LTS, ITH, & MDL

2026-2027

DEVELOPMENT: LEARN TO SKATE

Learn to Skate

Beginning skaters enter WYH through the Learn to Skate program. This program runs for  20 weeks from mid-October to mid-March. Skaters will focus on building confidence and learning the fundamentals of balance, stride, stopping, and turning in a fun and supportive environment.

We are excited to announce that Coach Chris Pearl will be leading Learn to Skate this season.

Parents are welcome on the ice to help, but please keep in mind that it is easy for an adult to fall or get knocked down — always keep your head on a swivel!

Equipment Requirements:

 • Helmet – All children must wear a helmet at all times on the ice. An HECC-approved hockey helmet is preferred, but bike and ski helmets are acceptable.

 • Skates – Must fit properly, be sharp, and tied correctly. (Skates typically run about 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size.) Sharp edges help children turn, while skates tied too loose or too tight can cause pain or injury.

 • Gloves – A good pair of gloves is required.

 • Knee/Elbow Pads & Hockey/Ski Pants – Strongly recommended for safety, since the ice is a hard surface.

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DEVELOPMENT: INTRO TO HOCKEY

Intro to Hockey

Intro to Hockey is the next step for players who are ready to begin their hockey journey. Skaters must be able to move independently with a stick in hand, as no support crates will be used during this session. The program runs alongside Learn to Skate for about 20 weeks, from mid-October to mid-March.

This program introduces players to hockey fundamentals through station-based drills and small-area activities that focus on skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting. It’s a fun, fast-paced environment designed to prepare players for the Mite Development League (MDL).

We are proud to have Coach Tom Wright leading the Intro to Hockey program this season.

Mite Development Program

The Winthrop Youth Hockey Mite Development Program is designed to introduce young players to hockey in a fun, active, and supportive environment while building the fundamental skills they will need as they continue through our program.

Over the past two seasons, Winthrop Youth Hockey has continued to improve and expand Mite Development with a greater emphasis on skill development, repetition, and keeping every player involved throughout each practice.

Station-Based Practices

Each week, players rotate through several small-area stations designed to maximize touches, movement, and repetitions. Instead of players spending time standing in lines, our station-based format keeps them active and gives them the opportunity to work on different skills throughout every practice.

Stations focus on age-appropriate fundamentals, including:

* Skating & Edge Work – balance, stride development, stopping, turning, and learning to use their edges.

* Stickhandling – developing comfort and confidence handling the puck.

* Puck Control – learning to maintain possession while skating, turning, and changing direction.

* Passing & Shooting – introducing proper techniques through fun, repetitive drills.

* Agility & Coordination – helping players become more comfortable and athletic on their skates.

* Hockey Games & Challenges – incorporating fun competitions and small-area games that allow players to use the skills they are learning.

Parents Are Part of the Program

One of the things that makes Mite Development successful is parent participation.

Parents are expected to help on the ice and assist with running the different stations each week. You do not need to be an experienced hockey coach to help. Our coaches organize the practices, explain the drills, and provide direction so parents know what to do at their station.

Having additional adults on the ice allows us to create smaller groups, provide players with more individual attention, and keep practices moving.

It’s also a great opportunity for parents to get involved, learn alongside their player, and become part of the Winthrop Youth Hockey community.

Building the Foundation

At this age, our goal isn’t just to teach hockey—it’s to help kids love coming to the rink.

We want players to leave each practice having improved their skills, gained confidence, made friends, and had fun. The fundamentals learned in Mite Development provide the foundation players will build upon as they progress into Winthrop Youth Hockey’s Mite teams and beyond.

Learn the game. Build skills. Have fun. Become a Viking.

Parent Volunteers:

Parents who wish to volunteer on the ice must complete the free USA Hockey volunteer registration. Volunteers may be asked to help run stations each week.

Equipment Requirements:

 • Full Hockey Equipment – Helmet (HECC-approved), shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, skates, and stick.

 • Neck Guard & Mouth Guard – Strongly recommended for added safety.