Youth Hockey
YOUTH HOCKEY PROGRAMS
Here at the Chicago Blackhawks, we understand that hockey is more than just a game. Hockey is about honesty, passion, respect, responsibility, and hard work. The Chicago Blackhawks Amateur Hockey Department offers a diverse range of youth hockey programs, all with the goal of instilling these traits on and off the ice and catering to skaters at every level of experience. Whether it's taking their first strides on the ice or refining their skills, young players can participate in an abundance of programs. These initiatives not only foster fundametnal hockey skills but also instill a love for the game. Please see below for more information about the specific programs we offer!
For any questions regarding Youth Hockey programs, please reach out to
LEARN TO SKATE
Our Learn to Skate program is for players who are new to the ice. At this level, players learn the basics of skating and coordination such as falling down and getting up safely, marching in place, gliding, and turning. Players, ages 3-9, will develop confidence on the ice and become comfortable wearing skates and basic pads (required basic pads include: skates, helmet, knee/shin pads, and gloves). It is not uncommon for new skaters to require a few sessions of Learn to Skate to master the curriculum. It is important to have the fundamentals of skating down before moving onto puck skills.
What's Included:
- 6-10 weeks of 40 minute sessions
- Age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching
- Drills and skills to begin assembling the neccessary tools for skating and moving around on the ice
Fall Learn to Skate Classes:
September 7 - November 23 on Saturday mornings at 8:20-9:00 or 10:00-10:40
LITTLE BLACKHAWKS
Little Blackhawks is developed along with the help of experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada by using the Learn to Play initiative, which aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs. Lean to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing participants between ages 4-9, head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere. This serves as an introduction to the basics of the game and focuses on skating and puck handling. We highly recommend taking a Learn to Skate class before signing up Little Blackhawks. Players can sign up for multiple sessions to master this level's curriculum before advancing, but the equipment will only be offered for first time participants.
Pre-Requisites:
- Successful completion of a Learn to Skate program and readiness to develop additional skills
What's Included:
- 6-10 weeks of 40 minute sessions
- Age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching
- Little Blackhawks jersey
- Guest appearance from Blackhawks Alumni
- Head-to-toe equipment
Fall Little Blackhawks Classes:
September 7 - November 23 on Saturday mornings at 9:10-9:50
CONTINUE TO PLAY
For players 5-9, this course is designed to follow the American Development Model ("ADM") which provides age-appropriate guidelines and curriculum to introduce game concepts to young players. This includes small area games and cross-ice play while players continue to utilize their previously learned skating skills and puck control skills to their full advantage.
Pre-Requisites:
- Successful completion of previous classes
What's Included:
- 6-10 weeks of 40 minute sessions
- Age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching
Fall Continue to Play Classes:
September 7 - November 23 on Saturday mornings at 8:20-9:00 or 10:00-10:40
LEARN TO SKATE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS