Get in the game with the Little Blackhawks Learn to Play program!

Learning to play hockey is more than just learning a game. More than skating, passing and stick-handling, hockey is about responsibility, respect and teamwork. As children learn the skills needed to succeed on the ice, they also build and solidify important character traits needed to succeed off the ice. With that in mind, the Learn to Play initiative was developed jointly by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association to offer more families a chance to experience everything that makes youth hockey so rewarding.

Developed with the help of experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, the Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, between 4-9 years of age, head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching, led by NHL Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere. This program is for first-timers only. If you have previously participated in Little Blackhawks or if you already play on a team, you cannot enroll for this program.

If you are interested in registering for a session this Spring, it is highly recommended a Learn to Skate program is completed before starting Little Blackhawks. You may register for one at your local rink, or at your Little Blackhawks host location.

The Little Blackhawks program includes 6-8 weeks of lessons at a local ice rink and a full set of hockey equipment! Weekly sessions are run by ice rink staff and local coaches.

Questions? Contact [email protected].


2024-25 Participating Rinks

Rink
Location
Start Date
End Date
Registration Links

Daniel V. Capuano Ice Rink

1/4/24
2/22/25

Fifth Third Arena

12/14/24
2/22/25

Franklin Park Ice Arena

1/10/25
2/28/25

Jet Hockey Training Arena (All-Girls Program)

12/15/24
1/26/25

Kenosha Ice Arena

12/1/24
1/26/25

Nicholas Sportplex | Mount Prospect Ice Arena

1/5/25
2/23/25

Robert Crown Community Center

1/9/25
2/27/25

Southwest Ice Arena

12/1/24
1/5/25

Coming Soon

Rink
Location

Centennial Ice Arena

Wilmette, IL

Darien Sportsplex (All-Girls Program)

Darien, IL
Glacier Ice Arena
Vernon Hills, IL
Midwest Training & Ice Center
Dyer, IN
Northbrook Sports Center
Northbrook, IL
The Kube Sports Complex
Hammond, IN

Registration Fees Include:

  • Six (6) to eight (8) weeks of ice time and lessons at a local rink
  • A full set of brand-new gear to keep (see equipment kit information below!)
  • Appearances by Chicago Blackhawks Alumni
  • One (1) ticket to a Chicago Blackhawks home game in the 2024-25 season

Equipment Kit includes:

  • Chicago Blackhawks Learn to Play jersey
  • Shoulder pads
  • Gloves
  • Elbow pads
  • Helmet
  • Shin guards
  • Pants
  • Hockey skates
  • Hockey socks
  • Hockey stick
  • Equipment bag