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.
About the Program
The Next Step After Learn to Skate
Learn to Play Hockey is for young skaters who have completed Learn to Skate with our partner, Magic Blades Figure Skating Club, or who 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 7 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.
Development Focus
What Your Player Will Learn
Every session builds on the last. By the end of the 7 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
Seven-week sessions on Saturdays at MacMorran Field House, Tilton School. Session 1 has been canceled. Registration is now open for Session 2, starting November 14.
Session 1
Sept 26 – Nov 7, 2026
7 Saturdays
Canceled
Session 2
Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 16, 2027
7 Saturdays
No class Nov 28, Dec 26, Jan 2
Register · $225
Session 3
Jan 23 – Mar 6, 2027
7 Saturdays
Registration Opens Dec 2026
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. If your child is brand new to the ice, start with
Learn to Skate with Magic Blades, our partner program on the same ice at Tilton School.
What's the difference between Learn to Skate and Learn to Play?
Learn to Skate, run by our partner Magic Blades Figure Skating Club on Tuesday evenings, focuses on skating fundamentals — no sticks, no pucks, no gear beyond a helmet and skates. Learn to Play, run by NH Selects on Saturday mornings, introduces full hockey equipment, puck skills, passing, shooting, and game play on a half sheet of ice.
My child learned to skate with Magic Blades. What changes?
Same rink, new gear. Skaters coming from Magic Blades already have the balance and edges they need. For Learn to Play they switch to hockey skates and full hockey equipment, and our coaches help them adjust in the first session or two.
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 on-ice session is 50 minutes, once per week for 7 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.
