Maybe this sounds familiar. You have decided to get your child into hockey, but don’t know where to start. You have heard some random bits here and there and maybe even know some of the lingo.

But when it comes down to it, you really don’t know what steps to take next. This is usually where a little anxiety starts creeping in.

We’re here to tell you RELAX! All you really need is the right equipment and a place to play. Lucky for you, we have you covered.

EQUIPMENT: It may seem daunting at first – all the new equipment and verbiage you may know little about. Don’t let that stop you though. It’s easier than it appears. You’re looking to protect your youngster from head to toe and everywhere in between.

Our Learn To Play Buying Guide was designed with you in mind. Inside you’ll find our best beginner’s equipment, handpicked for safety and quality and all gathered in one place to make shopping easier. You’ll also find sizing guides, videos and other resources aimed at educating parents new to the sport.

We are confident that once you get started, you’ll become so familiar with the equipment that before you know it, you’ll be telling your friends and neighbors how they too can get their kids involved.

A PLACE TO (LEARN TO) PLAY: You need to register your child with the right organization as well. Most organization’s members are determined parochially based on zip code.

Parents, you should be looking for and asking if the rink in question offers Learn To Play or Learn To Skate programs. We suggest contacting your local ice skating rink either online, over the phone, or in person and inquiring about their developmental programs. If none are offered, you might have to try the next closest rink as not every rink offers these programs. A good starting point is simply getting online and searching your city and state name, followed by “ice hockey sign up” or similar.