Learn to Skate (Tykes)

WYH learn to skate/play hockey program is also referred as the TYKE program. In this program a child learns how to skate and develops some of the fundamentals of hockey. Tykes start by first learning to catch their balance pushing a milk crate.  As skills progress, the players will move to other areas of the ice where the focus is on skating skills such as edge control, stopping, backward skating and agility.

What is the difference between Tykes (Learn to Skate) and In-House (Learn to Play)

The Tyke program is a learn-to-skate program.  Most of the children are between the ages of 4 and 6.  If your child is older and cannot skate, we suggest they start with the Tykes and then move up to the Mites as soon as they are ready.  Tykes start by first learning to catch their balance pushing a milk crate.  As skills progress, the players will move to other areas of the ice where the focus is on skating skills such as edge control, stopping, backward skating and agility.

How does the season progress?

Around Thanksgiving, the Tykes will continue to develop skating fundamentals and hockey skills.  They will have some cross ice internal scrimmages as the year progresses.  If a Tyke, especially an older child, has developed sufficient skating skills, we will discuss with the parents the potential for moving up to the In-House Mites by December.  A Tyke who moves up to the Mites by January 1st will be required to pay the added cost of the Mite Program.

What Equipment is Necessary?

All players are required to wear a helmet with a cage.  Full equipment is recommended for all skating sessions at the Tykes level, and is required at the In-House Mite level.  Tykes, especially the younger players can wear heavily padded snow pants and gloves at the beginning, when pushing a crate.  Sticks are usually incorporated after November for both levels.

Can I go out on the ice with my child?

Parent coaches are encouraged and all coaches are required to wear a helmet on the ice.  Parent helpers are required to register with USA Hockey, receive their SafeSport certification and pass a background screening.

To coach at the In-House Mite level, a coach must additionally attend a Level 1 USA Hockey clinic.  Registration for clinics is done through the www.usahockey.com website.  

Waltham Youth Hockey will reimburse a coach who completes the clinic and is registered as a Level 1 coach by USA Hockey.  USA Hockey holds a number of clinics each fall.  There are generally no Level 1 clinics after December until the following season.  USA Hockey requires that all coaches on the ice be Level 1 certified by December.