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.

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.

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

1. Loosen the skate laces to allow the foot to be pushed to the front of the skate with the toes brushing the end.
2. Slide to the edge of the seat so that you can see down the back of the skate.
3. From this position, check how many fingers can be slid between the hockey skate and the heel.
4. The ability to slide just one finger down and no more is the optimum fit.
5. 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.
6. 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.