NEW ERA Beginner Hockey Clinics FAQ

How old should my child be before starting a Clinic?

New skaters must be at least 4 years old.  Although some children are ready at 3 1/2 yrs old, most do better by waiting to age 4. The clinic accepts skaters up to age 12.

I have a daughter who wants to play...is this the right way to get started?

Yes. Each season we have more and more girls playing ice hockey. Girls hockey is a fun and safe sport for your daughter to play. We have several girls registered in each NEW ERA Beginner Clinic we offer. There are also Girls only teams offered by the Buffalo Regals and the Southtowns Stars.

Is the Beginner Clinic a learn to skate or learn to play hockey program?

Many of our students have little or NO skating experience. Our Beginner Clinic emphasizes the basics of skating and fundamentals ensuring that the skaters will have fun while learning. We will introduce hockey pucks into the instruction after 3 sessions. We also offer more advanced programs for those who are ready for the next step. (Pepsi Kids Beginner League or our Spring Hockey League)

What should my child wear for the clinic?

Dress your child in comfortable warm clothing for the clinic. This can include sweatpants and sweatshirt or a light snowsuit. The important thing is that the child is not bundled up "too tight". Don't forget to have winter mittens (with fingers) or hockey gloves!

Do we need any equipment?

Those who have never skated before will most likely need to use a "walker" which we provide, so a stick isn't needed until they're skating on their own. When you are ready for equipment we offer a Beginner Packages. We start using pucks after the first few weeks, so all skaters should bring a stick if they don't use a walker. 

Can I go on the ice with my child?

Parents or non-rink staff may not go on the ice with their child. This can serve as a distraction for the skaters and also an insurance issue. The rink provides highly qualified instructors for any given clinic.

After the clinic, what can I do next?

Many of our skaters participate in a couple of our Beginner Clinics and then are ready for the "Pepsi Kids". The Pepsi Kids is a FUN beginner house league for ages 4-8 & 9-13 which offers more advanced practices, organized teams, and some full-ice games. In the Spring we offer the Howies Spring Hockey League with multiple age and skill divisions.   If you have questions regarding any of these programs please ask one of our experienced Hockey Shop Staff or email our Beginner Director Cam Turner.