Get in the game with the Little Blackhawks Learn to Play program!

Learning to play hockey is more than just learning a game. More than skating, passing and stick-handling, hockey is about responsibility, respect and teamwork. As children learn the skills needed to succeed on the ice, they also build and solidify important character traits needed to succeed off the ice. With that in mind, the Learn to Play initiative was developed jointly by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association to offer more families a chance to experience everything that makes youth hockey so rewarding.

Developed with the help of experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, the Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, between 4-9 years of age, head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching, led by NHL Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere. This program is for first-timers only. If you have previously participated in Little Blackhawks or if you already play on a team, you cannot enroll for this program.

If you are interested in registering for a session, it is highly recommended a Learn to Skate program is completed before starting Little Blackhawks. You may register for one at your local rink, or at your Little Blackhawks host location.

The Little Blackhawks program includes 6-8 weeks of lessons at a local ice rink and a full set of hockey equipment! Weekly sessions are run by ice rink staff and local coaches.

Questions? Contact [email protected].


Active Registration

Rink
Location
Start Date
End Date
Registration Links

Kube Sports Complex

2825 Mahoney Drive Hammond, IN 46323
9/13/2025
11/1/2025

Nicholas Sports Complex (Mount Prospect)

1501 Feehanville Dr, Mt Prospect, IL 60056
9/14/2025
11/23/2025

Canlan Sports - West Dundee

801 Wesemann Dr West Dundee IL 60118
9/20/2025
11/29/2025

Darien Sportsplex

451 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL 60561
10/1/2025
11/19/2025

Midwest Training & Ice Center

10600 White Oak Avenue Dyer, IN 46311
10/4/2025
11/22/2025

Glenview Community Ice Center (4-6 years old)

1851 Landwehr Road Glenview, Illinois 60026
10/5/2025
11/23/2025

Glenview Community Ice Center (7-9 years old)

1851 Landwehr Road Glenview, Illinois 60026
10/5/2025
11/23/2025

Robert Crown Ice Arena

1801 Main Street Evanston, Illinois 60202
10/7/2025
11/25/2025
Register Now

Upcoming Registration


Rink
Location
Registration Opens
Northbrook Sports Center
1730 Pfingsten Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
9/3/2025
Ridgeland Commins (Oak Park) - Fall Session II
415 Lake Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302
9/4/2025
Fox Valley Ice Arena
1996 S Kirk Rd, Geneva, IL 60134
9/10/2025
Centennial Ice Rinks
2300 Old Glenview Road Wilmette, Illinois 60091
9/10/2025
ImOn Ice Rink - Dubuque
1800 Admiral Sheehy Drive Dubuque, Iowa 52001
9/10/2025
All Seasons Ice Rinks - Fall Session II
31W330 North Aurora Road Naperville, Illinois 60585
9/15/2025
Carlson Ice Arena
4150 N Perryville Rd, Loves Park IL 61111
9/17/2025
Pop Weaver
1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
9/24/2025
JET Hockey Training Arena
1820 Pickwick Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
10/16/2025

Registration Fees Include:

  • Six (6) to eight (8) weeks of ice time and lessons at a local rink
  • A full set of brand-new gear to keep (see equipment kit information below!)
  • One (1) ticket to a Chicago Blackhawks home game in the 2025-26 season

Equipment Kit includes:

  • Chicago Blackhawks Learn to Play jersey
  • Shoulder pads
  • Gloves
  • Elbow pads
  • Helmet
  • Shin guards
  • Pants
  • Hockey skates
  • Hockey socks
  • Hockey stick
  • Equipment bag