Little Wings Learn to Play Program
Learning to play hockey is more than just learning a game. More than skating, passing and stick-handling, hockey is about responsibility, respect and teamwork. As children learn the skills needed to succeed on the ice, they also build and solidify important character traits needed to succeed off the ice. With that in mind, the Learn to Play initiative was developed jointly by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association to offer more families a chance to experience everything that makes youth hockey so rewarding.
Developed with the help of experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, the Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community.
What's Included
Head-to-toe equipment for registered participants will be provided. Each participant will receive the following new equipment to call their own, customized by your local NHL team: helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, skates, equipment bag, stick and a Little Wings jersey (not all equipment is shown).
We recommend that you purchase a mouth guard and athletic supporter. Upon completion of the Learn to Play program, participants will be able to keep the equipment.
In addition to the equipment, participants in the Learn to Play program will also receive 6-8 weeks of age-appropriate instruction in a safe and fun environment. Learn to Play on-ice instruction plans have been developed in collaboration with experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada and taught by certified instructors.
Program Details
- This program for children ages 5-9 provides six one-hour sessions of on-ice instruction and a full set of Little Wings-branded hockey equipment for a low cost.
- To be eligible to participate, children must be no younger than 5 years of age and no older than 9 and have not been on a registered USA Hockey team.
- Participants are only allowed to attend on-ice sessions at the rink they register.
- Each participant should refer to the Pure Hockey fitting videos provided via email after registration to ensure all equipment is properly sized.
- Participants must be able to skate the width of the ice with no assistance before enrolling in Little Wings.
- Open to Michigan residents only.
Additional Program Information
- Past Little Wings participants are NOT eligible to register.
- This program is designed for first-time players only.
- If your child does not know how to skate, we highly recommend you sign up for a "Learn to Skate" class at a local rink. Most of the participating rinks have these programs.
- If your preferred locations are sold out before you register, please complete the waiting list form. If an opening becomes available, you may be contacted.