New Hampshire Selects  

Learn To Play

Learn to Play Hockey | NH Selects
Ages 8 & Under

Learn to Play Hockey

Your child can skate — now it's time to play. Our Learn to Play program introduces young players to puck skills, game play, and the fundamentals of hockey in full gear.

Join the Interest List Registration opening soon · Half-ice · 50 minutes per session
Ages
8 & Under
Ice Time
50 Min / Half Ice
Duration
8 Weeks
Gear
Full Hockey Equipment
About the Program
The Next Step After Learn to Skate

Learn to Play Hockey is for young skaters who have completed our Learn to Skate program or already have the skating fundamentals to move forward. This is where players pick up a stick, put on full gear, and start learning the game.

Sessions run 50 minutes on a half sheet of ice, once per week for 8 weeks. The smaller ice surface keeps the action close and gives every player more touches, more reps, and more time with the puck. Coaches introduce puck handling, passing, shooting, basic positioning, and small-area game play in a fun, encouraging environment.

Graduates of Learn to Play feed directly into our 8U Selects Development program — the first full team experience in the NH Selects pathway.

The Selects Pathway
From First Steps to Full Speed

Learn to Play is step two in the NH Selects development pipeline.

1
Learn to Skate
Build balance, confidence, and skating fundamentals over 8 weeks
→
2
Learn to Play Hockey
Introduce puck skills, positioning, and game play in full gear
→
3
8U Selects Development
Full team experience with PEP training, games, and structured development
Development Focus
What Your Player Will Learn

Every session builds on the last. By the end of the 8 weeks, your player will have a foundation in the core skills needed to play hockey.

1
Puck Handling Basic stickhandling, carrying the puck, and controlling it in motion.
2
Passing Forehand and backhand passing, receiving the puck, and giving/taking.
3
Shooting Wrist shots and the fundamentals of getting the puck on net.
4
Positioning Basic understanding of where to be on the ice and why.
5
Small-Area Game Play Half-ice games that teach competition, teamwork, and decision-making with the puck.
6
Skating with the Puck Combining skating ability with puck control — heads up, eyes forward.
Schedule
Session Schedule

Four 8-week sessions run throughout the year. Once per week, 50 minutes on a half sheet of ice. Location and specific dates will be announced as each session opens for registration.

Session 1
Dates TBD
8 weeks
Session 2
Dates TBD
8 weeks
Session 3
Dates TBD
8 weeks
Session 4
Dates TBD
8 weeks
Come Prepared
What Your Player Needs

Full hockey equipment is required for Learn to Play. This is where your player gears up for the first time.

Hockey Helmet HECC certified hockey helmet with full cage. Required for all players.
Shoulder Pads Youth hockey shoulder pads for upper body protection.
Elbow Pads Properly fitted elbow pads that allow full arm movement.
Hockey Gloves Hockey gloves (not winter gloves or mittens).
Hockey Pants & Shin Guards Breezers/hockey pants with shin guards underneath.
Hockey Skates & Stick Hockey skates (not figure skates) and an appropriately sized hockey stick.
Common Questions
Learn to Play FAQ
Does my child need to complete Learn to Skate first?
Not necessarily. If your child can skate forward, stop, and maintain balance comfortably, they may be ready for Learn to Play. If you're unsure, our coaches can assess your player at the first session.
What's the difference between Learn to Skate and Learn to Play?
Learn to Skate focuses on skating fundamentals — no sticks, no pucks, no gear beyond a helmet and skates. Learn to Play introduces full hockey equipment, puck skills, passing, shooting, and game play on a half sheet of ice.
Why half ice?
A half sheet keeps the playing area smaller, which means more puck touches, tighter game play, and more engagement for every player. It's the best environment for young players learning the game.
How long are sessions?
Each session is 50 minutes of on-ice instruction, once per week for 8 weeks.
What equipment does my child need?
Full hockey gear — helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, hockey skates, and a stick. See the gear list above for details.
Where can I buy used equipment?
Local pro shops, Play It Again Sports, SidelineSwap, and Facebook Marketplace are all great options for affordable youth hockey gear. Many families in the program also pass along equipment their kids have outgrown.
What happens after Learn to Play?
Graduates move into the 8U Selects Development program — the first full team experience in the NH Selects pathway, with PEP training, structured practices, and games.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email info@nhselects.com — we're happy to help.
Get Started

They Can Skate. Now Teach Them to Play.

Registration opens soon. Join the interest list now and be the first to know when dates and location are announced.

Join the Interest List Questions? Email info@nhselects.com · View Learn to Skate

Learn To Play - Session 1

This is the next step. Our Learn to Play Hockey program is an 8-week introduction to the game for kids ages 8 and under who have the skating fundamentals to move forward. Whether your child has completed Learn to Skate or already skates confidently, this is where they pick up a stick, put on full gear, and start learning to play.

Sessions run 50 minutes on a half sheet of ice, once per week for 8 weeks. The smaller ice surface keeps the action close and gives every player more touches, more reps, and more time with the puck. Coaches introduce puck handling, passing, shooting, basic positioning, and small-area game play in a fun, encouraging environment.

Four sessions are offered throughout the year, starting September 2026, so your family can join at the time that works best. Graduates of the program move into our 8U Selects Development program, the first full team experience on the NH Selects development pathway.


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