Learn to Play makes it easier than ever for kids to learn hockey

Having spent much of his post-NHL career working to introduce the next generation to the sport of hockey, Andrew Cassels knows what it's like to see a kid step on the ice for the first time and discover a love for the game.
The former Blue Jackets forward has been a big part of the organization's grassroots efforts to spread hockey to youth in the community, and he's been on the ice to see hundreds if not thousands of kids fall for the sport.

"It's amazing what kids can accomplish in eight weeks, it truly is," said Cassels, who has been the lead instructor and ambassador for the Blue Jackets' Learn to Play program for the past four years. "Because we see kids who come out and they are kind of terrified a little bit of getting on the ice. It's nervous for them, and sometimes I'm nervous for them!
"But we have such great coaches that we make them feel comfortable, and by the end of the eight weeks, they are smiling and laughing and having so much fun. They just progress so much where their confidence is higher. The ability to actually do things on their own is great because you give them that opportunity to express themselves and do their own thing. It's a lot of fun."
Now, it's going to be easier than ever for Cassels and his fellow coaches to have those moments. Monday, the Blue Jackets, in collaboration with the OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks, announced the return of the
Learn to Play program
presented by the Performance Columbus Family of Dealerships in association with Moo Moo Express Car Wash. The program is designed to create a simplified hockey development pathway for boys and girls ages 10-and-under.
And for those interested, there's some good news -- you can start at square one, as there's no need for any prior experience. Each level of the three-step program includes eight weeks of 45-minute classes designed to teach kids first how to skate as well as the basics of hockey.
Perhaps most importantly, the program -- will provide all first-time participants with a head-to-toe set of equipment, a $600 value.
For those who aren't sure how to introduce their kids to the sport, it's a streamlined approach that makes the path to playing the sport as simple as ever.
"We are excited for the collaboration with Chiller ice rinks to provide families a convenient and simple 1-2-3 pathway for kids to get started in hockey," said Andee Boiman, Blue Jackets senior director of fan development and community programs. "Through initiatives like these, the Blue Jackets continue their commitment to remove barriers to the game and support the growth of youth hockey.
"Cost can be a significant barrier to getting in the game. Through a league-wide partnership with the NHL, NHLPA and Pure Hockey, that barrier is removed by providing free head-to-equipment to all first-timers. This will provide an explosion in interest in the sport across central Ohio that we have not seen since the excitement around the team's inaugural season."
Participants from age 4 to 10 will start with Hockey 1 classes designed to teach them the basics of skating. From there, Hockey 2 classes introduce hockey-specific skating and light puck handling to the equation, while Hockey 3 classes focus on hockey skill fundamentals like shooting, passing and game play. Once the three sessions are completed, kids will be prepared to join a local organized hockey league.
"We're just trying to make that path so much easier for them," Cassels said. "We know that there is a want and a need for more opportunity to break that barrier into hockey. It is costly, let's be honest, with the equipment and everything. That's where with this program, we're trying to break the barrier for people to get involved. You get your equipment when you sign up for the class and with that you get your eight weeks of classes. It's a great value for anybody."
If there's someone who seems perfectly suited to lead the program, it's Cassels, who played more than 1,000 games over a 16-year NHL career. He joined the Blue Jackets in 2002-03 near the tail end of his career and spent two seasons playing in Columbus, notching 26 goals and 94 points in 137 games. Since concluding his career, he has become a leading local instructor, including previous coaching roles with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets and the nationally ranked Ohio State women's hockey team.
In his time in Columbus, he's not only watched interest and particiation in the game skyrocket, but he's also the father of three kids who have picked up the game, including his eldest, Cole, who is currently under contract to play this season with the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets' top NHL farm team. As a result, Cassels knows the ins and outs of not just the local hockey scene as well as how to approach it as a parent, but he's also realistic about his goals for those learning the game.
While Columbus has started to produce a number of NHL players in recent years -- including current Blue Jackets Jack Roslovic and Sean Kuraly -- as part of a participation boom in the sport that keeps getting bigger and bigger, the goal is to produce youngsters who learn the game and enjoy it for life.
"We want them to continue to play the game," he said. "Our goal or my goal is not to make them all NHL players. Let's be realistic -- that is very hard to do, but to continue playing the sport that is such a great sport and a fun sport. You can meet so many people, and it's just a way to connect with people. My goal is that they are still playing when they are 50 years old and become a true fan of the game and just love this sport."
To this point, the Learn to Play program has graduated 1,280 kids, many of whom have continued to play in youth leagues across the city. With the revamped program in place, Cassels said the hope is that around 2,400 kids will be able to learn the game each year. That's thousands of kids who will have a gateway into our great sport and all of the lessons it can teach.
"We're going to try to put people in the right place to have some success and make it easy for them," Cassels said. "Whatever level you play at, it's part of a culture, so to speak, of having fun and being on a team. Eventually you learn teamwork, sportsmanship. It's such a great sport for kids to be involved in at any level. You can learn so many life skills from being part of the hockey community."