NHL LEARN TO PLAY PROGRAM (AGES 4-9) \ WATCH THIS FIRST! \ THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFOREHAND

My son Rider started ice skating in February 2021. We learned about the Learn to Play program last year, but the dates never worked out. However, this summer they did and I am glad he did the program when he did.

The Learn to Play is a program that provides a unique opportunity for families to join the hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills to help them succeed both on and off the ice. Created jointly by the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Learn to Play’s goal is to inspire youth and welcome more families into the hockey community.

Kids can only do the Learn to Play program once, so you want to make sure they get the most out of the experience. In order to do that, they should have basic skating skills before starting the LTP program.

I also advise getting fitted properly at your local hockey pro shop before selecting your equipment. While the videos for sizing were helpful, I did order many things way too big for my son. I also recommend getting the shorts with the velcro to attach the socks and waxed laces for the skates. The shorts made getting him dress much easier. I saw several parents taping the socks to their kids' legs. And the waxed laces were the biggest game changer.

Watch the first 2 weeks of my son's ankles and you will see them caving in a lot (especially at the end). Another parents suggested waxed laces and I couldn't believe the difference they made. Just get them.

Below is a list of all of the equipment you will receive as part of the program and the suggested add-ons. The waxed laces were not a suggested add-on, but they can easily be purchased online. Also, you will need to have the skates sharpened and stick cut before the first session.

All in all, I think this is a wonderful program and I cannot recommend it enough.

**UPDATE**: There was an email that went out that explained the meaning of each colored sticker and where that meant where your child placed. This email went to my spam, so I had missed it.

Equipment Included in the Program: