Learn to Play is for children who have never been on ice, or who have skated but never played hockey. No experience needed. Most kids who play for LYHA today came through this program first.
Three quick checks. If you can answer yes to all three, Learn to Play is the right place to start.
Learn to Play is designed for this age range. If your child is 6 or older and has already done LTP, they may be ready for Mites. Reach out and we'll help you figure out the right fit.
Your child has never played hockey, or has skated recreationally but never touched a puck. That's exactly who this program is for. Coaches start from the beginning.
Your child doesn't need to know they want to play hockey. Curiosity is enough. Most kids figure out if it's their thing within the first few sessions. If it isn't, that's a fine outcome too.
Sessions cover three core things. By the end of a Learn to Play season, most kids are ready to move on to Mites.
Balance, stopping, and moving without holding the wall. Children start from zero if needed. Coaches know how to get a nervous kid moving. This is the foundation everything else builds on.
How a stick works. Moving a puck, shooting on a net, and passing to a teammate. Introduced at a pace that matches where each child is, not where a coach wants them to be.
Positions, the ice surface, and what's happening when play is moving. By the end of the season, children understand the game well enough to follow it and play a real role in it.
Learn to Play is a low-commitment starting point. No travel. No competing against other teams. Just sessions at LaHaye focused on skills and fun.
Session 1 registration is open now and closes September 20. The session runs eight Saturday mornings, 8:15 to 9:15, at LaHaye Ice Center on Liberty University's campus: September 26, October 3, 10, 17, and 24, November 7, and December 5 and 12. No sessions on October 31, November 14, 21, or 28.
Full hockey equipment is required. Here's how most families handle the first season.
We sometimes have donated used equipment for sale. Skates, helmets, pads. When gear is available, you can buy it with a donation to LYHA. We can't promise sizes or stock, so ask at registration before buying anything new.
The Roanoke store often has good prices on used youth hockey gear, including skates, helmets, and pads. Good starting point before you know if hockey sticks.
The closest store for brand-new hockey equipment. Located in Morrisville, just outside Raleigh. Worth the drive when your child is ready for properly fitted gear.
Current Learn to Play pricing is available when you contact us for the registration link. Tuition covers ice time, instruction, and USA Hockey registration. Donated used gear is sometimes available to buy with a donation. Financial aid is available for families who need it. Ask any board member.
Learn to Play coaches are LYHA staff and experienced volunteers. They're used to working with children who have never been on ice. Patience and progression are the standard. For 2026-27, the program is led by Head Coach John Anderson.
Head Coach for Learn to Play & Mites (8U). LYHA Board Member.
Session 1 registration is open now and closes September 20. We don't post the registration link publicly. Links change each season, and old links have caused payment problems in the past. Here's how registration works.
Send us an email or use the contact form below. Tell us your child's age and whether they've skated before. We'll confirm Learn to Play is the right fit.
We'll reply with the active SportsEngine registration link for the current season. This way the link is always right and you always know who to call if something doesn't add up.
Create a family account on SportsEngine and fill out the player registration form. Questions during this step? Reply to our email and we'll walk you through it.
We'll send a welcome note with session dates, what to bring, and how to ask about donated gear if you need it.
Specific to this program. The general FAQ covers broader hockey questions.
Yes. Learn to Play starts from zero. Coaches are experienced with children who have never worn skates. Your child will not be the only one starting from the beginning.
Very normal. Most kids are nervous before their first session. Coaches know this and pace the first few sessions around getting comfortable, not getting fast. If your child is nervous, let the coach know before they step on the ice.
Yes, full equipment is required. We sometimes have donated used gear you can buy with a donation, but sizes and stock aren't guaranteed. Ask when you register before buying anything new. Play It Again Sports in Roanoke is a good first stop for used gear.
Most kids move to Mites after one Learn to Play season. Mites is the youngest travel division and assumes children can already skate and handle a puck. Learn to Play builds exactly those skills. A few kids repeat LTP for a second season if they want more time before the jump. That's fine. We'll help you decide at the end of the season.
Not always. If your child can skate unassisted and is 6 or older, they may be ready to go straight to Mites. Contact us and we'll talk through it. We'd rather place them right than make them wait a season they don't need.
No. Learn to Play is open enrollment. Every child who registers gets a spot.
If you're trying to figure out whether Learn to Play is the right fit for your child, send a note. We'll talk it through.