Pioneer Valley Youth Hockey has an outstanding Learn-to-Skate program taught by USA hockey certified and passionate coaches. 

Our Learn to Skate/Learn to play season generally runs from December to March and includes weekly sessions for the low cost of $100. All sessions are held at our home rink, Fitzpatrick Ice Skating Rink, in Holyoke, MA.

This year's Learn-to-Skate sessions will run each Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  starting  on Saturday November 30th,  2024  and ending on March 1,  2025.  

Instructional Hockey/Learn to Play portion of the session also runs from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The rink will be separated in half by boards, cones or bumpers.

All skaters will need to register with USA Hockey. Click the Resources tab/USA Hockey for a detailed page on how to register for USA Hockey. A hyperlink has also been included to the right for ease of sign up. Note: You will need to save your USA Hockey registration conformation to input into the LTS/LTP registration form.

 Please note that in order for your child to participate in the "Instructional Hockey" session, they will need full hockey equipment:

• USA Hockey approved helmet with cage or full shield
• Shoulder pads
• Hockey pants
• Hockey gloves
• Elbow pads
• Shin guards
• Neck guard
• Hockey stick
• Supporter and Cup 

Many of our "Learn-to-Skate" kids come back at the end of the year to sign up for our Novice/Mite youth hockey program.  From there, they progress through the ranks as Pioneer Valley Youth Hockey players; most of them staying with the organization all the way through high-school age.

There are some helpful pointers and rules we have established for "Learn-to-Skate".  Please keep in mind that the rules are there for the safety of the children.

• Your child must have a USA Hockey approved helmet with a mask.
• We also recommend elbow pads and kneepads. Put these items on under their clothing. It will be more comfortable for them and not so slippery.  Many kids have found it most comfortable to wear a pair of winter snow pants which provided them an easier time trying to get up when they fall.
• We recommend your child have some kind of gloves for their hands. The ice is cold!!
• Please stay off the players' benches. This is where the children rest and our staff tries to keep them focused on skating. They may be upset and want to see Mom or Dad. We try to keep them focused and get them skating again. We understand you may want to videotape or take pictures. Please stay in the stands.
• If you are going to purchase skates, keep in mind brand new skates may make your child's feet sore for the first few times on the ice. There are lots of used skates out there up for sale.
• Sharpen your child's skates, especially if they are brand new. Tell the pro shop your child is using them for learn to skate. They won't make them as sharp.
• PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE RINK DURING LEARN-TO-SKATE!

If you need equipment, Gateway Hardware at the Olympia in West Springfield is a good place to start.

If you need additional information about "Learn-to-Skate", or are willing to volunteer to coach, please send us an e-mail or use the coach's registration link under the Registration tab.

Click the link to the sign to sign up for USA Hockey then  complete the LTS/LTP on-line registration form by clicking the link below or at the top of this page.

We look forward to helping your child learn the basic skills in ice-skating!

If you're interesting in coaching in any of our programs please visit the Registration tab and fill out a coach's application.

Register using the link below before completing your LTS/LTP registration

Please use the contact link below to reach out to our Learn to Play/Learn to Skate Director