Learn To Play
LEARN TO PLAY WITH
BLACK BEARS ACADEMY
black bears academy
Welcome to Black Bear Hockey! We are excited you're here to learn more about our introductory-level programs through the Black Bears Academy. We're here to help you and your young player learn the sport together. Don't hesitate to ask a question because there's nothing we love more than talking, and talking, and talking about hockey!!
We currently offer five different programs to help get your athlete on the ice. The programs are available at a low, or no, cost to you. You can take advantage of the programs in conjunction with one another or independently depending on the time of the season and your player's abilities and experience level.
1. Free Clinics
Next Event
When: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM-Noon (9:30 arrival)
Where: Waterbury Ice Center.
Additional Information: Space is limited, register ASAP!
>>Register Here for the July 27th Clinic <<
Free clinics are the first option for learning to play through Black Bear Academy. These are held a few times a season in 1-2 hour sessions for players ages 4-9. All of the gear is provided so there's absolutely no cost to you to get your player on the ice!
While you're there, you can talk to the coaches (and other parents) about the sport of hockey and learn how developing your young player with the Black Bears might be the right choice for you.
These free clinics are heavily focused on having fun while players work to figure out how to stand on those thin blades and move around in that clunky gear. Every accomplishment is celebrated, especially getting back up after a fall.
You are welcome to register for as many of the free clinics as you would like. We hope to see you there!
2. Little Bruins®
The Little Bruins® (Bruins Academy) is sponsored by the Boston Bruins®. Black Bears offers this program because of the deep discount it provides our families on hockey equipment. Registration includes 4 one-hour sessions and a complete bag of hockey equipment at a fraction of the cost of buying new. We recommend Little Bruins if your athlete is interested in continuing to learn to skate and play hockey to take advantage of these savings.
>> 2023 Registration Now Closed <<
3. Learn to Skate
Learn to Skate is a lower-commitment start for new skaters to gain the skills they need to move on to playing hockey. They'll learn to skate in hockey equipment with a stick in a fun and supportive environment. If you've missed out on, or don't want to wait for, our free clinics or Little Bruins, this is a great place for your skater to start.
Note: Register for "Intro to Hockey". The Intro group will be divided into two sub-teams, one being the Learn to Skate group.
4. Intro to Hockey
Intro to Hockey offers one practice/week from October - January. Athletes should know how to skate before entering the Intro program where they will develop hockey-specific skills through learning stations and games.
5. House Mites
House Mites is our first tier of hockey play against opposing teams through cross-ice scrimmages. With two practices per week and scrimmages throughout the season your athlete will learn the fundamentals of playing hockey without an emphasis on winning or losing.