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Beginners

BEGINNER HOCKEY!

The Omaha Hockey Club Initiation Program (IP) offers beginning level hockey instruction to Omaha area boys and girls ages 4 and up. Players do not need prior hockey experience, but we do ask for skating experience.  Either previous skating knowledge or passing level two of Learn to Skate from one of our rinks!

 

 

Players with no skating experience are to attend a 4-6 week minimum Learn to Skate Program or a 4-6 week minimum Learn to Play Hockey Program through one of the local ice rinks (you do not need to attend multiple sessions to begin in the IP program).

  • A 4-6 week learn to skate/play hockey session is a requirement for all players
  • The 4-6 week sessions are designed to focus on skating instruction to get your player prepared to enter the IP program.
  • Once completed or the required skating skills have been met, a seamless transition can be made directly into the IP program at the appropriate skill level.
  • Players should be able to skate the full length of the ice without falling down to begin with IP

The IP uses elements of USA Hockey's American Development Model (ADM).  OHC has designed IP to offer a fun and safe learning environment where players focus on:

  • The basic skills and rules of ice hockey
  • Concepts of playing on a team
  • Cooperation and fair play
  • Developing coordination, balance, and fine motor skills 
The ultimate goal of the initiation program is to instill an enjoyment of the game and a desire to continue to play the game at more advanced levels.

IP gives players the chance to learn and improve critical hockey skills such as Skating, Puck Handling, Passing, and Shooting all while having fun.


2024 INITIATION PROGRAM SPRING AND SUMMER OPTIONS

Spring and Summer IP

This program is designed for beginning hockey players age 4-14 who have not played on an Omaha Hockey team or other USA Hockey sanctioned team.  The goal of the program is to develop a players skating and hockey skills through a series of drills and instruction in a group setting on the ice.

Our Spring and Summer programs are offered as individual sessions, so you may sign up for Spring, Summer, or both.  Dates, times and prices are below.

Players should show up and be dressed and ready to hit the ice at the prescribed time.  All IP players are expected to wear a full set of hockey gear to include helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, breezers/hockey pants, knee/shin guards, skates, and stick.  The club can sell jerseys and hockey socks if you would like to buy them, but they are not necessary as your skater can wear any appropriate jersey and socks for the IP program.

Please choose from the three registrations options below:

Spring Session: ($125)
Mondays at Grover Ice Rink, either 6-7 or 7-8 (coaches determine practice time closer to start date) 

Spring 2024: Monday nights – April 1st- May 20th 



Summer Session: ($125)
Mondays at Grover Ice Rink, either 5:30-6:30, 6:30-7:30, 7:30-8:30 pm  (coaches determine practice time) 

Summer 2024: Monday nights – July 2nd- August 26th 

Spring and Summer Sessions ($225)

 

IP/Mite Transition Camp ($150 each session)

(Registration capped to 32 players)

Tuesday nights, 6:00 - 7:00 at Grover Ice Rink

Summer 2024: Tuesday nights – July 2nd- August 27th . 

 

Click here to register: 

https://omahahockey.sportngin.com/register/form/431634376

 

IP Volunteer Sign Up

Our programs are 100% run on volunteers. If you want to help in any capacity please use the link below. We are in need of both on-ice and off-ice help. 

 

https://omahahockey.sportngin.com/register/form/295881713

Omaha Hockey Teams up with Play It Again Sports -Omaha for all your Beginner Gear Needs!

Play It Again Sports is now the official supplier of all your beginner hockey gear needs! Fill out this google form, go to Play It Again Sports ( 84th and Center) to get your player ready to go.  

 

https://forms.gle/cDBZuXbvRNChiwzT9

IP Jersey and Sock Order Link

$25 for white OHC jersey $10 for black knit socks Jerseys can be customized with player's name and number. Contact OHC IP-Mite Director or the IP Commissioner for more details.

Required Equipment

How to dress my kid for hockey - from USA Hockey.

Click here for a list of what you need to wear to play ice hockey!

Click here to find out how to clean hockey equipment.

2023-2024Initiation Program Fall and Winter

Fall IP will begin September 25th, 2023! 

Registration link below:

https://omahahockey.sportngin.com/register/form/844449378?_gl=1*8hw2dw*_ga*ODUxMzM4NjU1LjE2OTE0MzQyNjk.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY5MjA0MTA3MC43LjEuMTY5MjA0MTUwNi4wLjAuMA.. 

Fall IP-

Two sessions per week. A 45 min session on Mondays, plus an hour session on Saturday mornings.

Times are Mondays 6:00-6:45, 6:45-7:30 & 7:30-8:15.  Saturday morning times are 9:15 - 10:15, 10:15 - 11:15, and 11:30 - 12:30, Each player will be assigned a group time within a week of the season starting. 

Session times will be determined by birth year and experience.

IP Winter will begin Jan 8th, 2024! 

 

Two sessions per week. A 45 min session on Mondays, plus an hour session on Saturday mornings.

Times are Mondays 6:00-6:45, 6:45-7:30 & 7:30-8:15.  Saturday morning times are 9:15 - 10:15, 10:15 - 11:15, and 11:30 - 12:30, Each player will be assigned a group time within a week of the season starting. 

Session times will be determined by birth year and experience.

Changes to the schedule will come from the Mite Director and IP Commissioner.

All sessions are at Grover Ice

As always, we are looking for parent volunteers to help with running sessions and to assist with tournaments. If interested or if you have questions, please contact our IP commissioner or our Mite Director

IP Commissioner: Katy Smith - ohcipcommissioner@gmail.com
IP/Mite Director: Katy Smith - ipmitedirector@omahahockey.net

 

 

 


Session Information

Spring/Summer IP

• IP players will have one 60 minute session per week—no early mornings!

• All new players may purchase an Omaha Hockey jersey and socks for $35 (separate from registration fee). The new player will have their name put on the back of their jersey.  (Returning players continue to wear the same jersey and socks).

Fall /Winter IP

• IP players will have two 45-60 minute sessions per week.

• All new players may purchase an Omaha Hockey jersey and socks for $35. The new player will have their name put on the back of their jersey.  (Returning players continue to wear the same jersey and socks).
 

OHC Utilizes the American Development Model (ADM)

ADM was created with the a core design that valued practices and proper training above all else.

The design of ADM stresses that practices can and should be fun, especially if the kids are all playing together and having a blast with a game that they love. The more they play it, the better chance that they’ll love it. And when you combine a passion for the game with increased puck time, kids will start to excel at it. Play, love, excel. That’s the ADM.

While in the development stages of ADM, it became apparent that critical areas in our system were neglecting kids at a very early age. All children progress through the same development stages and certain aspects of these stages must be addressed at the appropriate points along the development curve in order for our children to reach their potential.  ADM provides maximum player development through age-appropriate structure and content.

Without developing skills and certain physical and mental attributes at the appropriate time, the long-term prospects of becoming a truly elite player diminish each day.

Learn more about the ADM

Important Information




New Player Information

 

 





OHC New Player Inquiry