Learn to Skate Registration Form
Welcome to Holy Name Hockey Association and our Award-Winning Learn to Skate Program. Holy Name Hockey Association is an organization created solely by volunteers to provide a safe and challenging athletic environment to the youth it serves. We have developed a Learn to Skate Program like none in the area that focuses on keeping your child motivated and helps them to progress. Our STAR program will help them feel like a star on the ice and is designed to keep this beginning stage fun and exciting. Read on to find out some exciting details about our STAR program.
Our STAR program has earned the honor of being awarded the Mike Cheever Grant from Massachusetts Hockey. This grant is given to those organizations and programs dedicated to being innovative in the quest to grow hockey in the state of Massachusetts. We are excited to be a leader in developing a new approach to Learn-to-Skate/Learn-to-Play programs! We are the only program in the area to have earned this distinction.
Sturdy Star 
All children will receive this star at the end of the first session. This level helps your child become accustomed to being on the ice. Wearing a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads he/she will learn how to fall and get back up, walk with a walker on skates, slowly glide while using the walker, and play some games that utilize the walker (walker hockey with tennis ball). Children will stay at one end of the rink closest to the gate for easy on/off.
Take-Off Star 
Children will receive this star when they are able to stand on their own skates without the assistance of the walker. These children will practice starting and stopping (using snowplow methods) and controlled skating. Don’t be surprised if your child is in this level for a while, mastering the control of their skates is important! Children will usually be in the middle of the rink during this level.
Amazing Star 
This level will encompass the mastery of certain techniques. Most learn-to-skate programs only include three levels and combine this and the previous level together. We feel it is important for children to feel that level of success that comes with advanced skills. Skating backwards, stopping, beginning-crossovers, some increased speed and an increased level of control. We spend additional time on this area because our next level will introduce hockey sticks and pucks. This level will also take place in the middle of the rink.
Ready for Action Star 
This level will introduce hockey sticks and pucks at the far end of the ice. Beginning hockey-type drills will be used to advance your child’s skating abilities and introduce the sport of hockey. Crossover drills, stopping with parallel blades, beginning puck-handling, and even some goals will be included. Towards the end of this level, your child will play some simulated Mini-Mite hockey games, where teams will be separated and children will work together to carry the puck and score goals. The focus is always fun!
At the end of the year, your child will receive a USA Hockey medal to show their participation and advancement in the learn-to-skate program. All children will receive this medal even if they have not advanced through all levels. Be on the lookout for fun events throughout the year to include trick-or-treating, a visit from Santa, and St. Patrick’s Skate (wear green!). This will be a fun experience for you and your child. Please contact the Program Coordinator or any of the board members if you have questions, problems or concerns
If your child is ready to take that next step to Mini-Mite Hockey, ask one of our on-ice coordinators. Coaches will be able to evaluate your son/daughter to help you decide where to place them during these formative years.
Holy Name Hockey Association, Board of Directors
NOTE** If a parent or caregiver would like to assist their child they MUST wear skates and a helmet. Any additional family members (siblings, etc.) must get verbal approval from the Program Coordinator before entering ice. Our focus is SAFETY!