2023 Learn to Play Hockey Initiation Schedule
 

	Dates	Time
1	January 28	10:00-10:45 AM
2	February 4	10:00-10:45 AM
3	February 11	10:00-10:45 AM
4	February 18	10:00-10:45 AM
5	February 25	10:00-10:45 AM
6	March 4	10:00-10:45 AM
7	March 11	10:00-10:45 AM
	Evaluations
8	March 18	10:00-10:45 AM

                                                                

Answers to your Initiation to Hockey Questions…

What is the Initiation Program?

Unlike most other sports, playing on an ice hockey team requires basic skills that must be learned before getting on a team. Players must learn basic skating skills which are taught in Iceland’s Learn to Skate classes. Skaters are evaluated before they are able to move into the Hockey 101/Initiation class. There are 8 classes per session. Depending on enrollment, we try to break the kids into two groups.
 

Group 1	Group 2
Teaches basic skating skills	Reinforces the information and skills
Introduces stick handling and passing techniques	Teaches more advanced skating and hockey skills
	Introduces basic team play
Breakdown:  75% skating and 25% hockey skills	Breakdown: 60% skating and 40% hockey skills.

 

What other programs are available once my child has completed the Initiation Program?
After successfully demonstrating a grasp of the basic skills, players are given the option to join a team in our house program. Player evaluations determine when a child is ready to play in the house league. Additionally, the highly competitive Select Hockey program is available for the more experienced player.

What is the process for my player to move on, and where does he/she go?
Individual player evaluations are conducted at the end of each ten practice initiation session.   The purpose of the player evaluation is to provide feedback to the child and parents on hockey skills strengths and weaknesses.  Additionally, the evaluation determines when the player is ready to join a team. 

How old must my player be to get on the ice?
In general, players should be at least four years of age when they start skating in organized practices.

What does the Program cost?
$98  for an 8 week class

When and where can I register?

Registration is open on a continual basis but the instruction is geared to building skills from beginning to end so players that are in need of very basic skating instruction should start at the first week of a session.

You can fill out a registration form at Iceland Family Skating Center at any time. If you are registering before the first practice of an Initiation Session, we recommend you get to the rink with the apporiate gear required at least an hour before the kids get on the ice to take care of registration. Payment for each session is due in full by the first practice.

Does my child need equipment?
Yes!  USA Hockey requires all youth players to wear a HECC approved helmet with a face shield. Face shields can be either a wire mask or clear plastic shield, as long as it meets HECC standards. Body protection equipment is required, as well.  Specifically, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, and shin guards. Additionally, protective cups (for boys) and pelvic protectors (for girls) are required. Mouth guards and neck guards are not required, but are strongly recommended. A demonstration of the proper outfitting of a player will be offered the first night of each initiation session for new parents to assist them in the proper dressing of their new hockey players.
 

Neck guards—Required by HRYHA for safety.	Gloves — Check for proper fit, with good finger and hand mobility.
Shin Pads — Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely.	Facemask — Must also be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).
Stick — Length should generally extend from the ice to the player's chin (with skates on). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours.	Mouthpiece — Required for all youth players in the 18-or-under. USA Hockey encourages players of all ages and ability levels to use a mouthpiece.
Shoulder Pads — Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.	Helmet — Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chin strap must always be fastened.
Skates — Purchase skates that will fit your child today, with no more than 1/2" allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child's ability to skate.	Pants — Held in proper position by suspenders. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.
Elbow Pads — Properly fitted so they do not slide.	Supporter and Cup — Essential protective equipment.

How do I select equipment?
Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 1) make certain the player is adequately protected and 2) be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will better enjoy their participation.

 

About Our Hockey Association

The puck stops here!  The Hampton Roads Youth Hockey Association (HRYHA) provides quality hockey programs for area youth of all ages and skill levels. HRYHA is committed to providing an opportunity to learn and play the game of ice hockey in an environment of equal participation and competitiveness while promoting good sportsmanship and team play.

As the premier youth hockey club in the Tidewater metro-area, HRYHA is dedicated to providing superior hockey training and instruction to our children.  Our sole objective is to provide a multi-faceted hockey program that can support individual player and family needs.  As always, our primary goal is to make the game of hockey accessible to every youngster, regardless of family economic situation.

Are there any benefits to being a HRYHA member?
YES!! The best way to become a great hockey player and a member of a team is to skate, skate, skate! As a member of HRYHA, your child is entitled to free admission to all Iceland public sessions. The children that move onto teams quickly have spent lots of time skating at public sessions.