Fun programs For
new players.
No experience required.
Our new player programs focus on delivering a fun experience that develops individual skating and puck handling skills foundational to ice hockey.
Learn to Skate
Skating is the most fundamental skill in ice hockey. Improving your skating increases enjoyment of the games.
Nighthawks Learn To Skate
Typically offered in the early Fall, the Nighthawks offer a short introduction to skating fundamentals class. Check back for details as the season approaches!
Skating Club of Wilmington
Our rink, the Skating Club of Wilmington, offers skating lessons year round. Lessons through ‘Basic 4’ teach skills critical to hockey skating.
Private Lessons
The Skating Club also offers private skating lessons. Amanda Hubert and Jamie Loper are both excellent skating coaches. Contact them directly to learn more.
Try Hockey For Free
Offered twice a year, this is a great starting point for young kids to try hockey with no commitment. Borrow some equipment and take the ice for an hour with Nighthawks coaches and players to try ice hockey for the first time.
2026 – 2027 Season Dates
– October 3rd, 2026
– February 27, 2027
THFF is limited to 50 participants. Register early to save your spot!
No Experience Necessary
No experience necessary! There will be plenty of assistance on hand to be sure your child has the best first hockey experience and answer any questions you might have.
Learn to Play
The Learn-to-Play (LTP) program is a beginner ice hockey program intended to introduce players to ice hockey in a fun environment while developing individual skills to support long term enjoyment of the game.
Registration isn’t open yet. Send us an email and we’ll remind you when it opens.
2026 – 2027 Season Dates
Hockey 1: October – December, 2026
Hockey 2: January – February, 2027
Hockey 1 & 3: March – May, 2027
Days & Times TBD
Registration opens ~ 1 month in advance of the session. Sign up to be the first to know when registration opens!
2025 season costs were ~$160 a session depending on total number of ice slots during each session.
Discounted Equipment Store
In partnership with PureHockey, the Nighthawks offer a Learn To Play equipment store featuring discounted equipment just for our Learn To Play participants.
2025 LTP equipment store costs were under $300. A $100 store coupon was offered to new registrants.
Details available prior to registration. Link to the store and discount codes provided after registration. Full equipment is required.
Players
The Learn-to-Play (LTP) program is for 6U, 8U and 10U players with no or limited previous hockey experience. Skating experience is preferred.
The 6U (6 and under) age group is for players with a birth year of 2020 or later, and as young as 4. 6U is also referred to as Atoms.
The 8U age group is for players with a birth year of 2018 and 2019. 8U is also referred to as Mites.
The 10U age group is for players with birth years 2016 and 2017. 10U is also referred to as Squirts.
Practices
LTP practices are fun. While coaches will demonstrate specific skills being targeted and the team will practice them briefly, ‘drills’ are avoided.
Skill development is achieved through structured games/activities targeting the desired skill. These activities are designed to include the maximum number of skaters to minimize players waiting in line. Practices aim to limit the duration of each activity to 8 minutes or less to keep players engaged.