The Arctic Coliseum offers several instructional programs for kids to experience and learn the fundamentals of skating and playing hockey.  With these programs, we’re certain your child will discover that ice hockey is a fun and enjoyable sport. 

No skating experience is required.  Snow Cubs is an introductory skating program for beginning skaters ages 3-5 in a hockey setting through age appropriate activities on the ice.  This program is designed to get your skater excited to come to the rink and skate with the Arctic Coliseum.  

Full gear and a stick is required and can be borrowed through the Arctic Coliseum's loaner program, if needed. Not only is skating in full gear safer for new skaters, it gets them used to movement and weight of the equipment. Puck touches will be secondary to entry level skating techniques.  Once a player has successfully completed Snow Cubs, the natural transition is to Learn-to-Play or the 6U mini-mite program offered by Chelsea Hockey Association.

Learn to Play Hockey is for skaters ages 6-12, and aims to teach new players fundamental skills such as skating, stick handling, puck control, passing, and shooting in a fun and supportive environment. No skating experience is required.

The 3 month long session is modeled after the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM). The ADM puts kids in an environment that teaches fundamentals through high rep, low down time games and drills with like skilled players, enhancing engagement and fun.  When ice time is fun, players will want to return to the ice week after week.

This is a perfect choice for beginner hockey players to learn hockey fundamentals without making a full season commitment or pay for full gear, thanks to help of the Arctic Coliseum's equipment loaner program.  After completing LTP, players are encouraged to join their respective age group in the CHA house program and further develop as a hockey player.

What do you need? 

Your child should come in socks, sweat pants and a sweat shirt.

We have a good number of hockey helmets in various sizes but you can also bring your child's bike helmet to wear on the ice just in case we have a very large turnout.  Full hockey gear is required and will be provided. 

What should you expect? 

Most kids that begin to skate can barely stand up and it's common to barely make it across the rink. Hockey takes some time to learn and it can take 5-6 times on the ice to get comfortable about going for end to end. A positive attitude and determination go a long way, so please encourage your child with their adventure on the rink!

Coaches will use stations and games to help participants with basic skating skills and introduce the sport of hockey. 

So, grab some friends and meet us at the rink! It’s fun, great exercise, memorable and FREE!

Questions about the instructional programs can be directed to: