Start Here: Hockey Basics for Dads

Hockey starts with skating. Before stickhandling, before shooting, before anything else — your kid needs to be comfortable on skates (or rollerblades).

Step 1: Learn to Skate

Ice Skating

• Start with public skating sessions at your local rink — most offer “learn to skate” programs
• Rent skates first to see if they like it, then buy once committed
• Focus on: forward stride, stopping (snow plow first, then hockey stop), crossovers, backward skating
• 10–15 sessions before expecting real comfort on the ice

Roller/Inline Skating

• Cheaper and more accessible entry point — skate on any smooth surface
• Many of the same movements transfer to ice: stride, crossovers, stopping
• Great for off-season practice even for ice hockey players
• Roller hockey leagues exist in most areas and are less expensive than ice

Step 2: Basic Stick Skills

Once skating is comfortable, add a stick:

• Stickhandling: Moving the puck/ball side to side in front of you without looking down
• Passing: Pushing the puck to a teammate with the blade of your stick
• Shooting: Wrist shot first (most important), then slap shot later

Step 3: Know the Positions

Forwards

• Center: The playmaker. Takes faceoffs, plays both offense and defense. Needs to be smart.
• Left Wing / Right Wing: Score goals and forecheck. Speed and shooting are key.

Defensemen

• Left Defense / Right Defense: Protect the goal, move the puck out of the zone, support the offense. Physical and positional.

Goaltender

• Goalie: Stops the puck. Completely different skill set — if your kid wants to play goalie, the gear investment is significant.

What You Need to Start

• Skates (ice or roller) — properly fitted
• Helmet with cage (required at all youth levels)
• Hockey stick (the right flex and length for their height)
• Gloves, shin pads, hockey pants, shoulder pads (for ice)
• Athletic cup

See the full gear guide for what to buy at each level and budget.