresses as follows:

Snowplow Sam (Ages 3-6)

        • Split into four levels.
        • Your child should complete up to level 3 before moving on to Learn to Hockey Skate 2 or Learn to Skate Basic 2.

Learn to Skate (Ages 6-14)

Completion of Basic 2 is typically required before proceeding to Learn to Hockey Skate. However, I personally recommend continuing through Basic 4 for better skill development and stability.

        • Basic 1 (can be skipped if you did Snowplow Sam 1-3)
        • Basic 2

Learn to Hockey Skate (Ages 6-14)

        • Levels 1-4
        • Levels 1-2 typically require a certified hockey helmet, gloves, and stick (I recommend full gear from the start).
        • Levels 3+ require full hockey gear.

For ages 15 and up, most rinks offer "Adult Learn to Skate" and/or "Adult Learn to Hockey Skate." Some rinks, due to smaller class sizes, may allow youth up to age 18 to participate in non-adult categories.

3. Register with Your Country's Hockey Program

In both the U.S. and Canada, players must obtain a Hockey Number before participating in organized hockey. This registration is required through either USA Hockey or Hockey Canada. Through this registration you might also be required to pay a fee to your regional hockey association, this varies per region on cost and need. Keep in mind these registrations come with an annual fee that must be renewed each season and is usually based on the age and region your in for the amount in fees.

4. Join a Learn-to-Play Program

Many rinks and hockey associations offer and require Learn-to-Play (LTP) programs designed for beginners. These programs introduce kids to basic hockey skills like stickhandling, passing, and shooting in a fun and structured environment. In the U.S., children must complete Learn to Hockey Skate Level 4 before enrolling in LTP programs.

Most U.S. programs follow the American Development Model (ADM), meaning your child must complete:

      • LTP 1 (beginner)
      • LTP 2 (intermediate)

Once both are completed, they can move on to a House Hockey program.

5. Find a House Hockey Program

Not all rinks offer a House Hockey program, which typically does not require tryouts (though evaluation skates are common). If your local rink doesn’t have one, look for nearby associations that do. House programs are a great way for kids to gain experience in a low-pressure environment before considering travel hockey.

Avoid jumping straight into Travel Hockey. House programs provide essential development and ensure your child enjoys the game without unnecessary pressure.

If your in the DC, Maryland or Virginia area here is a list of Hockey Programs.

Needed Information:

Age Groupings

Youth hockey age groups in the U.S. and Canada are organized by birth year, Here’s a simple breakdown:

      • 6U (Mini-Mites): Ages 5-6
        • This category can also be called Tot Hockey in some areas.
      • 8U (Mites): Ages 7-8
        • True House Hockey starts at this age.
      • 10U (Squirts): Ages 9-10
        • Travel Hockey can start at this age.
      • 12U (Peewees): Ages 11-12
      • 14U (Bantams): Ages 13-14 (Checking begins at this level for non-House programs and some House programs.)
        • At this age it can be difficult to find places to play for new players as the number of options to play House Hockey get smaller.
      • 16U (Minor Midgets): Ages 15-16
        • House Hockey becomes almost non-existent at this age, due to low player counts. Travel Programs usually drop the number of teams as they get rid of B level travel hockey.
      • 18U (Major Midgets): Ages 17-18
        • Very few if any House Hockey at this age group. Travel hockey has very few players with big programs going from 3 teams in 16u to often 1 team in 18u.

Gear List

A list of the basic gear you'll need for Learn to Skate Hockey 3-4,There is a difference between Lacrosse and Hockey Gear, do not use Lacrosse Gear for Hockey!

Protective Gear

      • Helmet with Full Cage or Shield – Must be HECC-certified for safety.
      • Mouthguard – Recommended under 10u, Required for 12u+.
      • Neck Guard – Required for throat protection.
      • Chest & Shoulder Pads – Protects front and back Torso, Shoulders and upper Arm.
      • Elbow Pads – Shields elbows from falls and collisions.
      • Gloves – Provides hand protection, Gloves that have 3 sections on the finger(s) are best to provide dexterity.
      • Hockey Pants – Protects thighs, hips, and tailbone.
      • Shin Guards – Shields knees and lower legs from pucks and sticks.
      • Hockey Socks – Worn over shin guards, secured with tape or Velcro.
      • Jock/Jill (Protective Cup or Pelvic Protector) – Get it with integrated Velcro holders for Hockey Socks

Skates & Stick

      • Hockey Skates – Proper fit is crucial for performance and comfort.
      • Hockey Stick – Size should match height and play style.

Base Layers & Extras

      • Base Layer (Compression Shirt & Pants) – Helps with moisture control and comfort.
      • Skate Guards – Protects skate blades when walking off-ice.
      • Hockey Bag – Our any bag large enough to carry all equipment.
      • Water Bottle – With a long spout for easy drinking through the cage.
      • Pucks & Tape – For practice and in-game adjustments.
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