Learn To Play (Ages 10 & Under)

Learn the basics! Getting started in hockey has never been easier or more convenient! This introductory program will teach your child the basic skills of skating, stick-handling, passing and shooting through (10) 1-hour lessons.

In addition, they will learn the importance of hardwork, teamwork and sportsmanship. Best of all, your child's registration also includes a FREE brand new set of head to toe CCM hockey equipment custom fitted by our friends at Pure Hockey. Past participants are welcomed to join Learn to Play for another season or all three! However, they will not receive a set of equipment if they have participated in the program before.

Guest coaching appearances from NYR Alumni and access to special events

Please see FAQs below for detailed equipment information.

Fall

RINK
LOCATION
REGISTER
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Brewster Ice Arena
10/17/2026
Brewster Ice Arena w/ Putnam Panthers Youth Hockey
10/18/2026
Bridgewater Sports Arena
10/18/2026
Cutting Edge Academy (Session 1) (Sat.)
11/7/2026
Cutting Edge Academy (Session 2) (Sat.)
11/7/2026
Cutting Edge Academy (Session 1) (Sun.)
11/8/2026
Danbury Ice Arena
10/18/2026
EJ Murrays Memorial Skating Rink
10/18/2026
Hommock's Park Ice Rink
11/7/2026
Ice Land Skating Center
10/18/2026
KB Hockey & Skating Facility (Ages 5-7)
10/17/2026
KB Hockey & Skating Facility (Ages 8-10)
10/17/2026
Long Island Sports Hub
10/17/2026
Montclair State University Ice Arena (Sat.)
10/17/2026
Montclair State University Ice Arena (Sun.)
10/18/2026
Old Bridge Ice Arena
10/18/2026
Playland Ice Casino w/ New Rochelle Lightning
11/1/2026
Port Washington Skating Center
10/3/2026
Sono Ice House
10/25/2026
Sports Center of CT
10/18/2026
Sport-O-Rama
10/18/2026
Staten Island Skating Pavillion
10/18/2026
Superior Ice Rink
10/18/2026
Terry Conners Ice Rink w/ Stamford Youth Hockey
10/17/2026

Winter

RINK
LOCATION
REGISTER
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Bear Mountain Ice Rink
12/17/2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Junior Rangers Learn to Play?

Junior Rangers Learn to Play is an introductory hockey program designed for children ages 10 and under who have little or no hockey experience. Over the course of ten (10) one-hour on-ice sessions, participants learn the fundamentals of skating and hockey in a fun, encouraging, and age-appropriate environment. 

Our goal is simple: introduce children to hockey while helping them build confidence, make friends, and develop a lifelong love of the game.

Who is Learn to Play designed for?

Learn to Play is ideal for: 

  • First-time hockey players  

  • Children with little or no skating experience  

  • Recreational skaters interested in trying hockey  

  • Families looking for an affordable introduction to youth hockey  

If your child has already graduated from a Learn to Play program, they may be suitable for our Rookie League or another recreational hockey option. If your child has participated in an organized house or travel hockey, they may be better suited for another advanced program. Your child may not register to receive complimentary equipment if they have completed a Learn to Play program.

Is my child the right age for Learn to Play?

The program is intended for children ages 5–10 years old. Age requirements may vary slightly by location, so please refer to the registration page for your selected program.

Does my child need skating experience?

No. Many participants step onto the ice for the very first time during Learn to Play. 

Our instructors teach skating fundamentals alongside hockey skills, allowing beginners to learn both simultaneously.

Does my child need hockey experience?

Not at all. Learn to Play is specifically designed for beginners.

What skills will my child learn?

Throughout the program, participants will learn: 

  • Balance and skating fundamentals  

  • Falling down and getting back up  

  • Forward skating  

  • Basic stopping techniques  

  • Turning  

  • Stickhandling  

  • Passing  

  • Shooting  

  • Puck control  

  • Basic hockey positioning  

  • Sportsmanship and teamwork

How is Learn to Play different from Rookie League?

Learn to Play focuses on teaching basic skating and hockey fundamentals. 

Rookie League is designed for players who have completed Learn to Play (or have equivalent experience) and are ready to participate in practices and recreational cross ice games.

Is Learn to Play instructional or competitive?

Learn to Play is entirely instructional but built on a foundation of fun learning.  

There are no games, standings, scores, or tryouts. The focus is on learning, having fun, and building confidence.

What is included with registration?

Registration includes: 

  • Ten (10) one-hour on-ice sessions  

  • Instruction from certified Junior Rangers and USA Hockey coaches  

  • Official Junior Rangers jersey  

  • Complimentary hockey equipment package for eligible first-time participants  

  • Opportunities for special guest appearances throughout the season (when available)

Can my child participate more than once?

Yes. Many players complete multiple Learn to Play seasons before advancing to Rookie League or other advanced options. Players should not go beyond 3 Learn to Play seasons.  

Please note that complimentary equipment is only provided once.

Can siblings participate together?

Yes. Each child must complete their own registration. We currently do not offer sibling discounts.  

If both children meet the age and skill recommendations, they may register for the same location.

Can I register after the program has started?

Registration may remain open if space is available. 

Please note that missed sessions cannot be refunded or made up.

Is there a waitlist?

Yes. If a location reaches capacity, families may join the waitlist. 

Should a spot become available, families will be contacted in registration order.

Can I switch to another location after registering?

Requests may be accommodated depending on availability. 

Please contact Junior Rangers as soon as possible if you need to transfer.

Does registration include hockey equipment?

Eligible first-time participants receive a complimentary Learn to Play equipment package. 

Returning participants are welcome to register again but will not receive another equipment package.

If I register my child again, is the program discounted since equipment isn’t provided?

No, equipment is complimentary for all first-time players. Registration fees include ice-time, coaching instruction and other operational costs.

What equipment is included?

Each equipment package includes: 

  • Helmet with full face cage  

  • Shoulder pads  

  • Elbow pads  

  • Gloves  

  • Hockey pants  

  • Shin guards  

  • Skates  

  • Hockey stick  

  • Equipment bag  

  • Junior Rangers jersey  

  • Hockey socks  

  • Neck Guard

When will I receive my equipment ordering email?

Equipment ordering information is typically emailed within 3-5 business days after registration. 

Please check your spam or junk folder before contacting us. Please change your email settings to allow all emails from [email protected]

How long does shipping take?

Equipment typically ships within 3-5 business days after your order is submitted. 

Delivery times may vary during peak registration periods.

I registered less than two weeks before the program starts. Will my equipment arrive in time for my first session?

We process every equipment order as quickly as possible, but we cannot guarantee delivery before the first session for late registrations.

What if I ordered the wrong size?

Please contact Pure Hockey customer service as soon as possible. 

Do not wait until your first session if you believe a size change is needed.

Can my child use their own equipment?

Absolutely. 

Players may wear properly fitted personal equipment instead of the complimentary equipment package. 

Please note there are no discounts for using your own equipment.

What should my child wear under their equipment?

Players should wear: 

  • Athletic shorts or sweatpants  

  • Long athletic socks  

  • Lightweight athletic shirt  

  • Moisture-wicking clothing when possible  

Avoid bulky sweatshirts or heavy jackets underneath equipment.

What should we bring?

Please bring: 

  • Full hockey equipment  

  • Water bottle (Labeled)  

  • Positive attitude!

How early should we arrive?

Please arrive 30–45 minutes before your scheduled ice time. 

This gives your family enough time to: 

  • Check in  

  • Dress in equipment  

  • Use the restroom  

  • Meet instructors  

  • Be ready before the session begins

Do my child's skates need sharpening?

Yes. 

We strongly recommend having skates professionally sharpened before the first session. 

Many local hockey retailers and rinks offer skate sharpening.

My child is nervous. What should I do?

That's completely normal. 

Many participants are stepping onto the ice for the first time. Our instructors specialize in working with beginners and helping children build confidence at their own pace. 

We encourage parents to stay positive and celebrate small accomplishments throughout the program.

What happens during a typical session?

Each session generally includes: 

  • Warm-up skating activities  

  • Age-appropriate skating instruction  

  • Hockey skill stations  

  • Fun games and activities  

  • Review of the day's skills  

Every session builds upon previous weeks.

Will players be grouped by ability?

Whenever possible, instructors divide participants into smaller groups based on age and skating ability. 

This allows every child to learn at an appropriate pace.

Can parents watch?

Yes. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to watch from the designated spectator areas. Parents are not allowed on benches or on the ice.

Can parents go on the ice?

No. 

For safety reasons, only registered participants and approved staff are permitted on the ice.  

If you’d like to volunteer your time to instruct, please contact us at [email protected]

Can I take photos?

Absolutely. 

Families are welcome to take photos and videos from spectator areas, provided they do not interfere with the session.

What happens if my child misses a session?

We understand conflicts happen. 

Unfortunately, missed sessions cannot be rescheduled or refunded. We may be able offer a make up at a separate location if space allows.  

We encourage participants to attend as many sessions as possible.

What happens if we arrive late?

Please check in with staff upon arrival. 

Your child may join the session once they are fully dressed and instructors determine it is safe to enter. Please do not place your child on the ice without getting the attention of an instructor.

What happens if weather causes a cancellation?

If a session must be cancelled due to severe weather or rink closure, families will receive email communication as soon as possible. 

Information regarding make-up sessions, if available, will also be shared. If you are concerned about weather, please monitor your email for updates.

Is full equipment required?

Yes. No exceptions.  

For safety reasons, all participants must wear full hockey equipment during every on-ice session.

Does my child need a neck guard?

Yes. Neck guards are required and are included in your equipment package.

Can my child wear figure skates?

Hockey skates are strongly recommended but not required.  

Figure skates make hockey skill development more difficult and may not be permitted at some locations.

What if equipment no longer fits?

Players are responsible for obtaining replacement equipment if they outgrow their complimentary set. 

Local hockey retailers can assist with sizing. We can also assist as needed.

What comes next?

Most graduates continue into Junior Rangers Rookie League, a local recreational league or travel hockey.  

Our Junior Rangers Rookie League introduces practices, team concepts, and recreational games while continuing skill development.

How do I know if my child is ready?

Our instructors continually observe player development throughout the season. 

If your child is ready for Rookie League, we're happy to recommend the next appropriate program. Please consult the instructors on site or reach out to us directly.

Can my child repeat Learn to Play?

Absolutely. Many younger participants complete multiple Learn to Play seasons before advancing. Please note that if your child is deemed too advanced for Learn to Play, we will ask you to graduate into the next step available.

Will my child receive a jersey?

Yes. Every participant receives an official Junior Rangers jersey to wear throughout the program.

Will NHL players or Rangers Alumni attend?

Throughout the year, select Learn to Play locations may feature appearances from Rangers Alumni, current players, or other special guests. 

While these visits are exciting opportunities, they subject to availability.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

For registration, equipment, or program questions, please contact the Junior Rangers team at [email protected]

First Session Checklist
  • ✔ Arrive 30–45 minutes early  

  • ✔ Bring full hockey equipment  

  • ✔ Sharpen skates before your first session  

  • ✔ Bring a labeled water bottle  

  • ✔ Dress in athletic clothing under equipment  

  • ✔ Check your email for any last-minute updates  

  • ✔ Plan extra time for parking and getting dressed  

  • ✔ Be patient with instruction and development.  

  • ✔ Most importantly—come ready to have fun!