Learn to Play (LTP) & Continue to Play (CTP) Hockey

Our Learn to Play and Continue to Play programs are run under the Chesterfield Hockey Association (owner and operator of the Maryville University Hockey Center). Visit the club website to learn more and to see when the next sessions start.

Maryville University Hockey Center

18383 Chesterfield Airport Rd

Chesterfield, MO 63005

(Located directly behind the Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel)

Isn’t Ice Hockey Expensive?

We know there is a perception that hockey can be expensive. While the cost of ice per hour and hockey equipment drives much of this perception, Chesterfield Hockey wants to make sure every child who has an interest in trying out hockey, has that opportunity. Our low introductory price along with our equipment rental program is designed to allow parents and children an opportunity to try ice hockey at an extremely reasonable cost.

How Safe is Hockey?

While all sports include some level of risk, ice hockey is very safe if played in the correct manner. In Ice Hockey, children are required to wear protective gear that covers much of their body, so while the risk is not zero, it is greatly reduced.

Additionally all players are required to register and become a member with USA Hockey. Membership with USA Hockey includes insurance. Read more about USA Hockey Membership Benefits.

How Old Does My Child Have to Be?

Our Learn to Play program is designed for children 4 and older, and this is usually the average age that signs up. That said, if you have a child who is much older and wants to try hockey out for the first time, they are also welcome.

Will You Teach My Child How To Skate?

While our program is certainly designed to help improve a child’s skating abilities, we do require children have passed a Sam 3 or Basic 2 level skating class before signing up. Since the fundamentals of playing hockey involve skating, we want to make sure children who have an interest in playing are starting off correctly with the tools to succeed.

Please see our Learn to Skate Tab for information on Learn to Skate classes. You may also reach out to our Learn to Skate Director, if you would like to ask her specific questions.

My Child Plays Multiple Sports, How Flexible is Hockey?

Our Learn to Play program typically meets once a week. While our programs for older kids will meet more frequently, it is important to know we encourage kids to play multiple sports. Chesterfield Hockey offers different levels of programs at different intensity level based on skill sets, desires and cost. This allows us to offer a vast range of programs to match the interest level of our club members.

What are your different levels of play after Learn to Play?

Once you become “indoctrinated” to Ice Hockey, you may start hearing age group terms like “Mini-Mites (6U)”, “Mites (8U)”, “Squirts (10U)”, “PeeWees (12U)”, “Bantams (14U)” & “Midgets (16U & 18U)” along with programs like “ADM”, “GRHL”, “Missouri Hockey Travel”, and “Central States”. Fear not, we’ll explain it all.

Is there any travel involved?

Not at the Learn to Play level. As children get older, there is the possibility of travel involved (either to different rinks in the St. Louis area OR out of town), but all of this is tied to the program level they sign up for and the individual teams. Again Chesterfield Hockey offers programs for all skills and desires, including a program that involves no travel if that is your desire. For the Learn to Play level though, you don’t need to worry about it.

What Equipment is Required?

Items required:

• Gloves
• Shin pads
• Pants
• Elbow pads
• Shoulder pads
• Bag
• Jersey
• Skates
• Stick
• Hockey Socks (to go over shin pads)
• Cup
• Helmet
• Mouth Guard

We recommend buying these items at Pure Hockey, or Play it Again Sports.