Montgomery Youth Hockey – Instructional Program

This program is for boys and girls who wish to learn the exciting game of ice hockey. Montgomery offers a fall/winter program that runs from October through March. There is also a shorter condensed program each spring in the April/May timeframe. These programs are described in full in the registration booklet posted on the main page of myha.org.

The Instructional program is the backbone of MYHA. Close to 90% of all participants in our program started in the Instructional program. It is a once weekly program, the purpose of which is to introduce the new hockey player to the different skills necessary to play hockey. It is MYHA’s most popular program and fills quickly. Each session is limited, so register early. The sessions will be filled on a first come first served basis.

Players entering the Instructional program should be able to demonstrate Beta level skating skills as established in the Montgomery County learn to skate program or Level “B” as established in the Rockville Ice Arena learn to skate program. Basically, this means that your child has the ability to skate forwards and perform a stop and does not require hand holding.  However, if you are uncertain if your child may have adequate skating skills, call the MYHA hotline at 301-871-5237 or email

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MYHA’s Director of Coaching, Rob Keegan, and the coaching staff will conduct the Instructional program, and will provide our Instructional participants with the finest professional training available. All of the kids will improve working with Rob and his staff and will enjoy the experience. Last year’s participants had a great time.

The Instructional program will be offered at the Rockville Ice Arena and the Cabin John ice rink and will be divided into the age groups shown below. Please register the player according to the age guidelines. Rob Keegan can assess your child at the first session and move him/her if appropriate. Full hockey equipment is required for all of these sessions.

Please refer to the MYHA Registration Booklet section I. Hockey Equipment Checklist for a complete list.

Important dates for the Instructional Program:

Sunday, September 28, 2008, 5:00 PM at the Rockville Ice Arena - Coach Keegan will hold an introductory meeting for ALL instructional parents and players He will discuss the program and equipment required plus discuss the proper way the equipment should fit.

Please wait to purchase equipment until you have attended this meeting.

Saturday, October 4, 2008 – Rockville Saturday session begins

Saturday, October 4, 2008 – Cabin John Saturday session begins

Sunday, October 5, 2008 – Cabin John Sunday sessions begin

NOTE: There will be no Instructional programs on Saturday/Sunday, November 29/30,2008, and December 27/28, 2008 because of the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year holidays

The times and age categories for the Instructional programs for 2008 – 2009 are as follows:

Age Classification          Ages                     Day       Time

Rockville Ice Arena – Saturday Session

All Ages                           All                          Saturday  11:35 AM -12:35 PM

Cabin John ice rink – Saturday Session

All Ages                           All                          Saturday 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Cabin John ice rink – Sunday Sessions

Younger                           4 – 9                    Sunday    5:40 - 6:40 PM

Older                               10-15                             Sunday    6:40 - 7:40 PM

Beginning in late February the ice time for the Instructional program will be expanded by 20 minutes so the players can have added time for scrimmage games.

All prior year Instructional participants are encouraged to try out for the House or

Travel program.