Learn to Play Hockey (IP)
My daughter/son is interested in hockey, how do I get them started?
All skaters regardless of age who have basic skating skills will start with the OHC Learn to Play Hockey program.
This Program is designed to offer a fun and safe learning environment for beginner skaters where players focus on:
- The basic skills such as skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting
- Concepts of playing on a team
- Cooperation and fair play
- Develops coordination, balance, and fine motor skills
This program aims to instill an enjoyment of the game and a desire to continue to play the game at more advanced levels.
Season Information
The Learn to Play Hockey Initiation Program (IP) is a year-round program divided into 4 seasons :
Fall/Winter (primary) - 2 practice sessions a week (Monday evening and Saturday morning).
Spring/Summer -1 practice session a week (Monday or Tuesday evening). Includes transition camps for 8U+
Requirements
All skaters must have basic skating skills prior to entering the Learn to Play Hockey Program. Completing Learn To Skate sessions at your local ice rink prior to entering Learn to Play Hockey program is highly recommended. Skaters graduate IP in the fall before they move on to any of the house, select, or travel programs in OHC.
Equipment: visit equipment 101 page under the resources tab for a complete list of required equipment and how to dress videos.
INTERESTED IN COACHING
We are ALWAYS in need of IP Coaches. Please email the IP/Mite Director, Lindsay Mortensen at ipmitedirector@omahahockey.net if you would be willing to volunteer your time.
We can help direct you with what needs to be done to coach. If you have not already coached before this must be done before stepping on the ice.
OHC IP UTILIZES THE AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL (ADM)
ADM was created with the a core design that valued practices and proper training above all else.
The design of ADM stresses that practices can and should be fun, especially if the kids are all playing together and having a blast with a game that they love. The more they play it, the better chance that they’ll love it. And when you combine a passion for the game with increased puck time, kids will start to excel at it. Play, love, excel. That’s the ADM.
While in the development stages of ADM, it became apparent that critical areas in our system were neglecting kids at a very early age. All children progress through the same development stages and certain aspects of these stages must be addressed at the appropriate points along the development curve in order for our children to reach their potential. ADM provides maximum player development through age-appropriate structure and content.
Without developing skills and certain physical and mental attributes at the appropriate time, the long-term prospects of becoming a truly elite player diminish each day.
Play it Again - Hockey Gear for LTP
Shop Play It Again Sports - Omaha for all your NEW & USED hockey needs! Purchase your gear for the Learn to Play Hockey (IP) season & we will buy it back from you for ½ of original purchase price for in-store credit (must come back within 12 weeks of purchase, original receipt & reusable condition)
*Must show proof of OHC Learn To Play registration to qualify.
Fall/Winter Learn to Play 2025-2026
*Sign up for our LTP season(s), and we will place your child in the appropriate practice session based on their age and development needs!
FALL Session
Fall Learn to Play (IP)
10/6-11/24
45 min Monday Nights and 1 hour Saturday Morning
*All birth years 2021+
Winter Session
Winter Learn to Play (IP)
Register1/5-3/14
45 min Monday Nights and 1 hour Saturday Morning
*All birth years 2021+
Spring/Summer Learn To Play (IP) 2026
Spring Season
Spring LTP runs from March 30 to May 19.
1hr Monday nights *All birth years 2022 and older
Spring session registration: $180, sign up for both Spring and now for $340!
Spring LTP Transition Camp
LTP players with birth years 2019 and older who have completed at least one season of OHC IP will be placed in our Tuesday night LTP session (March 31-May 20). This camp aims at getting skaters ready to transition out of IP and onto house teams for the fall season.
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Summer Season
Summer LTP runs from July 7 to August 24
1hour Monday nights *All birth years 2021 and older
Summer session registration: $180
Summer LTP Transition Camp
LTP players with birth years 2019 and older who have completed at least one season of OHC IP will be placed in our Tuesday night LTP session (July 8-August 25). This camp aims at getting skaters ready to transition out of IP and onto house teams for the fall season.
*Each Player must register first with USA Hockey for the 2025-2026 season before completing the Learn to Play registration. Jersey purchase available at the time of registration.