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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. 

 

Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, between 5-8 years of age, free head-to-toe equipment, age appropriate instruction and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere.

 

Little Wings Program Details

  • This program for children ages 5-8 provides six one-hour sessions of on-ice instruction and a full set of Little Wings-branded hockey equipment for the low cost of $100.
  • To be eligible to participate, children must be no younger than 5 years of age and no older than 8.
  • There will be six 60-minute, on-ice sessions at each rink location. Participants are only allowed to attend on-ice sessions at the rink they register.
  • Each participant must attend the equipment fitting to ensure all equipment is properly sized.
  • 20 lucky participants will receive a Golden Bag Tag with their equipment and will have the chance to participate in a special skate at Joe Louis Arena.
  • Open to Michigan residents only.

Novi Ice Arena - All Girls

Saturday May 6 | 1:30-2:20 p.m.
Saturday, May 13 | 1:30-2:20 p.m.
Saturday, May 20 | 1:30-2:20 p.m.
Saturday, June 3 | 1:45-2:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 10 | 1:45-2:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 17 | 1:45-2:35 p.m.

Troy Sports Center - Co-ed

Monday, May 15 | 5:00-5:50p.m.
Monday, May 22 | 5:00-5:50p.m.
Monday, June 5 | 5:45-6:35p.m.
Monday, June 12 | 5:45-6:35p.m.
Monday, June 19 | 4:15-5:05p.m.
Monday, June 26 | 4:15-5:05p.m.

 

What's included

Free 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). 

In addition to the equipment provided, 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.

The program includes 6-8 Weeks of On-Ice Instructions In addition to the free head-to-toe 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.

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.
  • Only 50 participants will be accepted at each location. Participants must register online. Phone and/or in-person registration at individual rinks will NOT be accepted.
  • 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.

 

 

Questions? Email LittleWings@Hockeytown.com

ALL DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.