Program | Discover Hockey

Realize your hockey dream!

How many times have you watched hockey players flying around the ice and wished that you knew how to play? Many people think that it is too late to learn how, but that is NOT THE CASE!

Check out this recent article in the Edmonton Journal about the Discover Hockey program.

Discover Hockey is 14 sessions that run approximately once a week, at the end of it you will become a hockey player, that we can promise! Just ask the thousands that have discovered hockey for themselves already, and are still playing.

What you get:

An unbelievable hockey experience and an opportunity to realize your hockey dream
8 on ice, skill development sessions with qualified instructors
- First 2 sessions focus on skating and stopping
2 off ice orientation/classroom sessions
- First session is equipment orientation
- Second session is rules of the game and positioning chalk talk
4 NCHL games vs. the other beginner teams formed during the program
- You will be playing against the players in the other program sessions, same skill level as your team
Program fees are 399+GST in most locations, however check pricing for Calgary, Edmonton and Richmond to be sure. You can also save $50 per person if you register in a group of 3 or more players. Each player will receive the $50 buddy bonus and any other players joining later who are part of your group get the same deal!

Orientation Session

Your orientation will start in a local hockey store with your NCHL instructors and the stores hockey equipment experts. This session will focus on educating new players on the essentials of the game – from the bare necessities like how to fit skates and helmets, to some lesser-known and often forgotten hockey tips. Where should you be spending your money on equipment and what to expect from the program.

Click HERE for a recommended equipment list.

Also, CBC did a story about the program back in 2013, check it out!

On Ice Sessions

8 on ice sessions will start with the backbone of hockey; skating. Our instructors will run a series of drills designed to teach you to skate like a hockey player, even if you have never had a pair of skates on in the past. As you progress through the program the focus will turn to the game of hockey, and how you’ll begin to play it. You will go through offensive and defensive positioning, puck movement, as well as game play. You will not only become a hockey player, but you will also understand the game better and have more fun playing it.

Classroom Session

Between the fifth and sixth ice sessions you will head back to the classroom where the NCHL instructors will outline the team concepts behind the game of hockey. Have a look at the Beginner HandBook.

This session is also used to organize the team aspects of the program. You will pick a team name, General Manager and Captain, as well as discuss the option of ordering personalized jerseys and continuing to play in the NCHL at the conclusion of the program. After all, this is what it is all about, playing hockey on a team with friends.

NCHL Games

At the conclusion of instruction part of the program, you and your team will play four games against other NCHL beginner teams, complete with referees and a scorekeeper. Use your new skills with your teammates and start playing the game you love. After the Discover Hockey Program is finished, you will have the option to join the NCHL and continue playing league games. To do that, you and your team will choose a general manager who will receive all registration information and will take care of registration details. We are here to help you with any questions about starting a team and will guide you all the way so you can continue playing the best game on the planet for years to come.

Mike Vincent,

Mike Vincent If your are on the fence about this, take it from a couple who had the most amazing experiences in the program. It is the single reason I'm entering season two with the team we formed after the program. When I first took the program I had never ice skated or even played ball hockey other then a couple times in school. The program gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence to start and continue my hockey career. After the course 8 of the guys and myself formed our own team to play in the NCHL thanks to the beginner program! They helped us create a fun environment to play in, that within a year was so contagious, our 8 guys turned into 30 players and two teams. The experience was second to none and I would highly recommend it to anyone that ever considered playing hockey no matter your skill set or lack of. It was the best money I ever spent.

My fiancé had the same experience. For her she had a untimely car accident so had to pull out of program the first time but she is entering it again this year to complete the experience even though she has confidence playing hockey now. She really wants to get to enjoy the full experience.
Guy or girl, young or old, beginner or experienced you'll love every second of it.

Unlike · Reply · 4 · September 5 at 9:55pm
Will Johnstone,

I was never a huge hockey fan. Sure, I watched the important games and I chatted about it from time to time but I barely knew all of the rules. Before the NCHL program I was a little sketchy on what "icing" actually meant. I'd never been on the ice before, never so much as put on a skate. A true beginner. The NCHL program taught me from the ground up, teaching me how to tie my skates, and taking me through the first couple steps of making my first real push on the ice. My first day couldn't have been much more of a disaster. I could barely stand up, let alone do anything as ridiculous as moving. Some two months later and I'm playing in games, and while I'm not the next Stamkos, Crosby or Ovechkin I consider myself competent. It can be intimidating and incredibly difficult to start learning to play hockey and that's why I appreciate the NCHL program so much. They are incredibly good at building a sense of camaraderie, and they were very dedicated to helping me improve, one step at a time. I recommend the NCHL program to any beginner or intermediately skilled players who want to brush up their skills or start from scratch.
James Miller,

Enrolling in the NCHL beginner program was one of the best things I have done for myself. Three years ago I couldn't skate and now I have fulfilled every Canadian boy's dream of playing 'real' hockey and having a 'real' team. I highly recommend this fun and effective program.
Alison Harapiak,

I cant say enough about the NCHL beginner program. Going in I was really nervous and didnt know what to expect, but the instructors were excellent. We were introduced to all of the basics from stick handling to positioning, and all in a non competitive easily paced schedule. I am now playing on two teams and love it. I would definitely recommend the program.