Start Here: Hockey Dad Basics

Hockey has a steep learning curve — and a steep gear bill. But kids who fall in love with it tend to stay with it. If your kid is interested, here’s what you need to know.

What matters most (in order)

1. Skating — everything starts with skating. Balance, edges, stopping, crossovers
2. Stickhandling — controlling the puck while skating (or standing still to start)
3. Passing — forehand and backhand, giving and receiving
4. Shooting — wrist shot first, slap shot much later
5. Positioning — understanding where to be on the ice

What you need (it’s a lot)

• Skates (properly fitted and sharpened)
• Helmet with cage/visor
• Shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards
• Hockey pants (breezers)
• Gloves
• Stick (correct length and flex)
• Athletic cup and garter
• Hockey bag
• Neck guard (required in many youth leagues)

Getting started: Learn-to-Skate first

Most hockey organizations offer Learn to Skate or Learn to Play Hockey programs. These are the best entry point. Your kid will learn basic skating, stopping, and puck handling in a structured environment with other beginners.

Check your local rink or USA Hockey’s program finder.

Age divisions (USA Hockey)

• Mites: 8 and under (cross-ice, half-ice games)
• Squirts: 10 and under
• Peewees: 12 and under
• Bantams: 14 and under
• Midgets / U16 / U18: high school age

Positions 101

Center (C): takes faceoffs, plays both ends of the ice, responsible for the middle.

Wingers (LW/RW): play the sides, responsible for scoring and backchecking.

Defensemen (LD/RD): protect the defensive zone, move the puck up ice, block shots.

Goalie (G): stops the puck. Different equipment, different mindset, different cost.

Printables

• 7-day practice plan
• Drill time checklist
• Equipment checklist

Cost reality

Hockey is expensive. Expect $2,000–$5,000/year at the youth level (gear, ice time, league fees, travel). Used gear is your best friend — kids outgrow equipment faster than they wear it out.