The Wilmington Nighthawks are happy to announce the opening of registration for Learn to Play Hockey 1 for the fall of 2026. LTP will start October 5th at the Skating Club of Wilmington. Details below!
What is 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.
Who Should Play?
Experience
Learn to Play is for new players without previous experience playing hockey. Previous skating experience is preferred but not necessary.
Age
LTP is for kids in the 6U, 8U, and 10U age-brackets.
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.
Older or younger players should contact us at info@wilmingtonnighthawks.com.
Equipment
Full protective hockey equipment is required for Learn to Play. For new Learn to Play participants, the Nighthawks and Pure Hockey offer a discounted LTP Equipment store with access to all required gear. It provides discounted entry-level equipment for new players. A link to this store will be provided after registering for a LTP session. If not purchasing from the LTP Store, it is recommended that you consider purchasing used equipment with the exception of the helmet and jock/jill.
Required Equipment
- Hockey skates
- Hockey helmet with full cage
- Neck Guard
- Shoulder Pads
- Elbow Pads
- Shin Guards
- Hockey Pants
- Hockey Gloves
- Hockey Socks
- Hockey Jersey
- Jock/Jill cup (ideally with built-in Velcro for hockey socks)
- Hockey Stick
A jersey is also required and provided by the Nighthawks at the first practice.
The listed equipment is available through the LTP Equipment store. The total cost of the equipment is around $300. For first time participants, the Nighthawks offer a $100 coupon code that is only valid for our LTP Equipment store. Purchasing used equipment through SidelineSwap.com or Play-It-Again sports may be cheaper than purchasing equipment through our store. If purchasing new equipment, it is unlikely you’ll find a more affordable option than our store. PureHockey equipment sizing videos will help you choose correctly sized equipment.
Equipment Store
Details of the equipment store will be listed here once the store is opened. Participants who have already registered will receive an email with information once it is available.
Schedule
LTP is held on Mondays from 6:20 – 7:20pm at our home rink, the Skating Club of Wilmington. This session is 10 hours of practice, starting 10/5/2026 and running until Monday 12/14/2026. There is no practice 11/23. Full schedule details are available in TeamSnap after registering.
USA Hockey
LTP participants are required to register with USA Hockey in addition to the Nighthawks. Participants in Try Hockey for Free on October 3rd will receive a code for free registration with USA Hockey at the THFF event.
Register with USA Hockey before registering for LTP: https://membership.usahockey.com/
Cost
The Fall 2026 Learn to Play program is $175. This fee covers all of the practice time for the Fall session. USA Hockey registration and full equipment are required and additional.
Register
Register for Learn to Play Hockey 1 with the Wilmington Nighthawks using the link below. Registration will be completed in TeamSnap. After registration, the LTP session schedule will be available in the TeamSnap One app.
