NHL LEARN TO PLAY PROGRAM (AGES 4-9) \ WATCH THIS FIRST! \ THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFOREHAND

My son Rider started ice skating in February 2021. We learned about the Learn to Play program last year, but the dates never worked out. However, this summer they did and I am glad he did the program when he did.

The Learn to Play is a program that provides a unique opportunity for families to join the hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills to help them succeed both on and off the ice. Created jointly by the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Learn to Play’s goal is to inspire youth and welcome more families into the hockey community.

Kids can only do the Learn to Play program once, so you want to make sure they get the most out of the experience. In order to do that, they should have basic skating skills before starting the LTP program.

I also advise getting fitted properly at your local hockey pro shop before selecting your equipment. While the videos for sizing were helpful, I did order many things way too big for my son. I also recommend getting the shorts with the velcro to attach the socks and waxed laces for the skates. The shorts made getting him dress much easier. I saw several parents taping the socks to their kids' legs. And the waxed laces were the biggest game changer.

Watch the first 2 weeks of my son's ankles and you will see them caving in a lot (especially at the end). Another parents suggested waxed laces and I couldn't believe the difference they made. Just get them.

Below is a list of all of the equipment you will receive as part of the program and the suggested add-ons. The waxed laces were not a suggested add-on, but they can easily be purchased online. Also, you will need to have the skates sharpened and stick cut before the first session.

All in all, I think this is a wonderful program and I cannot recommend it enough.

**UPDATE**: There was an email that went out that explained the meaning of each colored sticker and where that meant where your child placed. This email went to my spam, so I had missed it.

Equipment Included in the Program:

• CCM NHL LTP Tacks 70 Combo Helmet

• Bauer NHL LTP X-LP Skate

• Pure Hockey NHL LTP PH Shin Guard

• Pure Hockey NHL LTP PH Elbow Pad

• Pure Hockey NHL LTP PH Pant

• Pure Hockey NHL LTP PH Glove

• Pure Hockey NHL LTP PH Shoulder Pad

• Gamewear NHL PL Jersey-Panthers

• NHL Sock - Youth

• Bauer NHL LTP 45 Stick

• Bauer NHL LTP 650 Bag

Not Included but Recommended:

• Shock Doctor NHL LTP Male Loose Jock - Boys

• Shock Doctor NHL LTP Ultra Neck Guard - Youth

• Shock Doctor NHL LTP Gel Max Mouthguard

• Elite Hockey Prolace Waxed Molded Tip Laces

Introduction 0:00

About NHL Learn to Play Program 1:10

How Old Do You Have To Be? 3:36

Can Girls Participate? 4:08

How many times can you do the program? 4:36

Do you need to know how to ice skate? 5:03

Signup Early 7:01

FAQs 7:47

Getting Fitted For Your Equipment 9:42

What Happens If Something Doesn't Fit? 14:33

What Equipment is Included? 16:17

Suggested Add-ons 19:35

Preparing for 1st Session 21:07

What Happens During the 6-week Session 22:23

Week One 23:50

Week Two 26:39

Week Three 27:58

Week Four 30:08

Week Five 32:26

Week Six 34:33

Final Thoughts 37:35

About the program: https://www.learntoplay.nhl.com/

Equipment Included: https://www.learntoplay.nhl.com/equip...

Pure Hockey (affiliate): https://alnk.to/7qimWDu

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