Registration is now open!
Using USA Hockey instructional techniques, skaters will see improvement and have fun doing it. Our program philosophy is to create a fun environment for skaters of all levels to build skills and excel while learning one of the best games ever played. Our Hockey Development classes are for boys and girls who want to skate recreationally or who want to work their way up to play for our NWHL Vikings.
Questions? Please contact our Hockey Coordinator Christopher Cimoch at 708-957-0100 ext. 1133 or ccimoch@hfparks.com
All classes are 40 minutes in length and require full hockey equipment. Each of our hockey development classes is in place to improve the youth hockey player to join our youth hockey league. Before joining our Dyno-Mites program or HF Vikings NWHL program you must pass the required classes explained below.
Pre-Hockey
Age: 4-6 years
Skaters will learn basic skating techniques including forward swizzle, snowplow stops, and backward glide. This class is an extension of our Learn to Skate program for those interested in hockey. They will learn the techniques of skating in full hockey gear and provide the basic skating foundation for the rest of their hockey careers.
Pre-requisite: Skater must have passed a Learn to Skate class and must be able to skate unassisted.
Bronze Hockey
Age: 6-13
Skaters will learn skating techniques such as lateral crossovers, proper hockey positioning, backward swizzles, transitions, and beginner hockey stops. This group is focused on the basics of skating just like in the Pre-Hockey classes, but will introduce some vital techniques that will be essential in their growth as a youth hockey player.
Pre-requisite: Skater must have passed a Pre-Hockey class and must be able to skate unassisted. Upon Passing the Bronze hockey class, skaters in the U6 or U8 division can join our ADM program called Dyno-Mites.
Silver Hockey
Age: 6-13
Skaters will learn skating techniques of crossovers, two foot hockey stops, and backwards C-cuts. At this level we will also introduce puck involvement such as stationary passing, controlling the puck with glide turns, and transitions carrying the puck.
Pre-requisite: Skater must have passed a Bronze Hockey class. Skaters who want to play Mite (8U) in the fall are required to pass Silver hockey prior to NWHL Vikings registration.
Gold Hockey
Age: 6-13
Skaters will be mastering the arts of skating in power turns, starting/stopping on command, and stopping backwards. Also, skaters will learn to carry the puck while doing power turns, crossovers with the puck, and proper wrist shot technique.
Pre-requisite: Skaters must have passed Silver Hockey or have instructor recommendation. Skaters who want to play at the Squirt (10U), Peewee (12U), Bantam (14U) or Girls levels in the fall are required to pass Gold Hockey prior to NWHL Vikings registration.