THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
THE CUTTING EDGES-
VANCOUVER'S LGBTQ+
HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
The lower mainland has no shortage of options when it comes to learning how to skate, shoot the puck around, play hockey or improve your hockey skills in general. We've collected a number of options for you here and linked out to them including:
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Learn to Play (Hockey Lessons)
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Learn to Skate (Skating Lessons)
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Public Skate
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Stick-and-Puck
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Powerskating (Hockey Lessons for those who already play)
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Drop-In Games
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Play as a spare
Learn to Play (Hockey Lessons)
The most comprehensive option for those looking to start playing hockey. If you have never played hockey before, it is highly recommended to complete one of these before joining one of the teams full-time. These programs focus on all aspects of hockey including rules, positioning, skating, puck-handling, and the programs end with you playing your first real hockey games. You will get the most out of these programs if you already have basic skating skills, but no hockey experience is necessary.
Practice your skating (Public Skate)
Arenas throughout the region offer “Public Skate” sessions. These are a great way to practice your skating in-between instructional sessions. Hockey sticks and pucks are usually not allowed (skating only). If you’re looking to practice with stick and pucks, check out “Stick and Puck” sessions below.
Practice your Hockey Skills (Stick and Puck)
Arenas throughout the region offer “Stick and Puck” sessions
o Minimum equipment is typically a hockey helmet, skates, stick and pucks
o Hockey gloves typically aren’t mandatory, but will give you a more familiar feeling
o Full equipment is typically mandatory for minors, and certainly recommended for
adults (falling hurts…ask us how we know)
o Goalies may or may not be allowed depending on the location
Play hockey (Drop-In Games A.K.A. Shinny/Scrimmage)
Arenas and individuals throughout the region organize drop-in games (also known as Shinny or Scrimmages) where people various skill levels get together to play hockey. There are no-referees, so it's up to everyone there to enforce whatever level of game rules they like (e.g. typically up to you to call your own offsides, etc and just hand over the puck), and aside from a starting face-off the rest is usually done on-the fly.
Play hockey (Join a Team as a Spare Player)
Someone is always looking for a spare to play in their league games, why not help them out and get some ice-time in? Different leagues operate their own lists of spare players that team managers can contact when they need a spare, but the Hockey Community app is one of the more convenient ways to find a team to spare with.
