TYKES - LEARN TO PLAY

Our Tykes – Learn to Play program is the perfect introduction to youth hockey for first-time players. Designed for children with little or no hockey experience, the program focuses on building confidence, developing fundamental skating and hockey skills, and creating a lifelong love of the game in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

Our experienced coaching staff is joined by dedicated CYHA volunteer players (10U and older), who help our youngest skaters become comfortable on the ice while serving as positive role models. Practices combine guided instruction, open-skating activities, and station-based skill development, allowing every player to learn at their own pace. Skating trainers are available to help new skaters build confidence, while players who are ready for more advanced challenges receive additional skill instruction.

Our goal is simple: meet every player where they are and help them grow, whether it's their very first time stepping onto the ice or they're already skating with confidence.

If this is your child's first hockey experience, we want you to know something important:

The first few weeks can be hard—and that's completely normal.

Learning to skate while wearing full hockey equipment is a big challenge. For many children, it's also their first organized sport and the first time they're separated from their parents in a new environment. It can be overwhelming.

Don't be surprised if your child:

• Falls... a lot.
• Needs frequent breaks.
• Says they want to go home.
• Cries or gets frustrated.
• Asks to use the bathroom multiple times.
• Tells you they don't want to come back.

We've seen it all, and it's completely normal.

Almost every coach in our program has watched a nervous beginner become a confident hockey player. What feels difficult today often becomes exciting just a few weeks later.

Our coaches, volunteers, and older CYHA players are here to encourage every child, celebrate small victories, and help them build confidence one step at a time.

Stick with it!

The early weeks require patience—for players and parents—but it truly does get easier. Before you know it, your child will be skating with friends, smiling on the ice, and asking when the next practice is.

Trust the process. We promise it's worth it.

Welcome to the CYHA family!

Before You Buy Equipment...

If this is your child's first season, we highly recommend purchasing gently used equipment whenever possible.

New hockey equipment—especially skates—can be very stiff and may make it more difficult for young players to move comfortably on the ice. Gently used equipment has already been broken in, allowing for greater flexibility and freedom of movement, which can make those first weeks of learning to skate much more enjoyable.

Keep in mind that hockey equipment is big, bulky, and can feel overwhelming for first-time players. More flexible, broken-in equipment often helps children adjust more comfortably to being fully geared up.

CYHA has a limited selection of used equipment available, and we also encourage families to visit local stores such as Play It Again Sports for affordable, quality equipment.

Don't worry—you'll have plenty of opportunities to buy brand-new gear in the future! If your player falls in love with hockey (and we think they will!), there will be many seasons ahead for new equipment, new skates, and even a few broken sticks along the way.