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
CONTACT US

 

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

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

Hockey Development

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

REGISTER NOW

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

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

REGISTER NOW
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

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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.