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Learn To Play

Learn To Play 2023-24 Season Starts Sunday, November 12th.

REGISTER NOW @ https://cascoyh.sportngin.com/register/form/928931114

If you are interested in this program, please read the information below and email the director if you have additional questions.

LTP will be on Sunday mornings at 7:10AM and 8:20AM, and Tuesday nights at 5:20PM and 6:30PM at FIC and goes for 40 sessions from early November to the middle of March.

We typically separate the two LTP Groups by age with the younger group being Tuesdays at 5:20PM and Sundays at 8:20AM. These programs are set to start in November and a few of the first LTPs may have a time change due to Family Ice Center ice but for the most part they will stick to the times listed above.

Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Once the program is at capacity, we will no longer accept skaters.

The director will send an introductory email out a few weeks before the start of the season.

Please read ALL of the information listed below before contacting program director, Joe Guerriero.  


Wondering if LTP or BTI is right for you?
Any 6-13 year old with little or some hockey experience is welcome at LTP.  A 5 or 6 year old who is new to hockey can opt for either the BTI or LTP program at parent's discretion.  Please read each program description and make a choice based on where you think your child will be most successful.  If it becomes clear that a child is in the incorrect program once the season starts, we can work together to make a change to ensure that the child is in the program that best fits his or her needs!

Learn To Play is a required program for any players who want to play in one of CBHA's divisions (Mites, Squirts, Peewees etc.).  LTP is perfect for children who have some experience skating and are ready to take the next step toward organized skating.  Skaters should be able to stand and move forward independently on skates. 

This is the correct program for "graduates" of Casco Bay BTI (ages 5-6), and for those skaters who are too old OR too advanced for BTI.

Learn to Play is a beginner/intermediate program for skaters ages 6-13 that introduces players to the game of hockey.  This program focuses on developing player's skills and sense of the game.  Participants will be grouped with players of similar ages/abilities to ensure a positive learning environment.  Our goal is to focus on skills (power skating, stick handling, passing, shooting, etc.)  in small stations during one practice each week.  On the other day, we will gradually work toward incorporating small area games -- players will build up over the course of the season to experience cross-ice games similar to the format that is used in Mite hockey. 

If you have any other questions regarding the LTP program please email Casco Bay Hockey Academy Director, Joe Guerriero.

Note: The LTP program is NOT required for those skaters who have played organized hockey with another organization outside of Casco Bay Hockey. These players may enroll directly into an age appropriate CBHA division (Mites, Squirts, Peewees etc.) provided they submit a signed release from their previous organization. 

Commonly used acronyms in Casco Bay Hockey Association:
FIC/FFIC: Family Ice Center in Falmouth
CBA: Casco Bay Arena in Falmouth
NYA: Travis Roy Arena in Yarmouth
TIA: Troubh Ice Arena in Portland 
LTP: Learn to Play
BTI: Break the Ice
CBHA/CB Academy: Casco Bay Hockey Academy - both LTP and BTI programs
TA: Team Administrator - a volunteer parent who will be at the rink helping the program director and coaches with tasks including fundraisers and apparel.  

AGES

BTI graduates ages 5 and 6; and all other new players between the ages of 6-13 years of age.

SKILL LEVEL

New to ice hockey/graduates of BTI

EQUIPMENT

A Casco Bay Hockey player jersey will be provided to all skaters at their first practice. 

Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 1) make certain the player is adequately protected and 2) be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will better enjoy their participation.

The following equipment is required:

Equipment bag - to carry all of the equipment below!

Stick - Can be either wood or composite material. Top of stick should align with skaters chin when standing on skates (nose in sneakers) and blade on ground.

Skates – Purchase skates that will fit your child today with no more than ½” allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas, improperly fitted skates will hamper your child’s ability to skate.

Helmet – Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. A proper fitting helmet has THREE (3) buckles that properly snap.  Any color helmet is acceptable.

Facemask – Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).

Mouthpiece – Required for all players at practices and games.

Neckguard - wrapped around neck to protect from sticks, pucks and skate blades. Recommended by Casco Bay hockey.

Shin Pads – Check for proper lengths so they protect the knee and skin completely.

Hockey Socks - cover up the shin pads and are held up by either garter belt or velcro on hockey underwear/ cup. Any color is acceptable.

Supporter and Cup/Hockey jock – Essential protective equipment.

Gloves – Check for proper fit with good finger and hand mobility.

Shoulder Pads/Chest Protector – Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.

Pants – Held in proper position by suspenders or belt. Pants provide protection for the kidneys, lower spine, hips, and thighs.

Elbow Pads – Properly fitted so they do not slide and fit inside the chest pad and gloves.

COACHING

The success of our programs would not be possible without our volunteer coaches.  Parents with hockey backgrounds (as well as those without but who can skate and have a general understanding of the game) are strongly encouraged to help out on the ice. Please visit the coaches corner @ https://www.cascobayhockey.com/coaches-corner for more info on volunteering your time and skill on the ice.

Joe Guerriero

Casco Bay Hockey Academy Director