Learn to Skate | Danbury Ice Arena

YOUTH HOCKEY PROGRAMS

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WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Danbury Arena has youth hockey programs all year round for young skaters who want to learn how to play hockey. Hockey Development Classes teach hockey skills in small classes that are divided by age and ability. Classes are affordable, at convenient times and are taught by our professional hockey coaching staff. Check out the latest line up of classes. For your convenience you can even sign up on line at our secure on line registration site.

Required Gear

Hockey Skates
Hockey Gloves
Elbow Guards
Hockey Helmet with Protective Face Mask

NICK GAROFALO
Programs Director
Hockey, Learn to Skate & Special Programs
ngarofalo@danburyice.com
(203) 794-1704

OUR CLASSES

Please select the program tab you would like to view

SKATING FOR HOCKEY SPECIAL

Friday, November 27th, 2020 at 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Ages 8-15 ONLY
$18.50 Per Person
An hour of ice time for individuals to practice their hockey skills. Please bring completed Participant waiver with skater. For parent, bring a completed Observer waiver with you.

Rules and guidelines.

Skaters must have their own skates, sticks and equipment.
Appropriate hockey protective gear must be used.
Face masks are required at all times. Face shields do not count.
A face mask covering nose and mouth must be worn under helmet.
Parents or Guardians are not permitted into the actual ice rink area. Parents or Guardians will wait in the lobby. Parents and Guardian's must also wear a face mask at all times covering nose and mouth.
DO NOT BRING IN FOOD OR BEVERAGE. We do allow you to bring in coffee or a snack for while you wait.
Skaters must come dressed. Skates and helmets may be put on inside the rink. No locker rooms will be used.
NO TEAMS OR SQUADS FROM TEAMS. THIS IS SESSION IS FOR INDIVIDUAL SKATERS ONLY.
OUTSIDE PRIVATE LESSON COACHES ON ICE WITH SKATERS MUST ALSO REGISTER AND PAY FEE
Pucks and nets will be on the ice.
NO SKATE RENTALS. NO PRO-SHOP SERVICES.
COACHES/MONITORS: Our in house team of professional coaches will be on the ice to offer tips and maintain safety of skaters.
NO TEAMS OR SQUADS FROM TEAMS. THIS IS SESSION IS FOR INDIVIDUAL SKATERS ONLY.
OUTSIDE PRIVATE LESSON COACHES ON ICE WITH SKATERS MUST ALSO REGISTER AND PAY FEE.
No bags permitted. Every time you enter, we will check your temperature.
ARRIVE: 15 minutes before ice time with signed waiver and dressed.
DO NOT PARK IN THE FLAT PARKING LOTS ACROSS THE STREET. YOU WILL BE TOWED. Park in the city parking garage on the side of the building.
ONCE PURCHASED, THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS FOR MISSED SESSION.

LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY

Hockey 1&2
ISI equivalent - Hockey 1

We take skills learned at the basic level and build these. This would include, incorporating our stick in our skating as well as adding more backward skating, edge-work and stopping.

Ages 6-12 years old
Required skills/course: completed basic skills course(s), balance, ability to fall down and get up, and forward glide/skating.
Skills learned: Use stick, crossover, stops, and backward skating.

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Hockey 3&4
ISI equivalent - Hockey 2

For the intermediate adult skater, this program adds to our lateral movement. We also work on generating momentum using our stride and edges. Stopping and starting will be added to the skater repertoire too.

Ages 6-12 years old
Required skills/course: Have completed Hockey 1&2, getting used to stick, beginning crossovers, developed snowplow stop, and starting backward skating.
Skills learned: Crossovers, 2 foot stops, stickhandling, edges, and c-cuts.

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Hockey Development

Now we put a hockey stick in your skaters hands and work in those puck skills

NEW YORK RANGERS PROGRAMS

Learn to Play (Ages 5-9)

Winter Season starts 11/29
Getting started in hockey has never been easier or more convenient! This introductory program will teach your child the basic skills of skating, stick-handling, passing and shooting through 10 1-hour lessons. In addition, they will learn the importance of hardwork, teamwork and sportsmanship. Best of all, your child's registration also includes a brand new set of CCM hockey equipment custom fitted by our friends at Pure Hockey. Past participants are welcomed to join Learn to Play for another season or all three! However, they will not receive a set of equipment if they have participated in the program before.

Your program fee includes:

Free full set of equipment, including skates, for first time Learn to Play participants
Family-friendly schedule with 10 weeks of 1-hour sessions
Professional instruction alongside Rangers staff
Special appearances by Rangers Alumni

If you do not sign-up for your session of Learn to Play two-weeks prior to the start date of your session then we can't guarantee you will receive your equipment before the first practice.

LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY

Click below for more information on our Learn to Play Hockey program.

VIEW LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY INFO

Hockey 1&2
ISI equivalent - Hockey 1

We take skills learned at the basic level and build these. This would include, incorporating our stick in our skating as well as adding more backward skating, edge-work and stopping.

Ages 6-12 years old
Required skills/course: completed basic skills course(s), balance, ability to fall down and get up, and forward glide/skating.
Skills learned: Use stick, crossover, stops, and backward skating.

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Hockey 3&4
ISI equivalent - Hockey 2

Ages 6-12 years old
Required skills/course: Have completed Hockey 1&2, getting used to stick, beginning crossovers, developed snowplow stop, and starting backward skating.
Skills learned: Crossovers, 2 foot stops, stickhandling, edges, and c-cuts.

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Hockey Development

Now we put a hockey stick in your skaters hands and work in those puck skills

New York Rangers Programs

Click below for more information on the offered NYR programs

VIEW NYR PROGRAM INFO

Learn to Play (Ages 5-9)

Fall Session: 9/13 - 10/22
Sundays from 10:20 A.M. - 11:20 A.M.
Getting started in hockey has never been easier or more convenient! This introductory program will teach your child the basic skills of skating, stick-handling, passing and shooting through 10 1-hour lessons. In addition, they will learn the importance of hardwork, teamwork and sportsmanship. Best of all, your child's registration also includes a brand new set of CCM hockey equipment custom fitted by our friends at Pure Hockey. Past participants are welcomed to join Learn to Play for another season or all three! However, they will not receive a set of equipment if they have participated in the program before.

Your program fee includes:

Free full set of equipment, including skates, for first time Learn to Play participants
Family-friendly schedule with 10 weeks of 1-hour sessions
Professional instruction alongside Rangers staff
Special appearances by Rangers Alumni

If you do not sign-up for your session of Learn to Play two-weeks prior to the start date of your session then we can't guarantee you will receive your equipment before the first practice.

VIEW OUR HOCKEY COACHES

DIA has the most experienced group of hockey coaches in the region. If you’re searching for a new coach for your aspiring hockey player, please feel free to reach out to our team of experienced coaches.

Click below to view our coaches.

HOCKEY COACHES

NICK GAROFALO

Youth Hockey Director/Junior Ranger Program Manager

Phone: 203-794-1704
E-mail: ngarofalo@danburyice.com

Nick embodies both the spirit and passion of hockey. As a career long player and coach, Nick’s commitment to the sport makes him the perfect fit for developing the talents of future players.

He leads our in-house team of professional hockey coaches, and personally mentors each student in the art and skill of the game.

MATT VOITY

Goalie Coach / Instructor

With over 10 plus years training and developing elite level goaltenders, Matt Voity is well acclimated to Danbury Arena as he was previously the Goaltending Coach for the Danbury Mad Hatters of the EPHL for the 2008-2009 Season.

Voity then took his abilities to the NCAA Division I level with the AIC Yellow Jackets from 2011-2014, and again from 2016-2019. He worked with the University of Massachusetts from 2014–2016.

Voity earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Connecticut State University in 2003, where he was a goaltender for the school’s club hockey team.