Hockey lessons

What do kids learn in hockey programs?

There are two broad kinds of programs, those targeted at younger kids just learning the game, and others for older kids and teens wanting intense skills development. 

For beginners, programs teach skating, balance, and basic aspects of the game like puck handling, shooting, and passing. 

In older kids’ hockey classes, coaches and (sometimes) professionals offer drills and experienced instruction on all advanced aspects of the game. This includes stickhandling, passing, defending, power skating, and other individual skills. There’s also team play instruction including special teams strategies (penalty killing and power plays), defensive zone breakout patterns, etc. Scrimmages are often treated as an end-of-session reward.  

Kids also learn from peers and can compare themselves to others in their age group and area.

What do hockey lessons cost? 

Eight to ten-week classes with one session per week start around $240 per child but go up in price the more advanced the instruction. 

How else can kids improve their hockey skills? 

On Camps.ca we also list hockey schools, where kids can dive into a weeklong (or longer) immersion in the sport. Many of these are overnight camps, which have other benefits for kids. On our sister site, we dive into how overnight camp helps kids grow. 

Sports camps come in a wide array but all offer young athletes the chance to build more stamina, improve hand-to-eye coordination, and refine athletic skills.

Leadership camps are also ideal for aspiring hockey players. Soft skills like generosity and determination can separate NHLers from those who don’t make it.

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