HOLY NAME HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Springfield, Massachusetts

 

 

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FIRST LEARN TO SKATE IS

SEPTEMBER 7, 2008

10:30 AM, OLYMPIA ICE CENTER

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 Our First Ever 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!

 

ICE SHAVINGS

THINGS HEARD OR SEEN AT LEARN TO SKATE

 

2008 Season

Mr. Moore: I wanted to send a quick note to acknowledge that my son (4yrs) is having a fantastic time at Learn to Skate each Sunday.  He's already begging me for more time in his skates.  I particularly wanted to acknowledge Gina (I think that is her name) who helped him quite a bit last week and this week.  She seems very patient with him and spent most of her time helping him. Although we thanked her in person, I wanted to make sure that you knew we really appreciate her attention to him.  Thanks again, this is a great program and we're so happy we joined!

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2007 SEASON

**VIEW TEAM PICTURE BELOW***

Pictures from our XMAS Holiday Skate

 

LTS TRICK OR TREATS

On October 28th ghouls and boys invaded our Learn To Skate program.  They enjoyed Halloween music, decorations, goodie bags, and treats!  A fun time for all. 

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"This [Halloween Party] was so much fun for the kids and it shows that your organization cares about the kids and the focus is on the kids"

"The sticker incentive program is amazing, parents and grandparents are taking pictures for each new sticker and it's great!"

"I heard the great news that my son had an awesome time at the Learn to Skate program today!  I have to
tell you how impressed I am by the professionalism your coaches/instructors had!  My son had such a great time!  He couldn't wait to tell me about his
day...he is so excited about learning to skate and
is really hoping to progress enough to be on a team one day.
Thank you again for putting on such a wonderful program!!"