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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 3–4
→ Learn to Skate (SK8 Academy) or Hockey Tots Advanced
Ages 5–9 (First-time hockey players)
→ NHL Learn to Play Hockey
Ages 5–14 (After NHL LTP or skating fundamentals)
→ Learn to Play 1 / Learn to Play 2
Ready for games
→ Youth Recreational League
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 3-4
Learn to Skate (SK8 Academy) or Hockey Tots Advanced
Ages 5-9
NHL Learn to Play Hockey (First-time hockey players)
Best starting point for first-time hockey players. This nationally supported program introduces kids to hockey in a fun, structured environment.
Includes:
- 7-week session (1 class/week, 45 minutes)
- Full custom hockey equipment kit from Pure Hockey
- Lil’ Firebirds jersey
- One-year USA Hockey membership
Eligibility:
- First-time hockey players only
- Players with prior experience should register for Learn to Play 2
- Players receive a link after registration to size and order equipment, shipped directly to their home.
Ages 5-9
NHL Learn to Play Hockey (First-time hockey players)
Ages 5–14 (After NHL LTP or skating fundamentals)
→ Learn to Play 1 / Learn to Play 2
Ready for games
→ Youth Recreational League
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.
LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY PROGRAMS:
This class is for children ages 3-5 who have already completed our Tot Advanced class. This class will continue to develop skating skills acquired in previous Tot Classes with an introduction to stick and puck handling, puck passing and beginning Hockey game mechanics.
Class Requirements:
- Completion of Tot Beginner and Tot Advanced
- FULL hockey gear is required: Hockey Skates, Hockey Gloves, Hockey helmet with full cage, hockey stick, chest protector, elbow & shin guards, hockey pants, hockey socks (over shin guards)
SCHEDULE:
- Wednesday or Saturday
REGISTER
Berger Foundation Iceplex offers Hockey beginner skaters a 7-week session, with the price now reflecting 7 classes.
The session will introduce skaters to the basics of Hockey skating – How to stand up on the ice, snowplow stopping, hockey stride, power turns.
Skaters will be working with our Certified Hockey Coaching Staff.
Age Requirement: Participants must be age 6-14. Hockey equipment is recommended but not required.
Early bird: $199
Regular cost: $225
REGISTER
Registration is now open for the January 10 – March 7, 2026 session!
Registration closes January 3, 2026.
In addition to learning beginner hockey fundamentals, each player will be sized for a complete set of custom NHL Learn to Play hockey equipment partnered with Seattle Kraken and receive a free one-year USA Hockey membership number.
This program is only available for first time players. Kids with prior hockey experience should register for Learn to Play 2.
Want to improve your skills quicker, supplement with Basic 1 Hockey and receive a 25% 2nd class discount.
Ages:
- 5-9; co-ed
Pre-Requisite
- No experience necessary
Duration:
- 7-Week session/ 45-min group classes / 1 session per week
Equipment:
- Lil’ Firebirds Jersey included
- Players receive an 11-piece kit of custom fitted gear from Pure Hockey: jersey, helmet, stick, skates, gloves, hockey socks, hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards & hockey bag.
- You will be sent a link upon registration for Pure Hockey gear sizing and orders to be sent directly to your house
REGISTER
This program is only available for players who have completed NHL Learn to Play or Hockey Skating Fundamentals. Kids with little to no hockey experience should register for NHL Learn to Play (Ages 5-9) / Hockey Skating Fundamentals (Ages 6-14) OR Hockey Tot Beginner (Ages 3-5).
Ages:
- 5-14; co-ed
Pre-Requisite
- This class is a continuation from NHL LTP (Ages 5-9)
- Hockey Skating Fundamentals (Ages 6-14)
Duration:
- 7-Week session/ 45-min group classes / 1 session per week
Equipment:
- Full equipment is required: Jersey, helmet, stick, skates, gloves, hockey socks, hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards & hockey bag.
- Hockey gear is not given to players, they must provide their own.
REGISTER
This Adult/Teen Co-ed Learn to Play program is designed for adult men and women (15+) who have never played hockey or have minimal experience. Upon completion of this program, players have the opportunity to progress into the Adult Hockey League Bronze level.
Players should have completed a Learn to Skate series prior to registering (see Sk8 Academy Classes). Full equipment is required.
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.
