Learn To Play
Get your young athlete out on the ice with the Polar Caps Learn to Play program.
The program is specially designed for new hockey players, and focuses on developing basic foundation skating and hockey skills in your young player. They will have a blast learning and playing alongside their future Polar Caps teammates!
Polar Caps offers several Learn to Play (LTP) sessions beginning in the fall and throughout the winter season. Each LTP session runs for about 5 weeks. LTP is for our newest and often youngest players who may have had some prior experience skating. LTP is designed to be a fun, low-pressure introduction to basic hockey skills through games and free-play.
The hockey journey for your young athlete begins now - register today!
Hockey is for everyone and a family activity! If you are comfortable on skates, we would love to have you help during Learn to Play - no hockey experience required! Learn how to get involved here.
Ages
4 to 9 years old; it is encouraged that the participant has been on skates and/or completed a Learn To Skate session, but not required. Learn to Play is structured to allow participants to join one or multiple sessions (e.g., Pumpkin, Snowman), while also encouraging movement on to the appropriate next level during the current or following season (e.g., 6U Cross Ice, 8U RWB).
If your child is younger or older than the 4-9 age range and interested in registering for LTP, please contact us first to discuss options.
When
Ice sessions will be twice per week on Tuesdays and Sundays starting in September.
We will run 4 sessions of roughly 5 weeks throughout the year starting with the first session in September, second session starting in October, third session starting in December, and fourth session starting in February.
LTP Back to School will start on Tuesday 9/29 and go through Sunday 11/1
LTP Pumpkin will start on Tuesday 11/3 and go through Sunday 12/5
LTP Snowman will start on Tuesday 12/8 and go through Sunday 1/24
LTP Valentine will begin on Tuesday 1/26 and go through 3/7 with the last session being Polarpalozza.
Where
The West Madison Polar Caps run their Learn to Play Program at the Madison Ice Arena.
Practices
- Tuesday at 4:30 PM at Madison Ice Arena
- Sunday at either 10:45am or 11:50am at Madison Ice Arena.
Costs
The cost of the program is $100 for skaters per LTP Session (e.g. Back to School, Snowman)
Rental equipment is available for just $50 for the entire season.
All skaters will need a USA Hockey Membership. USA Hockey Membership is good for a full year, and must be renewed annually.
USA Hockey Membership Fees for 2026 by Birth Year:
- 2020 & Younger $17.00
- 2018-2019 $58.00
- 2014-2017 $71.00
- 2008-2013 $81.00
- 2007 and Older $54.00
Equipment and Jerseys
Each skater that participates in the West Madison Polar Caps Learn to Play Program will receive a jersey to keep.
Rental Equipment is available for just $50 (for the year!) for everything besides skates and sticks.
Learn to Play Back to School 2026
Learn to Play Back to School Session
Tuesday 9/29 through Sunday 11/1 for 5 Tuesday and 5 Sunday sessions.
Times: 4:30pm-5:30pm on Tuesdays, 10:45am-11:45am OR 11:50am-12:50pm on Sundays
Dates: 9/29, 10/4, 10/6, 10/11, 10/13, 10/18, 10/20, 10/25, 10/27, 11/1
Register