Newton Youth Hockey: Sprites/Learn to Play Hockey

This program encompasses NYH's Learn to Play Hockey program with an In-House atmosphere as the Sprites season progresses. The primary goal of the NYH Sprites/Learn to Play Hockey program is to create an environment that engenders confidence and an interest in hockey. All of the drills are designed to generate as much fun as possible while learning the core hockey skills and techniques. Participants skate twice per week (once on Saturday and once on Sunday).  One day will be for drills and skills development while the other day will be dedicated to scrimmages.

We will begin the 16-week program with a concentration on skills development on both Saturdays and Sundays. In January, we will start to break off into teams on Saturdays. Each team will practice a drill for the first 15 minutes of their session. This format allows them to warm-up while still developing their hockey skills. The games will be played in a cross-ice setting and are designed to utilize the skills learned on Sundays. The focus is to provide a setting to learn a game environment and, more importantly, to develop teamwork and camaraderie.

The Sprites/Learn to Play Hockey program is open to skaters from ages 5-10.  If you have a skater outside these years wanting to participate, please , to receive clearance to participate. Sessions run during Newton school vacation weeks.

 The schedule for 2022-2023 Sprites/Learn to Play Hockey season:

• Saturdays: at Ryan Rink (1 Paramount Place, Watertown)​ 
  • 10:20am - 11:10am
  • November 12 - March 18 (no session on Nov 26, Dec 24, and Dec 31)
• Sundays: at Daly Rink (4 Nonantum Road, Newton) 
  • 8:00am - 8:50am
  • November 13 - March 12 (no session on Dec 25 and Jan 1)

Cost: $550.00 which includes a $30.00 non-refundable registration fee. USA Hockey registration is required before registering for this program. There is no additional fee for non-residents.

Follow this link to register with USA Hockey 

Prerequisite: Skaters should have knowledge of the basics of skating, be completely independent, and capable of freely maneuvering around the ice. Backwards skating and hockey stops are not necessary. 
 
Equipment

• MANDATORY: All skaters must wear a hockey helmet with mask (no ski or bike helmets).  Neither parent nor child will be allowed on the ice without the helmet with mask. Please put your child's name on the front of the helmet so our volunteer coaches can personalize your participant's experience in the program.
• All skaters MUST wear a full set of hockey equipment: elbow pads, shoulder pads, athletic supporter (hockey cup), hockey pants, shin guards, hockey skates, and hockey gloves. 
• Hockey sticks are required. The top of the hockey stick should be between the nose and chin when the child is standing up WITH the skates on. If the hockey stick is too big or too small, the drills/games will hinder the child's skills development.
• We recommend dressing in this order: athletic supporter/cup, knee/shin pads, socks (garter belt), pants, skates, chest pad, elbow pads, jersey, hockey helmet, gloves and a stick.
• We do not advise wearing equipment big enough “to grow into”—proper fitting equipment will ensure your child’s safety, comfort, and ease of movement.

*Subject to change based on number of skaters per group. 

Please email your questions to intramuralvp@newtonyouthhockey.com