Learn to Play Hockey (LTP)
The Waterloo Youth Hockey Learn to Play program is designed for boys and girls who have basic skating experience and are ready to take the next step into hockey. This program serves as the foundation of our youth hockey development pathway, with many of our players beginning their hockey journey here before advancing into our travel programs.
Participants will be introduced to the fundamental skills of hockey in a fun, supportive, and age-appropriate environment. Players will develop essential skills including skating, stickhandling, passing, puck control, and overall hockey awareness, helping them build the confidence and knowledge needed to enjoy and succeed in the game.
Whether your child is new to hockey or looking to strengthen their fundamentals, Learn to Play is the perfect place to get started.
One of the highlights of our Learn to Play program is the opportunity for players to work directly with members of the Waterloo Black Hawks organization. Throughout the season, Black Hawks players and staff will be on the ice helping coach sessions, demonstrate skills, and mentor participants.
This unique partnership gives young players the chance to learn from high-level athletes while building confidence, developing hockey fundamentals, and creating a lasting connection to the game.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn from the Waterloo Black Hawks while beginning your hockey journey with Waterloo Youth Hockey!
Ages
Appropriate for players 5-10 years of age who demonstrate basic-level skating skills: forward stride and ability to stop.
Cost
- $300 if ordering equipment
- $200 for not ordering equipment
Where
Practices are held at Young Arena in Waterloo.
Practices
Session 1: Sundays and Wednesdays
Session 2: Wednesdays
**Schedules subject to change based on rink schedule or other factors outside of the control of the WYHA**
Session 1
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 5:20 PM | 6:20 PM |
| Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 10:10 AM | 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 10:10 AM | 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 10:10 AM | 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, November 25, 2026 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
Session 2
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, January 6, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, January 13, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, January 20, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, January 27, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, February 3, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, February 10, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, February 17, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, February 24, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, March 3, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, March 10, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, March 17, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, March 24, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, March 31, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, April 7, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, April 14, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday, April 21, 2027 | 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM |
Additional Information
USA Hockey registration is required for all participants. A USA Hockey registration fee applies and varies based on the player's age.
Full hockey equipment is required. Players are responsible for providing the following equipment:
- Hockey helmet with full face mask/shield (HECC approved)
- Hockey skates
- Hockey stick
- Hockey gloves
- Hockey pants
- Hockey jersey
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Shin guards
- Athletic supporter
- Neck guard
- Mouth guard (optional, but recommended)
2026-2027
Players will participate in on-ice sessions on Sundays and/or Wednesdays throughout the 16-week program. Our USA Hockey-certified coaches will focus on building fundamental hockey skills, including skating, stickhandling, passing, puck control, and game play concepts in a fun and supportive environment.
Players entering the Learn to Play program should be comfortable with basic skating skills, including a forward stride and the ability to stop.
Each session will consist of approximately 50 minutes of instruction and hockey activities, with schedules subject to change.
Full hockey equipment is required.
Registration is now OPEN! Join us and start your hockey journey with Waterloo Youth Hockey.
Registration link: https://ltpnhl.leagueapps.com/events/5015633-waterloo-junior-hawks