Learn to Play
CUYHA Learn to Play program offers new players an introduction to the game of hockey. This program includes practices that focus on foundational skating and hockey skills to get your player comfortable being on the ice and in their hockey gear.
Ages
Learn to Play is designed for players age 5-9. No prior skating experience is necessary.
When
8-week seasons with 1 practice each week
Fall season: October - December
Start date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2026
End date: Tuesday, December 8th, 2026
Winter season: January - March
Start date: TBD
End date: TBD
Where
Practice will be at the University of Illinois Ice Arena.
406 E Armory Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
Practices
Practices are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-6:45pm.
Fall 2026:
October 13th - December 8th
No practice on 11/24
Winter 2027:
TBD
Fees
- $150 fall season fee (no equipment)
- $190 fall season fee + rental equipment if needed
- $298 Little Blackhawks (includes brand-new head-to-toe equipment to keep from Pure Hockey; see registration options for more information.)
Registration Options & Process
There are three registration options based on your players equipment preferences. During the Learn to Play registration process, you will select the appropriate corresponding fee. Please see additional details below for each fee type.
For players renting equipment from CUYHA or purchasing equipment through Little Blackhawks, we recommend registering at least three weeks prior to the October 13th start date in order to allow time for equipment pickup (via CUYHA) or having equipment shipped to your home (via Little Blackhawks).
Option 1: CUYHA Learn to Play No Equipment
- This option is suitable for players who already have their own equipment and will not require any rental or purchased equipment.
- In this registration process, you may select the season fee only for $150.
Option 2: CUYHA Learn to Play + CUYHA rental equipment
- This option is suitable for players who would like to rent used equipment from CUYHA.
- In this registration process, you may select the season fee + rental equipment for $190.
- Information regarding rental equipment pickup from CUYHA at the ice arena will be sent via email.
- Equipment pickup is typically scheduled for one week prior to the first practice.
- Equipment is requested to be returned at the last practice.
Option 3: Learn to Play via Little Blackhawks
- This option is suitable for players who would like a full head-to-toe set of equipment to keep. This is a great opportunity to purchase a full set of equipment at a significant cost savings. Typical full sets can range from $300 - $400 at this age.
- Equipment kit from Pure Hockey includes: Chicago Blackhawks Learn to Play jersey, shoulder pads, gloves, elbow pads, helmet, shin guards, pants, hockey skates, hockey socks, hockey stick, and equipment bag.
- Equipment is ordered online and shipped directly to your home in 7-10 days.
- In this registration process, you will select the Little Blackhawks option with a "free" cost registration with CUYHA in order to be added to our roster.
- Your confirmation email from CUYHA will include instructions and a link to complete the payment portion of your registration through the Little Blackhawks registration website.
- Following the payment registration process, you will receive a confirmation email from the Little Blackhawks within a few minutes that contains instructions for ordering your head-to-toe equipment kit from Pure Hockey including a sizing guide.
- A discounted ticket offer to a Chicago Blackhawks home game in the 2026-2027 season will be sent directly from Little Blackhawks as well as part of the program benefits.
Learn to Play Fall 2026
There are three registration options based on your players equipment preferences. You will select the appropriate corresponding fee during registration.
$150 fall season fee (no equipment)
$190 fall season fee + CUYHA rental equipment
$298 Little Blackhawks (includes brand-new head-to-toe equipment to keep from Pure Hockey)
Strongly encouraged to register at least 3 weeks prior to October 13th in order to allow for rental equipment pickup (via CUYHA rental) or delivery of new equipment (via Little Blackhawks).
Registration coming soon...