Learn to Play Hockey

The goal of the CCJHA Learn to Play Program is to provide a developmental opportunity for players who are not yet ready to participate in our 6U/8U Red, White, or Blue divisions.

This program is primarily intended for 4-year-old players but may also include children ages 5-8 who are new to hockey and have not yet reached the skill level necessary to participate on a Blue-level team.

Registration will be open to players born in 2022 and earlier who meet the age requirements.

All registered players will be invited to attend an initial evaluation skate. During this evaluation, the Red, White, and Blue Division Coordinators will assess each player and determine which participants would benefit most from the Learn to Play Hockey Program.

Once a player demonstrates the necessary foundational hockey and skating skills, they will transition from the Learn to Play Hockey Program to a Blue Division team, if desired. The $75 registration fee paid for Learn to Play Hockey will be applied to the 6U registration cost.

Players may be advanced to the Blue Division when they consistently demonstrate the following skills:

•  Ability to participate in drills and maintain focus without constant one-on-one coach supervision
•  Ability to properly hold a hockey stick and maintain an athletic hockey stance
•  Ability to skate the full length of the ice without the use of a skating aid
•  Ability to get up independently after falling on the ice

This program is designed to build confidence, develop basic skating and hockey skills, and ensure that players are prepared to succeed and have fun when they join the Blue Division.

Players selected for the program will receive:

• One additional on-ice session per week (day and time to be determined)
• Focused instruction from a dedicated Learn to Play coach
• Additional support during regular Blue Division practice sessions, where the Learn to Play coach will work specifically with program participants

• All participants must be registered with USA Hockey as a player (registration link below)

Full hockey gear is required.

• Helmet with Facemask - Must be a hockey-specific, HECC-approved (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) helmet with a chin strap properly fastened. Youth and non-adult players require a full-face cage or shield.
• Neck Laceration Protector - Mandatory HECC- or BNQ-certified neck guard / laceration protector for all non-adult players and recommended/required per current rule updates.
• Mouthguard - Mandatory internal, colored (non-clear) mouthpiece for age categories 12&U through 18/19&U.
• Shoulder Pads - Protects the chest, back, ribs, collarbone, and shoulders.
• Elbow Pads - Protects the forearms and elbows; should meet the top of the gloves without gaps.
• Gloves - Hockey-specific gloves designed for wrist/hand protection and stick grip.
• Hockey Pants (Breezers) - Padded pants protecting the lower spine, hips, thighs, tailbone, and groin.
• Shin Guards - Protects the knees and shins; worn underneath hockey socks.
• Hockey Socks - Footless athletic stockings worn over the shin guards to hold them in place.
• Athletic Supporter / Protective Cup - Mandatory protective cup (jock/jill) for male/youth players.
• Skates - Ice hockey skates with a hard protective shell and rounded steel blades.
• Hockey Stick - Sized appropriately to the player's height.