Learn to Skate (LTS)
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The Learn to Skate program at 'Maryville University Hockey Center' is a program that follows the national 'Learn to Skate USA' curriculum. Our goal is to teach your skaters the fundamentals and get them ready to achieve their dreams on the ice! We offer experienced coaching, structured training and a fun environment to help kids excel!
Learn to Skate runs from 4:20pm - 7:10pm. See below for specific class times.
There will be no open skate between classes, and each participant will be given a punch card for free public sessions.
Current Session
Spring Session 1
- March 22 - April 26, 2024
- 6 Weeks for $90.00
- 4:20 P.M. - 7:10 P.M.
- Please note this session is on Fridays.
- Registration: CLOSED
Upcoming Sessions
Spring Session 2
- May 10 - June 14, 2024 NO CLASS MAY 17, 2024
- 5 Weeks for $80.00
- 4:20 P.M. - 7:10 P.M.
- Please note this session is on Friday's.
- Registration: OPENS APRIL 28, 2024 AROUND NOON
Program Overview
LEARN TO SKATE YOUTH SKATING CLASSES: AGE 4-5
Snowplow Sam - Levels 1, 2 & 3: Designed for kids under age 6 to build confidence while learning to skate incorporating fun and games making class time an enjoyable experience for all.
* Following the completion of the 'Learn to Skate - Basic / Hockey skills 2 or Snowplow Sam 3' program through 'Maryville University Hockey Center' OR 'Pacific Ice Rink', players will be encouraged as a next step program to enroll in the 'Learn to Play - Hockey' program, which is offered through the 'Chesterfield Hockey Association'. This will put them on a path to eventually joining a hockey team. Please be sure to talk to your child's instructor if this is a path you wish to pursue. The 'Chesterfield Hockey Association' owns & operates the 'Maryville University Hockey Center' as well as 'Pacific Ice Rink'.
- Ages: 4-5 years old
- Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - you will receive a punch card for free admission to our public sessions at the Maryville University Hockey Center.
- Class Times All classes are 30 minutes long.
Snowplow Sam 1
- 4:20PM
- 4:55PM
- 5:30PM
- 6:05PM
Snowplow Sam 2
- 4:20PM
- 4:55PM
- 5:30PM
Snowplow Sam 3/4
- 4:20PM
- 6:05PM
- 6:40PM
LEARN TO SKATE YOUTH SKATING CLASSES: AGE 6 AND UP
Basic Skills for Hockey, Figure Skating and Speed Skating - Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Before you can score a goal, jump, spin, or race you'll need to learn how to skate. Skaters will learn how to be proficient and agile on the ice.
These lessons put the FUN in fundamentals as your skaters enjoy learning the basics of ice skating and edge work.
* Following the completion of the 'Learn to Skate - Basic / Hockey skills 2 or Snowplow Sam 3' program through 'Maryville University Hockey Center' OR 'Pacific Ice Rink', players will be encouraged as a next step program to enroll in the 'Learn to Play - Hockey' program, which is offered through the 'Chesterfield Hockey Association'. This will put them on a path to eventually joining a hockey team. Please be sure to talk to your child's instructor if this is a path you wish to pursue. The 'Chesterfield Hockey Association' owns & operates the 'Maryville University Hockey Center' as well as 'Pacific Ice Rink'.
- Ages: 6 years old and up.
- Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - you will receive a punch card for free admission to our public sessions at the Maryville University Hockey Center.
- Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.
Basic/Hockey Skills 1
- 4:20PM
- 4:55PM
- 5:30PM
- 6:05PM
Basic/Hockey Skills 2
- 4:20PM
- 4:55PM
- 6:40PM
Basic/Hockey Skills 3/4
- 4:55PM
- 5:30PM
- 6:05PM
Basic / Hockey Skills 5/6
Not currently offered at this time. Please email if there is interest.
ADULT
Adult: Designed for adults over the age of 18 to build confidence while learning to skate and improve on their skating skills.
- Ages: 18+ years old
- Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - you will receive a punch card for free admission to our public sessions at the Maryville University Hockey Center.
- Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.
- Time: 6:40PM
BEGINNER/ADVANCED HOCKEY SKATING
Note: This is a hockey skating class and does not involve hockey gear or the use of a stick & puck. For interest in Learning to Play Hockey, visit our youth hockey club website - www.chesterfieldhockey.com
Beginner/Advanced Hockey Skating: Designed for children ages 4 - 18 to build confidence while learning to skate and improve on their skating skills. The skills built in this class will assist them as they bridge into Learn to Play and Hockey teams. PRE-REQUISITE OF BASIC 2 OR SNOWPLOW 3/4 REQUIRED.
- Ages: 4 - 18 years old
- Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - you will receive a punch card for free admission to our public sessions at the Maryville University Hockey Center.
- Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.
- Time:
- Beginner - 5:30PM
- Intermediate - 6:05PM
- Advanced - 6:40PM
LEARN TO SKATE ADVANCED SKATING LEVEL
Pre-Freestyle: Transitioning from basic skating skills to figure skating skills. Introduction of basic jumps and spins.
- Prerequisite: Must have completed Basic 6
- Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - you will receive a punch card for free admission to our public sessions at the Maryville University Hockey Center.
- Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.
- Time: 6:40PM
Freestyle: Transitions, spins and jumps. More progressive skating skills like these give more determined skaters like yours challenges they crave.
- Prerequisite: Must have completed Pre-Freestyle.
- Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - you will receive a punch card for free admission to our public sessions at the Maryville University Hockey Center.
- Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.
- Time: Not currently offered.
Inquire for more information. This is not an open registration online. If you feel you fit the criteria for this class, please email me at ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions:
- Please email - ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com
- Ashley Klotz : Learn to Skate Coordinator for the Maryville University Hockey Center.
We will close registration for a session two days prior to the start of the session for administrative reasons. Email Ashley (ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com) about availability. If a session has begun, email Ashley (ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com) about availability to add additional skaters in a particular level.
If you have any other questions about registering, please email Ashley (ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com).
If your skater is 4-5 years old, sign your skater up for Snowplow Sam level classes. Sometimes a skater that is age 6 and in kindergarten does better in the Snowplow Sam level classes with younger skaters.
If your skater is age 6 and up, sign your skater up for Basic Skills classes.
If your skater has taken time off between sessions, it may be best to repeat the last class they took as a review.
If your skater has never skated before or has never been in lessons before, then please sign your skater up for Level 1.
On the last class of the session each skater will be evaluated and given a sheet with their recommended level for the next session.
Please read the list of skills below to find the best placement for your skater. It is better to underestimate your skater’s skills. The progression of levels is as follows:
- Snowplow (Ages 4-6)
- Snowplow 1
- Snowplow 2
- Snowplow 3
- Snowplow 4
- Basic (Ages 6-18)
- Basic 1
- Basic 2
- Basic 3
- Basic 4
- Basic 5
- Basic 6
- Specialty Classes
- Hockey (Must have passed snowplow 3/4 or basic 2)
- Pre-Freestyle (Must have passed all basic level classes)
- Freestyle (Must have passed pre-freestyle)
IF YOU SIGN YOUR SKATER UP FOR THE WRONG LEVEL CLASS WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE REGISTRATION.
Dress for class in warm, flexible layers with mittens or gloves. A helmet is highly recommended. (a bike helmet is fine.) You must provide your own helmet.
Skate rental is included in the cost of the lessons.
Skates need to be tight at the instep and the tightest at the ankle. The foot and ankle should not be able to easily slide around. Feel free to approach a Skating Academy coach for skate tying assistance.
Arrive early! Check in at the 'Welcome Table'. Get skates on and head into the rink. Signs will be located in the rink with class names. Find your sign and meet your instructor there!
If a session has begun, email Ashley (ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com) about availability. Please be aware we do not pro-rate.
This time is open to all skaters enrolled in the current session. No parents or siblings not enrolled in classes may skate during this time. Coaches will be on the ice supervising skaters and are available to answer skills questions from any skater. We encourage all skaters to take advantage of this time to practice and have fun.
Each level is built off the fundamentals learned in previous levels and each skater progresses at their own pace. It normally takes one to three sessions to pass a level. Coaches often determine that skaters should repeat certain levels for reinforcement before moving on to the next. Practice makes perfect!
There is no pro-rating, or make-ups for missed classes for any reason.
Snowplow Sam 1
- Sit and stand up with skates on (off-ice)
- Sit and stand up (on-ice)
- March in place
- March forward (8-10 steps)
- March, then glide on two feet
- Dip in place
Snowplow Sam 2
- March followed by a long glide
- Dip while moving
- Backward walking, toes turned inward, shifting weight (4-6 steps)
- Backward wiggles (6 in a row)
- Forward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
- Beginning snowplow stop motion, in place or holding onto barrier
- Two-foot hop, in place (optional)
Snowplow Sam 3
- Forward skating (8-10 steps)
- Forward one-foot glide, one time skater’s height (R and L)
- Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
- Backward two-foot glide
- Backward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
- Moving forward snowplow stop (1 or 2 feet)
- Curves
Basic / Hockey Skating 1
- Sit on ice and stand up
- March forward across the ice
- Forward two-foot glide
- Dip
- Forward swizzles (6–8 in a row)
- Backward wiggles (6–8 in a row)
- Beginning snowplow stop (on one or two feet)
- Bonus Skill: Two-foot hop in place
Basic / Hockey Skating 2
- Scooter pushes (R and L)
- Forward one-foot glides (R and L)
- Backward two-foot glide, length of skater’s height
- Rocking horse — one forward swizzle, one backward swizzle (repeat twice)
- Backward swizzles (6–8 in a row)
- Two-foot turns from forward to backward in place (clockwise and counterclockwise)
- Moving snowplow stop
- Bonus Skill: Curves
Basic / Hockey Skating 3
- Beginning forward stroking showing correct use of blade
- Forward half-swizzle pumps on a circle — 6–8 consecutive clockwise and counterclockwise
- Moving forward to backward two foot turns on a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise)
- Beginning backward one-foot glides — focus on balance
- Backward snowplow stop (R and L)
- Forward slalom
- Bonus Skill: Forward pivots (clockwise and counterclockwise)
Basic / Hockey Skating 4
- Forward outside edge on a circle (R and L)
- Forward inside edge on a circle (R and L)
- Forward crossovers — clockwise and counterclockwise (4-6)
- Backward half-swizzle pumps on a circle — 6-8 clockwise and counterclockwise
- Backward one-foot glides (R and L)
- Beginning two-foot spin (up to two revolutions)
- Bonus Skill: Forward lunges — both legs
Adult 1 / 2
- Falling and recovery on ice
- Forward skating across the width of the ice
- Forward two-foot glide
- Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
- One forward swizzle/one backward swizzle (rocking horse)
- Forward snowplow stop (one or two feet)
- Forward one-foot glides (R and L)
- Forward slalom
- Backward wiggles
- Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
- Two-foot turns
- Forward half-swizzle pumps on the circle, clockwise and counterclockwise (6-8 in a row)
- Forward outside and inside edges on a circle (R and L)
- Forward crossovers, clockwise and counterclockwise
MEET OUR COACHES
Ashley Klotz
Learn to Skate Director
Ashley has been skating for 19 years and coaching for 7 years. She was an internationally competitive figure skater, having competed with her ice dance partner for the country of Hungary. She was also a national competitor for the U.S., qualifying for Nationals 3 times. Ashley has achieved 5 USFS Gold Medals in testing, an International medal in testing, and a Canadian Gold Medal in testing.
Prior to running MUHC Learn to Skate, she ran the Creve Coeur Learn to Skate. Ashley took over the MUHC Learn to Skate in the Spring of 2021.
Outside of coaching, Ashley has her masters degree in counseling from Maryville University. She currently works at McCallum Place with patient's struggling with eating disorders, and specifically working with the athlete program at the facility. Additionally she works for the St. Louis Blues as part of the Blue Crew.
Private lessons: Taking new students
Kristine Humphrey
Kristine is from St. Louis and graduated from Nerinx Hall and St. Louis University. Her first job was at Creve Coeur Ice Arena where she worked for eight years and knew she wanted to work with hockey in some capacity.
She began teaching Learn to Skate at Hardee's Ice Plex and soon after that she was an instructor for Learn to Play. She is now the lead instructor for CHA Learn to Play and Continue to Play. She was a Learn to Skate instructor at Pacific Ice Rink and Creve Coeur Ice Arena. Kristine also coached for the Cyclones girls hockey club Learn to Play and is an assistant instructor for the Lady Liberty girls hockey club learn to play and was an assistant coach for their 14U and 19U. She also gives private skating lessons to kids of all ages.
Private lessons: Taking new students
Coach Lian
Hi there, my name is Coach Lian!
My two greatest passions are Ice Skating and Design. I am a former competitive Team Synchronized Figure Skater with 23 years of Figure Skating experience and seven years of coaching experience. I am a two-time USFS Nationals’ Medalist in Synchronized Skating and received my Senior Gold Moves-in-the-Field — USFS Gold Medal Standard in the Autumn of 2015.
My goal in coaching through Learn-To-Skate is to instruct each student on how to have fun through skating, but power, edge-control, body control, and the importance of being a well-rounded skater.
Fun Fact About Myself:
I’d most like to be remembered for my humor — I love to make people laugh!
Joanna Kunz
Private lessons: Taking new students
Igor Lisovsky
Igor is a former Russian Pairs skater. He is the 1981 World Champion, as well as the 1981 European Champion in pairs skating.
Igor coaches for various Learn to Skate programs in the area, as well as offers private lessons.
Private Lessons: Taking new students
Maddi Manheimer
Hi! I’m coach Maddi, and I have over 22 years of skating experience. I found my passion for skating at 5 years old. My skating journey started at the Hardee’s Iceplex where I was a rink guard, skated competitively and taught learn to skate. I currently coach at Maryville, Kirkwood and Creve Coeur. I care overall about the safety of my students, but also making sure they have a fun time. I offer private lessons to all ages and I’m available for new students.
Private Lessons: Taking new students
Julia Pesek
Julia Pesek is 18 years old and has been skating for over 14 years. She is a double gold medalist in Moves in the Field and Dance. Julia is pursuing a career as a professional figure skater and hopes to be performing in shows all around the U.S.
Private Lessons: Taking new students
Caitlin Gierer
Caitlin has been skating competitively and recreationally for 30 years, and coaching for 13 years. She spent years skating with various “Precision” (now known as Synchronized) skating teams competing in ISI and USFS competitions. Caitlin left the competitive skating world in 2008 and found her love of coaching with her first job at Jordan Valley Ice Rink in Springfield MO. After receiving her Bachelors of Music Education degree in 2011, she moved back to St. Louis, married her High School sweetheart and now has two amazing children who she wishes would love skating as much as she does.
Off of the ice, Caitlin is a Middle School Band Director in the Rockwood School District. When she is not teaching, Caitlin enjoys chalking with her sidewalk chalk business “Momswhochalk”, crafting, reading and fostering dogs through Diamonds in the Ruff.
Christine Mullen
Carly Sprenger
Carly Sprenger competitively figure skated for 10 years, and has been a Learn to Skate coach since then! She is a junior at Purdue University studying Marketing and Concentrating in Data Analytics and Finance. She is a part of the Women in Business club and the figure skating club!
Tatum Klippi
Tatum is 18 years old and has been skating for 11 years. She is a recent graduate of Webster Groves High School and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall. Some of her accomplishments in skating include earning 3 USFS gold medals and being competitive at the Novice USFS level.
Matthew Klotz
Hi, my name is Matthew Klotz. I'm from Saint Louis Missouri and played hockey for 13 years including 4 years for Duchesne High School. I am currently attending the University of Missouri Columbia and study biochemistry and philosophy as a pre-med student. I have coached Learn to Skate for 4 years and specialize in youth hockey. I also have 3 years of experience coaching Learn to Play and Continue to Play programs. I am currently giving private lessons for youth hockey covering skating, positional play, and general hockey skills. My goal as a coach is to teach foundational skills that will help skaters further down the line and prepare them for future challenges.
Claire Malone
I am 17 years old and a rising senior at Ladue Hortan Watkins High School. I have been skating with St. Louis Synergy for 7 years, but have skated for 13 years. I was on the Synergy Junior team when we were named Midwest champions and am looking forward to skating with them during my senior year.
Lauren Garrett
Hi! My name is Lauren Garrett, and I have been figure skating for 17 years, and coaching for 3 years. I am a sophomore at Mizzou studying elementary education, and I also skate for the Mizzou club synchronized skating team.
Marissa Gibbons
Marissa has been skating since she was ten both recreationally and competitively. Marissa is a certified Learn to Skate USA Instructor and has been coaching group classes for three years. She also offers private instruction for students.
Spring Session 1 - 2024
DOPEN TO GIRLS & BOYS
Important!
***PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THE WRONG CLASS, i.e. IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER SKATER PLEASE REGISTER FOR BASIC 1 OR SNOWPLOW 1, NOT A HIGHER CLASS LEVEL.
Questions
-- See our FAQs on this pageFees
-- $90.00