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 - 7:30pm. 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.

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.

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.

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: 6:55PM

BEGINNER/ADVANCED HOCKEY

Beginner/Advanced 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 - 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 - 6:20PM
• Advanced - 6:55PM

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: 6:55PM

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.

Maryville University Hockey Center

Questions:

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

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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