New to Hockey
Interested in having your child play hockey, but unsure of where to begin in the sport? Is your child an inexperienced skater or brand new to the ice? Then the Lake Erie Panthers Hockey Club is for you! Our program focuses on introducing your player to the sport and getting them comfortable on their skates
WHERE DO I START?
Attend one of our Try Hockey for Free Days, where your player can get out on the ice in full pads at no cost to you. This is a great option if your player is unsure if they will be comfortable on the ice, or nervous to try hockey.
MY CHILD WANTS TO PLAY HOCKEY, NOW WHAT?
We offer a Learn to Play Hockey program in coordination with the Cleveland Monsters. The goal of this program is to teach new players the fundamentals of hockey and skating. After successfully completing the learn to play program, players may join the appropriate Panthers team for their age group.
WHAT’S AFTER LEARN TO PLAY?
After graduating from one of our Learn to Play sessions, your player can begin on the path to more competitive stages of hockey in the 6U/8U (Mite) program or the 10U (Squirt) program with the Lake Erie Panthers Hockey Club.
We are a proud member of the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League (CSHL) which includes:
- 6U/8U (Mite) Blue travel hockey
- Station-based practices/curriculum similar to Learn to Play, but now featuring other area teams to play against!
- 6U/8U (Mite) White travel hockey
- Some players will graduate Learn to Play and go straight to Mite White, the second stage of 6U/8U hockey!
- Station-based practices are still taking place, but more advanced area competition and more games included on the schedule
- 8U (Mite) Red travel hockey
- This is the last stage of Mite hockey and most competitive stage of 8U.
- Almost exclusively set for 7 and 8-year old’s to compete and can feature select full-ice hockey games as well.
- 10U (Squirt) travel hockey
- Depending on age after graduation from LTP, your player may advance to 10U hockey!
- Each CSHL association will feature various skill level teams at this age group to accommodate all levels.
WHAT ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT?
The Lake Erie Panthers are happy to provide hockey equipment for new players to borrow for their beginner year to help lower the cost of starting hockey. The link below provides a list of required, as well as recommended, equipment for players by USA Hockey. Additionally, you’ll find a great tutorial on how to get your player padded up and ready to hit the ice!