Amherst Hockey Association offers several programs for aspiring skaters and players. Please select the option that fits best for your child's skating level and goals. All sessions are at UMass Mullins Community Rink unless otherwise noted.

Bruins Academy Learn to Play

Click to register, $199, age 9 and under - Saturdays in October

We are excited to once again partner with the Bruins to bring the Bruins Academy Learn to Play program to the UMass Mullins Community Rink. This program is for those who can skate independently and have not played on a hockey team before. The registration fee includes four weeks of on ice instruction and a full set of gear, including skates, that is yours to keep! After players complete the Bruins Academy program, they can continue in November with our Learn to Play or the Pre-Team Development Program (details below).

The Learn to Skate Program (LTS)

Click to register, $150, age 8 and under - Saturday afternoon, mid-November through February

Our Learn to Skate program is for players who are not yet skating on their own. It teaches the foundations of skating and provides an intro to hockey. Required equipment includes skates, hockey helmet with face mask, shin pads, elbow pads and pants. We find that new skaters are much less afraid when they are properly padded! Please see below for more information on equipment.

As your player progresses, they will have the option to move to Learn to Play or the Pre-Team Development program, depending on their age level.

The Learn to Play Program (LTP)

Click to register, $375, age 6 and under - Saturday afternoon practices at UMass plus Sunday morning games in West Springfield, mid-November through February

Our Learn to Play program is for beginning players who are skating independently. It focuses on continuing to develop skating and hockey skills and also introduces elements of games with team play in the GSL Novice league. The Sunday morning games are fun (and adorable!) 3v3 cross-ice matchups with other area players. If your child can skate, they are ready for Learn to Play! Full hockey equipment is required, including skates, hockey helmet with face mask, shin pads, hockey pants, elbow pads and chest protector. Please see below for more information on equipment.

Pre-Team Development Program

Click to register, $375, age 7-9 - Saturday afternoon practices plus additional opportunities for weekly practices and/or scrimmages

The Pre-Team Development Program is for older, first-time players who are still developing skating and hockey skills. In addition to the Saturdays sessions, players will also have opportunities to join practices with our travel teams during the week and participate in scrimmages. This will prepare players to join a team the following year.

Full hockey equipment is required, including skates, hockey helmet with face mask, shin pads, hockey pants, elbow pads and chest protector. Please see below for more information on equipment.

Not sure which program is right for your child? Want to give hockey a try without a commitment?

Come to our Try Hockey for Free day on November 4 at the UMass Mullins Community Rink! Registration in advance is strongly encouraged (link coming soon). Please bring skates and a stick (if you have them), gloves, and a helmet (a bike helmet is fine). We can provide equipment if needed. 

You can also email amhersthockeypresident@gmail.com with any questions.