Note: registering may be easier on a computer. If you're using a phone, you'll find the registration links at the bottom of the page.

Our introductory program for young skaters with little or no hockey experience.

Learn to Play (LTP) is designed for children ages 3–6 who are new to skating or hockey. Players build basic skating skills, balance, coordination, and confidence through fun, age-appropriate activities.

No hockey experience is necessary.

And for brand-new skaters from the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, your first Learn to Play season is free!

Ages: 3–6

Experience: No skating or hockey experience necessary

Season: We offer several Learn to Play sessions throughout the year

Autumn 2026: September 20 – November 15

Winter 2026–27: December 6 – February 28

We also have a program, Jumpstart!, for new 7- to 12-year-old skaters!

LTP dates and session availability may change slightly based on rink availability. Please refer to registration for the most current schedule.

Each 2-month season is $100 per skater for MCPASD kids. Rental gear requires a separate registration and a deposit that is fully refunded upon returning the gear at the end of your session or season. A season is $160 per skater for non-MCPASD kids.

Brand-new skaters from the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District receive their first season for free!

All players need to register with USA Hockey.

Getting started with hockey doesn't have to mean buying a garage full of equipment.

MYH offers a rental equipment program for our youngest players, making it easier and less expensive for families to give hockey a try.

Rental gear requires a deposit that is fully refunded when the equipment is returned at the end of the session or season.

Families can also find new and used equipment locally through retailers and resale options.

1) Register your player with USA Hockey. This is required annually.

2) Log into (or create) your family MYH CrossBar account.

3) Register your player for the season with MYH in CrossBar.

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Learn to Play focuses on the basic skills young players need to become comfortable on the ice. Players work on:

1. Agility, balance, and coordination
2. Skating and stopping
3. Turning and changing direction
4. Stick and puck fundamentals
5. Moving safely and confidently on the ice
6. Listening and following directions
7. Working and playing with others

We keep players moving and engaged with age-appropriate activities rather than long lines or extended instruction.

Learn to Play is the starting point for many of our youngest hockey players.

As players develop skating confidence and the basic skills needed to participate comfortably, they can move into 6U Termites.

There is no set number of Learn to Play sessions a child needs to complete. Players develop at different rates, and our coaches will help families determine when the next step makes sense.

For slightly older new skaters, 7-12 Jumpstart! is a better fit than Learn to Play.

Our youngest players need enthusiastic adults who are willing to help them discover hockey.

If you've played hockey or skated before, Learn to Play is a wonderful opportunity to get involved as a coach. If you haven't played hockey, that's okay too! You don't need to be an expert to help a young child learn to skate and have fun.

Coaching Learn to Play can be a great way to get onto the ice with your child while learning alongside them.

And if coaching isn't for you, there are plenty of other ways to help.

Our volunteer-run club depends on parents, coaches, board members, managers, and other volunteers to make hockey possible for local families.

You don't need to know hockey to make a difference.

Learn more about volunteering with Middleton Youth Hockey or email info@middletonyouthhockey.com.

For some kids, Learn to Play is the moment they discover something they will love for years. For others, it's just an opportunity to try something new, build confidence, and learn what it feels like to be on the ice.

Either way, we're glad they're here! Let them wobble. Let them fall. Let them get back up.

Celebrate the first step, their first stop, the first time they skate without holding onto anything—and everything in between. If your skater leaves the rink smiling and a little more confident than when they arrived, that's a great day of hockey.

My athlete doesn't know how to skate...

Great! We're here to teach them how to skate!

My child is nervous about skating. What should we do?

That's completely normal! Some children are excited to get on the ice. Others need a little time to feel comfortable.

Many of our coaches are used to working with beginners. Give your child permission to take things slowly, celebrate small victories, and remember that simply getting onto the ice is a big accomplishment.

How many Learn to Play seasons should we do?

There is no magic number. Some children are ready for Termites after one session. Others benefit from participating in several Learn to Play sessions. Our coaches continually watch players' development and can help you decide when your child is ready for the next step.

What does my skater need?

Young players need properly fitted hockey equipment, including:

• Hockey skates
• Helmet with cage
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Hockey gloves
• Hockey pants
• Shin guards
• Neck protector
• Athletic cup/pelvic protector
• Hockey stick

All youth hockey players must have an approved neck protector.

If you're not sure what equipment your child needs—or what size to get—please ask us before buying everything. We're happy to help.

How many LTP seasons should we register for?

Each year, we offer multiple seasons of LTP to provide our members with flexible options. While many kids skate multiple seasons, it isn't required. Our coaches will continually assess your skater's development and their ability to execute core competencies as defined by USA Hockey.

If your new skater is 5- or 6-years-old and feels really comfortable after some Learn to Play, we like to encourage kids to try the next step up with 6U Termites (5 & 6 years) for the remainder of the hockey season.

My child is older than 6 years but wants to play hockey. What can we do?

That's amazing! Our Jumpstart! program is for new 7- to 12-year-old skaters.