LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY
With the generous support of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, the AYHA is pleased to offer Learn to Play Hockey (LTPH) programs at Bird Ice Arena for children ages five through ten.
Created jointly by the NHL Players' Association and the National Hockey League, LTPH is a fun, affordable program that provides a unique opportunity for families to join the hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills on the ice.
Schedule
Due to ongoing maintenance issues at Bird Ice Arena, the Fall 2024 session has been cancelled. We sincerely hope that Ohio University can have the needed repairs implemented by January 2025 so a Spring LTPH session can be scheduled.
How to Register
Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. You can register your child for the Fall program using the link below until October 15, 2024.
Ages
The LPTH program is for children between the ages of 5- and 10-years old at the time of registration.
When
The AYHA attempts to schedule two LTPH sessions each season: one in the Fall between October and December, and another in the Spring between January and March.
Where
All practices are held at Ohio University's Bird Ice Arena in Athens, Ohio. Each session includes one practice per week for 8 weeks with Columbus Blue Jackets staff, AYHA coaches, and volunteers from the Ohio University hockey teams. Adherence to Ohio University's policies on behavior at Bird Ice Arena is mandatory, and all families must review the policy below.
Equipment
As part of the $135 registration fee, all necessary hockey equipment (a $500 value) is provided for each youth player, and they get to keep the gear upon completion of the program. New skates must be sharpened before the first practice, and sharpening service are provided at Bird Ice Arena. Once registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation with details on how to order your child's equipment, including step-by-step video instructions on how to size each piece from the equipment provider, Pure Hockey.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER LTPH IS OVER?
Upon successful completion of the program, LTPH graduates can move directly into the AYHA 8U or 10U age divisions for the remainder of the AYHA season!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The children are falling down quite a bit... is it safe?
Yes, LTPH players fall down constantly. In these classes, almost all of the youth players are just beginning to learn to be steady on their skates, turn, stop, start, and all while trying to push a puck with their stick - there will be lots of tumbles on the ice and players colliding into each other while they build their skating skills. Fortunately, the children are bundled in protective gear and rarely notice when they do fall down, in part because they are having so much fun!
Fall 2024 Learn to Play Hockey
Due to the ongoing maintenance issues at Bird Ice Arena, the Fall 2024 LTPH session has been cancelled. The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation will be contacting participants regarding the status of each player's registration.