getting started
HOW DO I GET MY CHILD STARTED IN HOCKEY?
Often when a child shows interest in learning to play hockey his or her parents are filled with questions:
- What’s the best program for a beginner?
- Does he or she have to know how to skate?
- What equipment is required?
- What is the time commitment?
- How much will it cost?
- When is the season?
And on and on…
At the California Golden Bears we have programs and teams for beginners as well as advanced players. Our coaches are professionals with years of experience teaching youth hockey. Please feel free to contact us at with any questions and we will get back to you with answers as well as information regarding all the options for your child.
We recommend the below path for your child:
- Beginners - Start with the Kings "Learn to Skate" Program followed by...
- Little Kings Hockey Program
- The BEAR CUBS ADM Program is for children 4-10 years old who have completed steps 1 and 2 above. This program is a more structured introduction to organized hockey, but still a beginner program.
ADM Beginner Program
Under the umbrella of USA HOCKEY, the American Development Model (ADM) is a nationwide program which was researched and designed to successfully develop young hockey players. The California Bears Bear Cubs ADM program is for boys and girls in the 6u - 10u age group who are hockey beginners. Kids will be taught skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting and the basics of hockey. Our goal is for kids to have fun playing the game. Because having fun is what leads to a passion for hockey, and it’s this passion that fuels the desire to excel.
Click here to go to the REGISTRATION.
Little Kings Program
Little Kings Learn To Play is an introductory program for children ages 5-9.
As children learn the fundamentals of Ice Hockey, they will also build important character traits needed to succeed off the ice like teamwork and respect in safe and FUN environment.
To be eligible your child must not have not participated in previous years or sessions of the Little Kings program. It is highly recommended that your child completes a Learn To Skate course, or an equivalent program offered at your local rink, prior to the start of Little Kings 2024.
Step #1
Little Kings Pickwick - Learn to Skate Program - Sign up Link Learn to Skate!
Sep#2 - Little Kings Sign up LINK!
Little Kings Learn To Play is a $680 value…yours for just $314!
- 6 On-Ice Learn To Play Hockey Sessions
- Head To Toe Hockey Equipment
- Two (2) LA Kings Tickets - If registering by December 31st
- Access to additional discounted tickets for all LA Kings games
- Access to Free Little Kings Ball Hockey Events
- Access to discounted Skating School (varies by location)*
- Discounted public skates passes (varies by location)*
- USA Hockey Registration Number
- 15% Discount to TeamLA store*
- Discount to LA Kings 5K the following season (does not include LA Kings ticket)
- Access to optional special Little Kings Events at Crypto.com Arena
*Subject to change
Ball Hockey Program
In 2022, the California Bears became the first youth ice hockey organization in the United States to partner with USA Ball Hockey. With the aim to help continue the grow the sport of hockey in our local community, the program is designed to help introduce new players to the sport and provide development opportunity for players who already enjoy the game.
To register, or for more information about the California Bears Ball Hockey Program, please contact Justin Dyke @ justindyke44@gmail.com.
COACHES TIME
Coaches time is an opportunity to take semi-private lessons from individual coaches to work on skating and stick handling skills.
For more information, please contact our Hockey Director - Coach Justin Dyke @ justindyke44@gmail.com.
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