Learn to Play
Our FREE Learn To Play (LTP) Program is designed to introduce families to the wonderful sport of ice hockey.
TBL typically hosts a summer learn to play (June/July) with registration opening in late April. And a winter learn to play (November/December) with registration opening in early October.
If your child has played in an an organized hockey league or team already, they are no longer eligible for Learn to Play. This program is designed for children that have not been in a league or team.
Ages
The program is for boys and girls from ages 4-10 with the vast majority being 8 & under.
When
Fall/Winter Session 2024:
Friday Nov 1st 2024 - 5:45pm @ East Alton Ice Arena
Friday Nov 8th 2024 - 5:45pm @ East Alton Ice Arena
Friday Nov 15th 2024 - 5:45pm @ East Alton Ice Arena
Friday Nov 22nd 2024 - 5:45pm @ East Alton Ice Arena
Friday Dec 6th 2024 - 5:45pm @ East Alton Ice Arena
Friday Dec 13th 2024 - 5:45pm @ East Alton Ice Arena
Program
The six week session is modeled after the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM) to teach the fundamentals of skating and hockey in a fun environment while providing a solid foundation for young players to build on. USA Hockey has spent millions of dollars in research to create this model. The model allows kids to learn while playing tag, soccer, and other fun games on the ice that keeps the kids wanting to come back to the rink because it is enjoyable.
If your child has played in an an organized hockey league or team already, they are no longer eligible for Learn to Play. This program is designed for children that have not been in a league or team.
USA Hockey Registration
Each Player must register first with USA Hockey, as a MISSOURI based player, before registering for the program
CLICK HERE to go to USA Hockey Registration and register your player(s).
Registration Fee is $50 per child ($15 for birth year 2018 and younger). Affiliate Fee is $8 per child. Be sure to PRINT and SAVE the confirmation code(s). Remember to register EACH of your players with USA Hockey. Each player must have their own unique USA Hockey confirmation number. This is an insurance requirement to be on the ice.
Medical Consent and Code of Conduct Form
Every participant must fill out and sign the USA Hockey Medical Consent and Code of Conduct forms. These can either be downloaded and filled out electronically or printed and handwritten.
They must be uploaded at the time you register.
Equipment
All players registered in the LTP session must wear the proper equipment in order to participate in the on-ice activities. Twin Bridges offers an equipment rental service that includes all of the proper equipment for FREE! or families can supply their own equipment as long as it meets proper safety requirements.
A check in the amount of $100 is required as a deposit and must be submitted the day of the Equipment Rental Handout, typically a couple of hours before the first day of LTP. The check is returned or shredded when the equipment is returned in good condition.
Notes
- Please make checks submitted for the equipment rental deposit made out to: Twin Bridges Lightning
- Because the program is directed towards younger players, we are very limited in larger equipment.
- TBL does not offer equipment rental for any other programs other than LTP.
| Included | NOT Included | |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet w/Cage | X | |
| Shoulder Pads | X | |
| Hockey Pants | X | |
| Shin Pads | X | |
| Elbow Pads | X | |
| Hockey Gloves | X | |
| Skates | X | |
| Hockey Stick | X | |
| Equipment Bag | X | |
| Mouth Guard | X | |
| Jock | X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should my player wear a mouth guard?
A: Mouth Guards are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as they provide adequate protection against players biting their tongues and biting down hard on their teeth. They can be purchased in the Pro Shop at East Alton Ice Arena.
Q: What is groin protection?
A: A Hockey Jock (boys) or Jill (girls) provides a player with pelvic protection. Velcro straps help hold hockey socks in place. A regular jock can also be worn but tape will most likely be necessary.
Q: How do I use hockey sock tape (clear)?
A: Tape is applied around hockey socks and over the shin pads to prevent the shin pad from shifting and the hockey sock from sliding down. Tape can be purchased in the Pro Shop at East Alton Ice Arena (enough for the entire session).
Q: How do I know when my player is ready to join a regular club season and play on a team?
A: Generally after two (2) LTP sessions your child is ready to take their next step and join one of our regular season teams. We have numerous teams with various skill levels at each age group so your child can feel comfortable and continue to have fun while playing at the next level.
Fall/Winter 2024
Learn to Play is an opportunity for younger children to try the sport of ice hockey.
You will need to complete the Medical Consent form, found on this page, to register your child. (You must upload it as one document.)
If your child has played in an an organized hockey league or team already, they are no longer eligible for Learn to Play. This program is designed for children that have not been in a league or team.
Registration Now Open!!