Learn-To-Skate Program

The first LTS session for the 2023-2024 season will occur on Sunday, October 22nd  at 10:30 AM!

Registration is available below, you will be required to register with USA Hockey and provide a USA Hockey number to enter the ice. 

For any questions please contact a member of the Holy Name Hockey Board. 

Learn to Skate will hit the ice on Rink #2 at W. Springfield's Olympia Ice Arena every Sunday from 10:30-11:30 am, as the season progresses this will expand to 2 sessions and run for an additional hour. (Sturdy and Take-off Stars) and (Amazing and Ready-for-Action Stars).

It's never too late to sign up since the program continues through March for only $99! We hope you'll join us! 

Required Equipment -  All skaters must have ice skates, a helmet with a face cage or shield and heavy gloves (preferably hockey gloves).   We also highly recommend knee/shin pads and elbow pads for the Learn to Skate program.

As the program progresses and players are added to the Learn to Play program, in addition to the above-mentioned, skaters will also need hockey gloves and stick, shoulder and elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, and athletic supporter/jock with protective cup.

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. 

At Holy Name –we have develop a program that uses a building block theory to develop muscle memory, confidence in doing drills and provides a safe environment from which to learn.

S= Starter Phase

1. Walkers- This plastic frame helps any beginner or child that may not comfortable to learn balance and become accustomed to being on the ice. Wearing a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads they will be taught 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 ( ie walker hockey with tennis ball). 

T= Take Off Phase

2. Post Walkers- After a few weeks, some Children may feel more confident and decide to try skating without the assistance of a walker. They are now able to stand on their own skates. 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! Remember this is called LEARN TO SKATE – and we spend several weeks working on this phase.

A= Advanced Phase

3. 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.

R= Ready Phase

4. This level will introduce hockey sticks and pucks. 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 shots on goal 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!