Start hockey from zero

Every hockey player starts as a skater. The path is the same at nearly every rink: Learn to Skate until your child can stop, turn, and get up alone, then Learn to Play for first hockey. Rushing the first step is the most common and most expensive mistake in youth hockey.

What actually works

•Learn to Skate first, and stay longer than feels necessary. A child who needs Snowplow 3 gains more from skating lessons than from any hockey program.
•Public skating between lessons is the cheapest accelerator there is. Repetition makes new skills automatic.
•Learn to Play is ready when your child can skate across the ice, stop, and get up unaided, typically after Basic 2 or 3.
•No hockey gear is needed for Learn to Skate. Skates and a helmet start it.

Understand the ice: Learn to Skate · Learn to Play Hockey · Learn to Skate levels

Who runs it

From our organization directory, gems first.

Bay State Breakers💎💎💎

Rockland, MA

The club lists boys and girls teams from mite development through 18U, plus learn to skate, learn to play, and goalie skills programs, and it is based in Rockland with multiple rink locations.

Boston Jr Terriers💎💎💎

Canton, MA

The Boston Jr. Terriers provide a comprehensive hockey development pathway for all ages and skill levels.

Casco Bay Mariners💎💎💎

Portland, ME

It is a non-profit youth hockey organization in Maine with roots dating to 1973 and a focus on girls' hockey.

Central CT Capitals💎💎💎

Newington, CT

It is a long-running USA Hockey ADM-compliant youth hockey association founded in 1984 that fields multiple travel teams and includes house league and learn-to-play options.

Connecticut Chiefs💎💎💎

Newington, CT

The organization says it has sent more than 500 players on to prep, junior, college, and pro hockey since the 2008-2009 season.

Connecticut Jr Rangers💎💎💎

Stamford, CT

It runs boys and girls youth teams, including 8U through U19 and junior teams, and operates out of Chelsea Piers CT with a 203 Performance Center.

CSB Hawks💎💎💎

South Burlington, VT

It serves multiple Chittenden County towns and offers boys' and girls' hockey from introductory 6U through 14U travel and house levels.

Darien Youth💎💎💎

Darien, CT

It offers house and travel hockey for players ages 4 to 18 and includes a separate Ice Cats program with girls teams.

East Coast Militia💎💎💎

Braintree, MA

East Coast Militia offers a range of competitive youth hockey programs for boys and girls, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams and skills development opportunities. East Coast Militia is a leading hockey club in New England offering elite travel hockey teams and developmental programs.

East Coast Wizards💎💎💎

Bedford, MA

It is a youth hockey travel and development program with boys and girls teams and a learn-to-skate program based at The Edge Sports Center in Bedford.

Northeast Generals💎💎💎

Bridgewater, MA

The Northeast Generals provide competitive youth hockey programs in Bridgewater for players aged 4 to 18, focusing on skill development and team play.

Northern Cyclones💎💎💎

The organization runs youth, academy, and junior hockey programs and says it is the only organization in New Hampshire with teams at all listed levels.