How to Choose a Program
The options for your new hockey player vary based on skating proficiency and the time of year. This guide will help you get started.
I have a child under 4-years-old
We recommend children of this age develop a basic foundation of skating by signing up for Learn to Skate with the Harry J McDonald Memorial Center or by utilizing community skates and outdoor rinks. Though there aren't rules preventing you from signing up for Learn to Play or 6U Atoms, kids of this age are often times not mature enough to jump into hockey.
I have a child between 4 and 8 years old
... who cannot ice skate.
Our hockey programs are built to handle kids of all skill levels, but if your child has only been on the ice a couple times and can't get around the rink comfortably, we recommend skating lessons first.
... who is a weak skater or unsure if hockey is a good fit.
These are players who can stand and get around but still fall quite a bit. Or, there's an initial interest, but a 6-month season might be too much. We recommend that these players sign up for our Learn to Play program.
... who skates okay or better and is ready to commit to more time.
These are kids who have probably done Learn to Skate or Learn to Play and are ready to take the next step. If the fall season is coming up, sign up for our 6U or 8U program (depending on birth year). Registration is open until mid-December. During mid-season, spring, or summer, sign up for Learn to Play.
I have a child between 9 and 18 years old
... who cannot ice skate.
Our hockey programs are built to handle kids of all skill levels, but if your child has only been on the ice a couple times and can't get around the rink comfortably, we recommend skating lessons first.
... who is a weak skater or unsure if hockey is a good fit.
These are players who can stand and get around but still fall quite a bit. Or, there's an initial interest, but a 6-month season might be too much. We recommend that these players sign up for our Learn to Play program. In this program, however, your son or daughter will be one of the older ones on the ice. There is an option, through December, to transition to a House/Rec team. Female skaters can also dual roster with our Girl's program, team availability dependent on numbers.
... who skates okay or better and is ready to commit to more time.
These are kids who have probably done Learn to Skate or Learn to Play and are ready to take the next step. If the fall season is coming up, sign up for our House program. Experienced players can sign up to tryout for a Competition team with our Blue Devils program. Female skaters can also dual roster with our Girl's program, team availability dependent on numbers.
2023 - 2024
For additional ice time, watch for the Pop Up Development Skates. These Pop Up clinics occur when MHA has ice but no team is available to use it. These sheets are for all skills and ages. Guest coaches will run a development practice, sorting kids by skill for fun and safety for all!