Learn to Skate (LTS)

WE NOW HAVE AN INSTAGRAM PAGE! GIVE US A FOLLOW TO STAY UP TO DATE ON LEARN TO SKATE SESSION AND OTHER EVENTS!

INSTAGRAM: @MARYVILLEUHC

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!

WE HAVE AN ADULT CLASS AT 6:30PM THIS COMING SESSION.

WE HAVE ALSO ADDED A BEGINNER HOCKEY CLASS AT 5:50 AND 6:30. IN ORDER TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED BASIC 2 OR SNOWPLOW 3/4.

***PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THE WRONG CLASS, i.e. IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER SKATER YOU NEED TO REGISTER FOR BASIC 1 OR SNOWPLOW 1, NOT A HIGHER CLASS LEVEL.

Current Session

Spring Session 2

  • May 12, 2023 - May 26, 2023
  • 3 Weeks for $50.00
  • 4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
  • Please note this session is on Friday's.
  • Date's subject to change.
  • Registration: CLOSED


Upcoming Sessions

Summer Session 1

  • June 9, 2023 - June 30, 2023
  • 4 Weeks for $60.00
  • 4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
  • Please note this session is on Friday's.
  • Date's subject to change.
  • Registration: Opens Sunday, May 28, 2023 around noon

Summer Session 2

  • July 7, 2023 - August 11, 2023
  • 6 Weeks for $80.00
  • 4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
  • Please note this session is on Friday's.
  • Date's subject to change.
  • Registration: Opens Sunday, July 2, 2023 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.

  • Ages: 4-5 years old
  • Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - we have open skate and practice from 5:00-5:10, 5:40-5:50, 6:20-6:30 on the same night as class. Open skate time is determined by which half hour of class you are in, and will be assigned at the start of the session.
  • Class Times All classes are 30 minutes long.

Snowplow Sam 1

  • 4:30PM
  • 5:10PM
  • 5:50PM
  • 6:30PM

Snowplow Sam 2

  • 4:30PM
  • 5:10PM
  • 6:30PM

Snowplow Sam 3/4

  • 4:30PM
  • 5:10PM
  • 5:50PM

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 - we have open skate and practice from 5:00-5:10, 5:40-5:50, 6:20-6:30 on the same night as class. Open skate time is determined by which half hour of class you are in, and will be assigned at the start of the session.
  • Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.

Basic/Hockey Skills 1

  • 4:30PM
  • 5:10PM
  • 5:50PM
  • 6:30PM

Basic/Hockey Skills 3/4

  • 4:30PM
  • 5:10PM

Basic/Hockey Skills 2

  • 4:30PM
  • 5:10PM
  • 5:50PM

Basic / Hockey Skills 5/6

  • 5:50PM


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 - we have open skate and practice from 6:20-6:30 on the same night as class. Open skate time is determined by which half hour of class you are in, and will be assigned at the start of the session.
  • Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.
  • Time: 6:30PM


BEGINNER HOCKEY

Beginner Hockey: 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 - we have open skate and practice from 6:20-6:30 on the same night as class. Open skate time is determined by which half hour of class you are in, and will be assigned at the start of the session.
  • Class Times: All classes are 30 minutes long.
  • Time: 5:50PM and 6:30PM



LEARN TO SKATE ADVANCED SKATING LEVEL

Freestyle: Transitions, spins and jumps. More progressive skating skills like these give more determined skaters like yours challenges they crave.

  • Prerequisite: Must have completed Basic 6.
  • Bonus: For anyone enrolled in our skating classes - we have open skate and practice from 6:20PM - 6:30PM on the same night as class.
  • Class Times: (all classes are 30 minutes long)
  • Time: 6:30

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.

Location

Maryville University Hockey Center

18383 Chesterfield Airport Rd

Chesterfield, MO 63005

(Located directly behind the Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel)

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

  • Please email - ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com
  • Ashley Klotz : Learn to Skate Coordinator for the Maryville University Hockey Center.

--------------------

I am having trouble registering what should I do?

  • 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).

 In which class should I register my skater?

  • 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.
  • On the last class of the session each skater will be evaluated and given a sheet with their recommended level for the next session.
  • If your skater has taken time off between sessions, it may be best to repeat the last class they took as a review.
  •  Please read the list of skills below to find the best placement for your skater. It is better to underestimate your skater’s skills.
  • If your skater has never skated before or has never been in lessons before, then please sign your skater up for Level 1. 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.

How should I dress for class? Should my skater have a helmet?

  • 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.

Is skate rental available and what is the cost?

  • Skate rental is included in the cost of the lessons.

How should I tie skates?

  • 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.

What should I do on the first day of class?

  • 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!

Can I join once a session has begun?

  • If a session has begun, email Ashley (ashley.klotz@maryvilleuhc.com) about availability. Please be aware we do not pro-rate.

What is the Open Skate/Practice time?

  • 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.

How long does it take to pass each level?

  • 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!

Are makeup lessons allowed?

  • There is no pro-rating, or make-ups for missed classes for any reason.

What Skills are Acquired in each level?

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 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 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 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 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 18 years and coaching for 6 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. Additionally she works for the St. Louis Blues as part of the Blue Crew.

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.

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

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.

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.

Carly Sprenger

Christine Mullen

Maddi Manheimer

Julia Pesek

Caitlin Gierer

TATUM KLIPPI

Spring Session 2- 2023

DOPEN TO GIRLS & BOYS

Questions

Fees

    $50.00

Current Session

    Spring Session #2
    May 12, 2023 - May 26, 2023
    3 Weeks for $50.00
    4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
    Classes on Friday nights.
    Date's subject to change.
    REGISTRATION: OPENS SUNDAY APRIL 30 AROUND NOON

Next session

   Summer Session #1
    June 9, 2023 - June 30, 2023
    4 Weeks for $60.00
    4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
    Classes on Friday nights.
    Date's subject to change.
    REGISTRATION: OPENS SUNDAY
    MAY 28 AROUND NOON

Summer Session 1

DOPEN TO GIRLS & BOYS

Questions

Fees

    $60.00

Current Session

    Summer Session #1
    June 9, 2023 - June 30, 2023
    4 Weeks for $60.00
    4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
    Classes on Friday nights.
    Date's subject to change.
    REGISTRATION: OPENS SUNDAY, MAY 28 AROUND NOON

Next session

   Summer Session #2
    July 7, 2023 - August 11, 2023
    6 Weeks for $80.00
    4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
    Classes on Friday nights.
    Date's subject to change.
    REGISTRATION: OPENS SUNDAY, JULY 2 AROUND NOON

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