Learn To Play Hockey

Learn to Play Hockey

Hockey Starts Here

From First Stride to Team Hockey

Hockey at the Berger Foundation Iceplex is designed as a progressive pathway—starting with basic skating and building toward full team play. Our programs follow the USA Hockey American Development Model, emphasizing fun, safety, skill development, and long-term growth.

Whether your child is brand new to the ice or ready for structured games, this page will help you find the right starting point.

All skaters must become members of USA Hockey

The Hockey Pathway at a Glance

Ages 3–5
→ Tot Beginner, Tot Advanced, Hockey Tots Advanced

Ages 5–9 (First-time hockey players)
→ NHL Learn to Play Hockey

Ages 5–14 (After NHL LTP)
→ Learn to Play 1 / Learn to Play 2

Ages 5-16 (Ready for games)
→ Youth Recreational League

Ages 8-16 (Advanced & travel-ready players)
→ Jr. Firebirds Travel Program

Our coaching staff will guide families at each step to ensure players move forward when they’re ready—not rushed, not held back.

HOCKEY JOURNEY

Ages 3-5

For our youngest skaters, the goal is confidence, balance, and independence on the ice. At this age, we strongly recommend starting with skating before introducing hockey skills.

Tot Beginner (Ages 3–5)

The first step toward independent skating! Tot Beginner is designed for skaters ages 3–5 who have completed our Tot & Me class or are ready to skate without a parent on the ice. This class focuses on helping young skaters become comfortable and confident moving on their own.

What your child will learn:

Forward skating basics
How to fall safely and get back up independently
Balance and body control on the ice
Introductory stopping techniques

Who this class is for:

Skaters transitioning from parent-assisted skating
No hockey experience required
Schedule: Wednesday or Saturday

Tot Advanced (Ages 3–5)

Building confidence and stronger skating skills! Tot Advanced is for skaters ages 3–5 who have successfully completed Tot Beginner and can skate independently and confidently without assistance. This class strengthens skating technique and prepares children for more advanced movement and, eventually, hockey-based programs.

What your child will learn:

Stronger forward skating technique
Controlled stopping
Introduction to backward skating
Improved balance and coordination

Requirements:

Completion of Tot Beginner
Ability to skate independently and confidently
Schedule: Wednesday or Saturday

Hockey Tot Advanced (Ages 3–5)

First introduction to hockey skills! Hockey Tot Advanced is the next step for young skaters who are comfortable on the ice and ready to be introduced to basic hockey concepts in a fun, age-appropriate way. This program blends skating with early hockey skills while keeping the emphasis on enjoyment and development.

What your child will learn:

Skating while holding a hockey stick
Basic puck control and movement
Simple passing and shooting concepts
Listening to instructions and playing within a group
Early understanding of hockey game mechanics

Requirements:

Full hockey gear is required: Hockey skates, Helmet with full cage, Gloves, Stick, Chest protector, Elbow pads, Shin guards, Hockey pants, Hockey socks
Schedule: Wednesday or Saturday

Ages 5-9

Registration is now open for the March 14 – May 9, 2026 session!

Registration closes March 9, 2026.

NHL Learn to Play (Ages 5–9)

The official starting point for first-time hockey players! NHL Learn to Play is a nationally recognized beginner program created by USA Hockey and the NHL, designed specifically for kids who have never played hockey before. This is the best starting point for children ages 5–9 who want to try hockey for the first time.

What makes this program special:

No prior hockey experience required
Includes full hockey equipment
Taught by certified hockey coaches
Structured, fun, and confidence-building

What your child will learn:

Basic skating and balance while wearing full gear
Stickhandling and puck control
Passing and shooting fundamentals
Simple game concepts and positioning
How to practice safely and work as a team

Equipment (Included):

Each player receives an 11-piece custom-fitted hockey kit from Pure Hockey: Helmet, skates, gloves, stick, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, hockey pants, socks, jersey, equipment bag

*Gear is ordered after registration and shipped directly to your home.

Program details:

7-week session
45-minute class, once per week
Includes a free one-year USA Hockey membership

Ages 5-14

Learn to Play 1 & 2 (Ages 5–14)

The bridge between beginner hockey and real games! Learn to Play 2 is for kids who already understand the basics of hockey and are ready to develop stronger skills, play faster, and prepare for league play. This program builds confidence and consistency while introducing more structured drills and small-area games and can be taken multiple times.

Who this program is for:

Players who completed:
- NHL Learn to Play
- Hockey Skating Fundamentals
Kids not yet ready for full competitive leagues

What your child will learn:

Stronger skating under pressure
Better puck control and passing
Shooting technique and accuracy
Game awareness and positioning
Team play and hockey etiquette

Requirements:

Full hockey gear is required (not provided): Helmet with cage, skates, gloves, stick, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, hockey pants, socks, jersey, bag
Schedule: Wednesday or Saturday

Ages 5-16

Youth Rec League (Ages 5–16)

The CVHL Youth Rec League is an in-house recreational hockey program designed for players who have completed Learn to Play and are ready to apply their skills in a structured team environment.

Youth Rec follows USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) and focuses on skill development, teamwork, and fun in a balanced, age-appropriate setting. Practices and games emphasize skating, puck control, game awareness, and sportsmanship — without the pressure of Travel hockey. This league is intended for players not currently rostered on a Travel team, allowing all participants to develop at a similar pace and experience meaningful ice time.

Pre-Requisites

Players must have completed one of the following:

NHL Learn to Play
Learn to Play 2

Program Includes

Weekly practices and games
Designated team coaches
Age- and skill-based divisions
New numbered jersey once teams are assigned
One public skate on class/game days

Youth Rec is the next step for players looking to continue their hockey journey in a supportive, development-focused environment.

Ages 5-18

Coachella Valley Jr Firebirds Youth Hockey Program

The Coachella Valley Jr Firebirds is a youth travel hockey club dedicated to developing hockey players ages 5–18 at every level. Our program focuses on skill development, teamwork, and competitive play within the Southern California Amateur Hockey Association (SCAHA).

Players participate in regular practices and a full SCAHA season, with opportunities to compete in games both at home and on the road. Teams are formed based on age and skill, with divisions from 8U through 16U, ensuring each player is placed where they can grow and thrive.

Program Highlights

Travel hockey teams for ages 5–18, co-ed competition.
Practices typically twice per week and a full schedule of games.
Competes against regional clubs such as the JR Ducks, JR Kings, and JR Reign.
Play opportunities include weekend games, tournaments, and chances to skate at intermissions of hometown Firebirds’ games.
All coaches are certified and committed to player development in a supportive environment.

Commitment & Season

The regular season runs from mid-August through late February or early March (including playoffs), with teams practicing and competing throughout the season.

Tryouts & Registration

Tryouts are held annually — open to all players interested in joining the Jr Firebirds. Players must register with USA Hockey and bring their SCAHA passcode to tryouts.

Ages 16+

Adult / Teen Learn to Play (Ages 15+)

It’s never too late to start hockey! This program is designed for teens and adults who:

Have never played hockey
Played casually years ago
Want to learn in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment

What participants will learn:

Hockey skating basics
Puck handling and shooting
Rules of the game
Safe play and positioning

Equipment:

Full hockey gear is required.

What comes next:

18+ graduates are eligible to join the Adult Hockey League (Beginner level).

Equipment Sizing & Getting Dressed videos

If your child is new to hockey, getting the right equipment and knowing how to put it on can feel overwhelming—especially if you don’t have a background in the sport. Proper fit and correct dressing are essential for comfort, safety, and confidence on the ice.

We’ve put together a resource to help you every step of the way. The link below takes you to a comprehensive video library covering equipment sizing and step-by-step instructions on how to get your child fully dressed and ready to play.

USA HOCKEY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

NEW UPDATE – Per USA Hockey, neck guards are now required for all Youth players as of August 1, 2024

Skate Sharpening

Need a sharper edge on your blades? Stop by the Welcome Center to drop off your own hockey skates to be sharpened for just $15. We cannot guarantee immediate turnaround for sharpening.