Learn To Skate

Our Learn to Skate program is designed to help children ages 4 and up learn the essential skills they need to feel confident on the ice. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to discover a love for skating and maybe even explore ice hockey or figure skating as new passions.

Our program coordinator is happy to evaluate any child under 4 interested in joining our Learn to Skate program. Please contact the coordinator by email at lts@stinghockey.org to schedule your child's assessment.

Every participant’s goal is to "learn and to be the best skater I can be." We support this by providing clear, friendly instructions, enjoyable drills, and grouping children by age and skill level to ensure everyone has a positive and fun experience.

We look forward to helping your little one enjoy skating!

As of August 2024, all skaters are required to wear neck laceration protection (neck guard). 

Please review the detailed equipment guidelines on the USA Hockey website (click here) to make sure you're fully prepared to step onto the ice.

Neck laceration protection (neck guard) can be purchased locally at Johns Sports Shop, Play It Again Sports, and Pure Hockey.

All skaters are REQUIRED by Mass Hockey to register with USA Hockey before stepping/skating on the ice.

Shortly after completing the USA Hockey registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your child's USA Hockey Confirmation Number. This number is required when registering for our Learn to Skate program. All skaters must register with USA Hockey before stepping or skating on the ice—no exceptions will be made.

Skates

Skate rentals are not available.

How to test if your skates fit properly

Your ankle must be supported when you’re on the ice to avoid injury. The finger test is a great test used to check that your skate fits properly around your child's ankle.

Skate fit test

1. Loosen the skate laces to allow the foot to be pushed to the front of the skate with the toes brushing the end.
2. Slide to the edge of the seat so that you can see down the back of the skate.
3. From this position, check how many fingers can be slid between the hockey skate and the heel.
4. The ability to slide just one finger down and no more is the optimum fit.
5. Should the skate be ill-fitting, it will result in blisters, premature skate wear, and a decrease in skating ability due to a lack of ankle stability.
6. Buying a "size up," even if it is just a 1/2 size, is not recommended. The extra room will not provide the correct support and could lead to injury.

Correct hockey skate fit video

Hockey Stick

Hockey sticks will be necessary for experienced skaters. 

Required

All skaters are required to wear a helmet (hockey helmet preferred). Protection for the teeth is highly recommended; therefore, we encourage skaters to wear a helmet with a cage.

Also, to help our coaches, please place a piece of tape with your child’s first name on the front of their helmet. This helps coaches when working with the skaters.

No child or adult will be allowed on the ice without a helmet.

Recommend

While not required, we recommend gloves or mittens, elbow and knee pads, and snow pants to help soften falls.

Sting & USA Hockey recommends that all players wear a neck laceration protector that covers as much of the neck area as possible, in addition to cut-resistant socks, sleeves, or undergarments.