University of Delaware Recreation

Learn to Play Hockey is designed to teach and strengthen basic skating and hockey skills. The classes also prepare players for in-house and travel league play. The program's small teacher to student ratios ensure players get adequate attention from the instructors. A Learn to Play Hockey student who has passed all three levels will be skilled at forward skating and crossovers, backward skating and crossovers, hockey stops, passing and puck receiving, shooting (forehand & backhand), and introductory game skills.

PROGRAM LEVELS

PROGRAM	DESCRIPTION
Learn to Skate to Play Hockey	This class is designed for players with little to no organized skating experience and will cover basic skating skills necessary to enroll in the Hockey 1 program. Players in this program only require a hockey helmet and gloves which can be provided by the Ice Arena.
Hockey 1	Upon completing the Learn to Skate to Play Hockey class, this class will focus on developing additional skating skills as well as introducing puck and stick handling skills. Participants MUST have basic skating skills to enroll in Hockey 1.
Hockey 2	For players that have completed Hockey 1 (or comparable hockey instruction program), the focus will be on strengthening skating, puck control, and shooting skills needed to begin game play. Upon successful completion of Hockey 2, players age 9 or younger are welcome to join the Cross-Ice Hockey program.
Hockey 3	For players that have completed Hockey 2 (or comparable hockey instruction program), this class will focus on advancing hockey skills along with the introduction to game situations in preparation for moving on to Cross-Ice/In-house hockey programs.

NOTE: For those registering for Hockey 1, 2 or 3 and are unsure of your child’s placement, please enroll them in hockey 1. 
The coaching staff will place them in the appropriate class based upon their observed skill level at the first class.

• We are only accepting online registrations, no in person registrations. 
• NO REFUNDS will be provided (unless medical situation accompanied by a doctor's note and a processing fee ($30) will apply.
• STAFF: Staff includes members local hockey instructors and players on the Men's and Women's UD Hockey Teams.

Fall 2 Series 2025 Information
Saturdays 9:00am-9:45am Gold Arena 
November 1, 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13, 20
No Class Nov 29

Winter 1 Series 2026 Information (6 Week Series) - Learn to Skate to Play Hockey, Hockey 1 2 & 3 Offered
Registration for Winter 1 opens Monday November 24, 2026! 

DAY	TIME	DATES
Saturday	Gold Arena 9:00am-9:45am	January 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14
Saturday	Gold Arena 10:00am-10:45am	January 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14

Winter 2 Series 2026 Information (6 Week Series) - Learn to Skate to Play Hockey, Hockey 1 2 & 3 Offered
Registration for Winter 2 opens Monday January 26, 2026!

DAY	TIME	DATES
Saturday	Gold Arena 9:00am-9:45am	February 21, 28 March 7, 14, 21, 28
Saturday	Gold Arena 10:00am-10:45am	February 21, 28 March 7, 14, 21, 28

 

WINTER 2025 REGISTRATION PERIOD	FEE
Winter 1 Advanced Registration Fee November 24 2025 - December 21 2025 Winter 1 Standard Registration Fee December 22 2025 - January 11 2026 Winter 2 Advanced Registration Fee January 26 2026 - February 8 2026 Winter 2 Standard Registration Fee February 9 2026 - February 22 2026	Advanced $175 for first skater, $165 for each additional family member Standard $210 for first skater, $200 for each additional family member

Preparing for the First Day of Class

• If you need to rent skates, please e-mail kblood@udel.edu with your requested size(s).
• We will provide you with a jersey on the first day of class for all Hockey classes.
• Players will receive certificate upon completion of class.
• Welcome e-mail will be sent the week prior to class starting with specific details. 

CLICK HERE on November 24 2025 to register for the Winter 1 Series!

Guest & Player Behavioral Guidelines:

We are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience at the ice arena for all guests and players. Guests and/or players exhibiting inappropriate behavior (i.e. using foul or abusive language, making abusive gestures, or appearing intoxicated) are subject to ejection from the arena. Repeat offenses will result in the loss of arena privileges, including teams not being able to use the arena. If you observe a problem, please contact an arena staff member or public safety officer immediately. To assist with this endeavor, guests and players are asked to abide by the following Behavioral Guidelines:

• Guests should not take any action that inhibits the progress of any game or event.

• Guests and players should avoid the use of foul, racist, sexist, abusive language, and refrain from making any obscene gestures.

• Guests should refrain from any display of inappropriate affection in a public setting.

• Only authorized individuals may enter the ice surface and other restricted areas, and guests must refrain from entering such areas without proper authorization.

• Guests should follow all local, state, or federal laws and will follow the instructions of event staff.