Youth Hockey
Children ages 7–13 can lace up their skates and get in the game with Valpo Parks Youth Hockey! From learning how to handle the puck and take their first shots on goal to building skating speed and teamwork on the ice, our program creates the perfect mix of skill-building and fun. Open to all ability levels—whether it’s your player’s very first shift or they’re ready to level up their game—our coaches are here to help every skater grow, compete, and discover the excitement of hockey!
This program is specifically designed to develop player's (ages 7 - 10) hockey specific skills. Hockey stopping, stick handling, and accurate passing will be a big focus of this group, along with basic rules of hockey and understanding the game.
This program requires that your child already knows how to skate without help prior to joining this session.
Each session splits the ice into beginner and intermediate levels!
Program Details
- Ages: 7 - 10 by January 1st, 2026
- Session Days: Tuesdays and Sundays
- Dates: January 6th - March 1st (No class on 1/18 or 2/15)
- Time: Tuesday: 4:30pm - 5:30pm ; Sunday: 9:00am - 10:00am
- Location: Central Park Plaza
- Fee: $220 resident / $250 non-resident
- Includes: Jersey and socks
- Register By: November 26th, 2025
Players will be using the skills they have gathered over the years to develop their knowledge of the game and perfect their game play techniques. This program includes time for both practice and scrimmage opportunities to work on advancing to the next level! Teams will be determined day of scrimmages based on attendance.
The max age for our youth hockey programs is 13 *or 14 and still in 8th grade.
This program requires that your child already knows how to skate without help prior to joining this session.
Each session splits the ice into beginner and intermediate levels!
Program Details
- Ages: 11 - 13 by January 1st, 2026 (or 14 and still in 8th grade)
- Session Days: Thursdays and Sundays
- Dates: January 8th - March 1st (No class on 1/18 or 2/15)
- Time: Tuesday: 4:30pm - 5:45pm ; Sunday: 10:15am - 11:30am
- Location: Central Park Plaza
- Fee: $240 resident / $270 non-resident
- Includes: Jersey and socks
- Register By: November 26th, 2025
EQUIPMENT
Hockey jersey and socks are provided. Participants must supply their own hockey stick, helmet with face guard, and full hockey pads. Listing of equipment REQUIRED is listed below.
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 have more fun playing hockey.
Required Equipment
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. Skates can be rented out from CPP to use during your hockey sessions if you do not have your own.
Helmet with FACEMASK – 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. The chin strap must always be fastened. Facemask does not take place of a neck guard which should be worn at all times.
Neck Guard – A neck guard is required at all times on the ice. This is a piece of protective equipment worn in the neck area to help prevent lacerations.
Mouthpiece – A mouthpiece is required for all youth players through the Junior age classification.
Stick – Length should generally extend from the ice to the players chin (with skates on). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours.
Shin Pads – Check for proper lengths so they protect the knee and skin completely.
Supporter and Cup – Essential protective equipment.
Gloves – Check for proper fit with good finger and hand mobility.
Shoulder Pads – 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/Breezers – Held in proper position by suspenders. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.
Elbow Pads – Properly fitted so they do not slide.
*A complete set of hockey equipment can be purchased for a relatively reasonable cost. Shop around for the best values and remember that you need not buy the most expensive equipment. Inquire about local equipment swaps and team discounts, but keep in mind the equipment must fit properly to provide the maximum protection.
Youth Sports Refund Policy:
- To be eligible for a refund, cancellations must be requested a minimum of seven (7) days before the published registration deadline.
- Cancellations within seven (7) days of the registration deadline will not be refunded.
- Refunds will be distributed back to the participant through a check in the mail. This process takes 4 – 6 weeks.
- A $15.00 service charge for processing all cancellations will apply unless the Valpo Parks and Recreation Department cancels a program due to low enrollment.
*Sessions will NOT meet on the following holiday dates:
- Martin Luther King weekend (1/18)
- President's Day weekend (2/15)
Session dates will run through Sunday, March 1st for the regular season. After this date, the ice rink will officially close for the season. If any make-ups are required and the weather cooperates, we will make-up sessions for hockey and ice skating lessons during the week of March 2nd - March 8th. Make-up days are weather permitting and not guaranteed.