The Minot Hockey Boosters Learn to Play Program offers first-time hockey players the chance to get on the ice in full hockey equipment for $25.00. They will receive instruction on the basics of hockey as well as learn how to skate properly.
Participants in the MHB Learn to Play Program will be provided with an equipment bag, helmet, shin guards, hockey pants, elbow pads, gloves and a jersey to use for the 12-session program in order to be fully protected on the ice.
The use of full hockey equipment not only gives participants the feel of what it’s like to be a hockey player, but also enables them to get use to skating, wearing all the hockey gear.
MHB runs 2-3 LTP programs from October-May. Upon completion of LTP each skater will be evaluated by the Director/Asst. Director and will either move up to the Mite Program or complete another LTP session. On average each new skater will be asked to do a minimum of 2 LTP sessions.
In addition to the required equipment: helmet (full mask), stick, and gloves, we suggest wearing sweatpants or athletic “warm up” pants, a long sleeve shirt and/or a lightweight jacket, and socks above the ankle. Avoid jeans or baggy clothing. Snow pants are great for ages 4-5.
For more information about equipment, please see the equipment section.
Jerseys are sponsored by Ryan Honda and pickup times will be provided via email. If you missed the pickup, please reach out to Jared.
The color jersey that your child receives DOES NOT correlate to the sticker color they received.
Please enjoy watching class from the stands or the lobby. In effort to provide the optimal learning environment for your player, we respectfully request that parents do not instruct or offer corrections from the sidelines. No shoes allowed on the ice.
MHB is always looking for qualified individuals to assist. Please contact MHB Hockey Director, Brian Bauman: mhbdirector@gmail.com or Assistant Director, Jared McIntosh: mhbassistant21@gmail.com for information.
Group lessons are a fun and exciting challenge for children. Our goal is for your child to have a positive introduction to the ice, have fun, learn to skate, make friends, and begin to improve.
Skaters are divided into groups based on similar strengths and abilities while maintaining equal group sizes. To advance out of LTP, skaters must demonstrate the ability to: get up after falling, push into a stride, glide, hop, stop, and skate backwards.
If you have questions about your player's advancement, please contact MHB Hockey Director, Brian Bauman: mhbdirector@gmail.com or Assistant Director, Jared McIntosh: mhbassistant21@gmail.com
For the first session, skaters will attend sessions by last name and evaluators will place a star sticker on their helmet. The color of the sticker (red, blue, green, silver) corresponds with the group that your player will now skate with based on similar strengths and abilities. To advance out of LTP, skaters must demonstrate the ability to: get up after falling, push into a stride, glide, hop, stop, and skate backwards.
Coaches will provide on-going evaluations and will move players to more advanced groups based upon skill acquisition.
Each session will be scheduled by color group and the schedule can be found on the MHB website. Please visit www.minothockey.com and click on the SCHEDULE tab.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Show Tag Menu, then select Clear All Tags and just select the LTP 2021-2022 tab that will be the only thing that appears on the calendar.
Your internet browser will remember your preferences so the next time you log in on that system, you'll see the same information. If you create a login id, you will be able to log in from any location and see the expected information.
Our Learn to Play Hockey program follows the USA Hockey curriculum and guidelines. USA Hockey is the national governing board of hockey in the US and has been proven successful all over the nation. It is a stair-stepped learning program, where each skill builds to another, making mastery of these skills easily attainable. (USA Hockey registration is not required)
LTP sessions are a fun way to introduce your child to hockey and teach basic skills and we do understand that children may miss a session or two; however, we do not offer make-up sessions.
The more time you spend on the ice, the better you will get. We encourage skaters to use the public skate sessions provided by Minot Parks to improve skills. Players who come to a public skate or 10u open hockey, in addition to their LTP session, progress much faster than those who only come to their LTP session.
Keep in mind that without additional practice time, the skills will be difficult to master in just one LTP session. There is often just too much to cover. Do your best and work at your own pace. Many players will require 2-3 LTP sessions before they advance out of LTP.
USA Hockey intended that players take two years to master the skills so they are fully prepared to join a team. We will work as much as we can with your child during the LTP sessions and encourage the skills needed to safely advance.
The best time to speak with the coach is before or after practice or during Minot Hockey Boosters office hours @ (701) 852-6214. You may also contact the Hockey Director MHB Hockey Director, Brian Bauman: mhbdirector@gmail.com or Assistant Director, Jared McIntosh: mhbassistant21@gmail.com with your questions, comments or concerns.