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.

The Learn to Play Hockey Initiation Program (IP) is a year-round program divided into 4 seasons designed to offer a fun and safe learning environment for beginner skaters of all ages where players focus on:

• The basic skills and rules of ice hockey
• Concepts of playing on a team
• Cooperation and fair play
• Develops coordination, balance, and fine motor skills

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 must graduate IP in the fall before they can move on to any of the house, select, or travel programs in OHC.

The ultimate goal of the initiation program is to instill an enjoyment of the game and a desire to continue to play the game at more advanced levels.

The IP Program gives players the chance to learn and improve critical hockey skills such as Skating, Puck Handling, Passing, and Shooting all while having fun.

Please visit the equipment 101 page under the resources tab for a complete list of required equipment and how to dress videos.

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.

Learn more about the ADM

We are ALWAYS in need of IP Coaches. Please email the IP/Mite Director, Drew Peckenpaugh 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.