Learn To Skate
Overview
The focus of this Learn to Skate Program is to teach children, ages 4 and over, the fundamental skills required to become good skaters with the potential of developing an interest in the sport of ice hockey or figure skating.
The program coordinator will evaluate any child interested in participating in Learn To Skate under the age of 4. Please reach out to lts@stinghockey.org to arrange the evaluation.
The goal of each participant is to "learn and to be the best skater I can be." This is accomplished through easy-to-follow instruction, fun drills, and placing the children into groups by age and ability.
NECK LACERATION PROTECTION (neck guard) WILL BE REQUIRED
Beginning on August 1, 2024, all skaters are required to properly wear neck laceration protection (neck guard).
Please review the detailed equipment guidelines on the USA Hockey website (click here) to ensure you are fully prepared for the upcoming season 2024/25.
Neck laceration protection (neck guard) can be purchased locally from Johns Sports Shop, Play it Again Sports, and Pure Hockey
Ages
For ages 4 and above
When
NCMYH Sting Learn to Skate Program is broken into 4 sessions (registration is required for each session).
The first session starts September 7th and runs for 6 weeks.
All ice times are 8 am.
Where
Learn to Skate will be held at Cushing Academy's Theodore Iorio Arena.
39 School St, Ashburnham, MA 01430
COST
The cost per 6 week session is $60.
USA Hockey Registration
All skaters are REQUIRED by Mass Hockey to register with USA Hockey before stepping/skating on the ice.
Shortly after you have completed the USA Hockey registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your child's USA Hockey Confirmation Number.
Your child's USA Hockey Confirmation Number is required when registering for our Learn to Skate program.
Again, all skaters must register with USA Hockey before stepping/skating on the ice.
No exceptions will be made.
Equipment
Skates
Skate rentals are not available.
How to test if your skates fit properly
Your ankle must be supported when you’re on the ice to avoid injury. The finger test is a great test used to check that your skate fits properly around your child's ankle.
Skate fit test
- Loosen the skate laces to allow the foot to be pushed to the front of the skate with the toes brushing the end.
- Slide to the edge of the seat so that you can see down the back of the skate.
- From this position, check how many fingers can be slid between the hockey skate and the heel.
- The ability to slide just one finger down and no more is the optimum fit.
- Should the skate be ill-fitting, it will result in blisters, premature skate wear, and a decrease in skating ability due to a lack of ankle stability.
- Buying a "size up," even if it is just a 1/2 size, is not recommended. The extra room will not provide the correct support and could lead to injury.
Correct hockey skate fit video
Hockey Stick
Hockey sticks will be necessary for experienced skaters.
Required
All skaters are required to wear a helmet (hockey helmet preferred). Protection for the teeth is highly recommended; therefore, we encourage skaters to wear a helmet with a cage.
Also, to help our coaches, please place a piece of tape with your child’s first name on the front of their helmet. This helps coaches when working with the skaters.
No child or adult will be allowed on the ice without a helmet.
Recommend
While not required, we recommend gloves or mittens, elbow and knee pads, and snow pants to help soften falls.
Sting & USA Hockey recommends that all players wear a neck laceration protector that covers as much of the neck area as possible, in addition to cut-resistant socks, sleeves, or undergarments.
2024-2025 LTS SESSION 1
AGES: For ages 4 and above
WHEN: Session 1 starts Saturday, September 7th at 8 a.m.
Runs for 6 weeks. Session 2 will run as soon as Session 1 ends.
WHERE: Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, MA
COST: $60.
2024-2025 LTS SESSION 3
AGES: For ages 4 and above
WHEN: Session 3 starts Saturday, November 30th, at 8 a.m.
Runs for 6 weeks. Session 4 will start as soon as Session 3 ends
WHERE: Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, MA
COST: $60.
Register2024-2025 LTS SESSION 4
AGES: For ages 4 and above
WHEN: Session 4 starts Saturday, February 15th at 8 a.m.
Runs for 6 weeks.
WHERE: Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, MA
COST: $60.