USA Hockey announces new “Learn-to-Skate” curriculum

By Michael Caples –

The governing body for youth hockey in the United States has announced a new “Learn-to-Skate” curriculum for aspiring hockey players and those in charge of teaching them how to skate.

This morning, USA Hockey announced a comprehensive Learn-to-Skate curriculum model featuring two ‘tracks’ – Learn-to-Skate 1, Learn-to-Skate 2 – designed to teach beginners the fundamentals of skating.

“We’re excited about this curriculum,” said Ken Martel, technical director of the American Development Model for USA Hockey, in a press release. “It’s important for players to be comfortable on the ice, learn the basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, use of edges and how to hold a stick before moving into a learn-to-play, 6U or 8U full hockey curriculum.”

The press release also said that Martel noted that U.S. Figure Skating assisted in the development of the materials.

Click here to see Learn-to-Skate 1, Learn-to-Skate 2 and an evaluation sheet for the skaters.

The new curriculum is available on USAHockey.com, and it will be distributed to USA Hockey assocations, ice arenas and skating instructors from coast to coast. It will soon be available on the USA Hockey Mobile Coaching App, as well.

The Learn-to-Skate information is part of USA Hockey’s American Development Model, a program endorsed by the National Hockey League that “provides age-appropriate guidelines to hockey associations across America to help more kids play, love and excel in hockey.”