BHC Learn-To-Play
The Future Bruins Instructional program clinics are designed primarily for players who want to start playing ice hockey. Players ages 4-18 are welcome. Please keep in mind that players aged 4-6 should have some basic skating instruction before participating (please email Coach Schmidt at the link below if you are unsure if your child is ready for the program). Future Bruins Prospects emphasizes hockey skating skills and stick handling with an introduction to the game of ice hockey in the latter part of the program. The sessions are 60 minutes and are usually held on Sundays.
First-time participants are eligible for a one time FREE clinic (approximately 8 one hour sessions). Once a player has completed their first free clinic, the fee is $160 plus processing fee. Full payment via credit card or bank account is required at registration. Space is limited. USA Hockey Registration is required of all skaters.
Regular session cost $160 plus Online Processing Fee (rookies -- first time participants -- are FREE for their first session contact us for the discount code!)
USA Hockey Registration required, to register go to www.usahockey.com
Players must not be registered in a hockey program with another rink or club.
Required Equipment:
Shoulder pads Hockey pants
Hockey skates Hockey helmet with cage
Hockey gloves Hockey stick
Elbow pads Shin guards
***Effective August 1, 2024 USA Hockey Rule: Neck Guards are mandatory for player under 18***
*Bowie Hockey Club has some loaner equipment. If you would like to use our equipment, please contact our Equipment Manager at equipment@bowiehockey.org
FAQ
What if I have never skated before?
Never skated before? No Problem, the Bowie Ice Arena has an excellent Learn to Skate program where you can progress through skating lessons and be advanced to a team when you are ready. If you eventually wish to play hockey, then join the Instructional/Learn to Play program.
Am I going to be an aggravation to more advanced players on the ice?
Absolutely not! We welcome everyone and you will see that our teams and skating programs have a wide range of skill levels on the ice. You will fit right in. We work hard to help make everyone better and you will find the more skilled players very willing to help you. You will get better much faster than you anticipate.
How do I know when I have progressed enough to advance to league play?
Your skating instructors will advise when they think you are ready to advance to a team. Once you learn the basics, you will be introduced to a coach to have you progress to a team. Your fees will even be pro-rated to correspond to when you join the team!
What are the costs associated with hockey?
While hockey is sometimes viewed as an expensive sport, we do everything we can to keep the costs of hockey affordable for our membership. As our membership grows the costs for all participants’ decreases. You will have season fees that cover the cost of your lessons or team fees that cover the costs of your practices and games. Lesson fees average about $160 per 8-week session for the Instructional/Learn to Play Program and team fees can range from $800-$3400 per player.
How do I learn the basic rules of ice hockey?
Your membership with USA Hockey is required, but includes a terrific rulebook to help jump start your knowledge of the rules of Ice Hockey. In addition your instructors and coaches will be reviewing all the necessary rules as a part of the practice plans.
What can I do on my own to begin learning the basics of skating and the game of hockey?
Our instructional/learn to play season begins in early July and our travel program begins in late August and our recreational program begins in late September and if you want to get started prior to then we encourage you to visit the Bowie Ice Arena. They have open skating, drop in hockey and other events you can participate in. Also review www.usahockey.com for an overview of the game and resources to get you started.
Do I need to be a member of USA Hockey to get started?
Yes, you will need to join USA Hockey and can do so on the www.usahockey.com registration website.