Beginner Programs

WINTER SESSION BEGINS 12/8 LEARN TO PLAY & MITE DEV!

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CT CHIEFS BEGINNER PROGRAMS FAQ

  • "WHY START HOCKEY WITH THE CT CHIEFS"

    Top-Notch Coaching Staff: At the CT Chiefs, we pride ourselves on our exceptional coaching team. Our experienced and highly trained coaches are not only experts in hockey but also excel in teaching the fundamentals to young players. They create a learning environment that is both effective and enjoyable, ensuring your child develops the right skills from the very start. 


    Structured and Progressive Curriculum
    : We believe in building a strong foundation. Our well-structured curriculum is designed to gradually develop your child's skills, focusing on key areas like teamwork, game understanding, and individual abilities. This approach ensures that players progress at a pace that suits their development, setting them up for long-term success.


    Commitment to Player Development
    : The CT Chiefs are dedicated to more than just immediate performance. Our program emphasizes long-term growth, nurturing each player's skills, confidence, and passion for the game. We focus on creating well-rounded athletes who love hockey and are prepared to excel at higher levels.

    Choose the CT Chiefs and give your child the best possible start in hockey. Join us, and watch your young athlete thrive in an environment designed for success!

  • "I'M NEW TO HOCKEY, HOW DO I GET STARTED?"

    If your child has never skated before or is transitioning from figure skates to hockey skates, we recommend starting with our "Learn to Play Hockey (LTPH)" program. If your child previously completed LTPH, their next step is the "Mite Developmental (MD)" Program.  After one or two MD sessions, your child progresses to the "Mini-Mites," where they start to play games.

    All CT Chiefs Beginner programs can be registered for the day of the event by clicking on the following links.

    Step  ILearn To Play Hockey
    Step IIMite Development Program
    Step IIIMini-Mites Program

  • "WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL WE NEED TO BRING?"

    Participants in LTPH need Skates, a Helmet, Gloves, and a Stick. No additional equipment is necessary for LTPH. However, we recommend that LTPH participants wear comfortable clothing. Ideally, gym pants or joggers and a long sleeve warm, breathable top.  Players will receive a complimentary CT Chiefs jersey as part of their registration in the program.

    We recommend all players get fitted by Proshop @ Newington Arena (Click for more Info) and request the beginner equipment package.

    All MD participants must have the following equipment: skates, a helmet with a valid and current HECC sticker, gloves, shin guards, elbow pads, hockey pants, hockey socks, and a stick. In addition, the CT Chiefs will provide a complimentary jersey to all participants as part of the registration process.

  • "WHERE DO I PURCHASE EQUIPMENT?"

    Quality equipment can be purchased in the Pro Shop at Newington Arena.

  • "WHEN DO WE START?"

    Our FALL programs all begin in September!
    Our WINTER programs begin in December.

  • "WHAT'S NEXT?"

    After your child completes the LTPH, the next step is MD and then the Mini-Mites. After finishing those programs, our young athletes move onto the Developmental Program. There, they will continue to develop their skating ability and begin to learn foundational hockey skills. 

  • "WHAT IS USA HOCKEY? WHY DO I NEED A USA HOCKEY REGISTRATION NUMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CT CHIEFS DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMS?

    The CT Chiefs are a member of USA Hockey and the Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC), consisting of 38 youth hockey organizations throughout Connecticut. 

    These organizations oversee work in conjunction to support the development of grassroots hockey programs. In addition, USA Hockey launched the cutting-edge American Development Model or ADM in January 2009. It provides associations nationwide with a blueprint for age-appropriate athlete development.  Always a leader in safety, USA Hockey furthered enhancing those efforts by advancing the USA Hockey SafeSport Program in June 2012.

    All members of CT Chiefs are required to register with USA Hockey before completing their CT Chiefs registration. Learn more about USA Hockey and complete the registration process. 
    USA HOCKEY REGISTRATION

  • "WHO DO I CONTACT FOR OTHER QUESTIONS?"

    Learn more about the Programs.

    Beginner Programs Director
    Brandon Johnson
    (860) 614-9480 Cell
    bej@ctchiefs.com