New to Youth Hockey?
Just Starting Out?
For skaters who have never stepped foot in a hockey rink, the Prince William Ice Center offers two developmental programs:
LEARN TO SKATE: This program is designed by U.S. Figure Skating to be the best beginning ice skating program that serves the needs of the recreational, hockey, and competitive skater. This program offers curriculums in various figure skating disciplines and serves as the recognized feeder program for all USA Hockey youth hockey programs.
LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY: Prince William Ice Center's Potomac Hockey Academy's curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. Skaters will learn how to maneuver faster and be more agile on the ice. This program caters to kids with all levels of skating experience. It will enhance forward skating, stops, starts, turns and backwards skating. Skaters will develop stick handling, passing and shooting skills.
To learn more about these and other developmental programs offered by the Prince William Ice Center, to include a schedule of upcoming classes, click Here.
LEARN TO SKATE: This program is designed by U.S. Figure Skating to be the best beginning ice skating program that serves the needs of the recreational, hockey, and competitive skater. This program offers curriculums in various figure skating disciplines and serves as the recognized feeder program for all USA Hockey youth hockey programs.
LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY: Prince William Ice Center's Learn to Play curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. Skaters will learn how to maneuver faster and be more agile on the ice. This program caters to players with all levels of skating experience. It will enhance forward skating, stops, starts, turns and backwards skating. Skaters will develop stick handling, passing and shooting skills.
What is After Learn to Play Hockey?
The transition from the Learn to Play Hockey (LTP) to the Patriots program is not the same for every player. Age, skill, desire and personal goals will determine what is the best course of action for your child. The game of hockey changes as the players get bigger, stronger and faster. It may not be a safe or enjoyable experience to transition at the wrong time.
Does every player need to complete LTP Hockey 4 before moving over to the Patriots?
Yes. Younger skaters (ages 5 to 8) may be introduced to transition over to the Patriots Mite program directly from Hockey 2 or 3.
When younger players are proficient at basic skating skills and are able to follow coaching directions, they may be ready to join the Patriots Mite Program.
The Patriots Mite Program is focused on skills development, not totally different from their experience at LTP. The goal is to keep players active with lots of opportunity to experiment and grow. Mites get plenty of opportunity to scrimmage and play the game of hockey. Mites play 4 on 4 cross ice hockey. During the fall season, mites have the opportunity to participate in jamborees and a mite tournament or two.
Players aged nine and up, are required to complete the Learn to Play Program through level 4.
After completion of all 4 levels, players are introduced to the real game of hockey through the Patriot Rec program. These group are divided into equal teams for a season of practices and full ice games. Your player will quickly learn the rules of hockey.
Most of our LTP players will move into the Patriots Recreational program, but the Patriots offer a Travel program as well.