AHA offers two programs for young or first time skaters. Our Learn to Skate (LTS) and Learn to Play Programs (LTP) are designed to help new skaters learn skating and playing skills necessary to advance them into our Travel Program.

The Learn to Skate Program (LTS)

The Amherst Hockey Association offers new skaters eight years old and younger a place to learn to skate and learn basic hockey skills. The LTS Program's primary objective is to help skaters have some fun while learning to skate safely. One goal is to develop hockey skills and enjoy an experience that could lead skaters and their families to participate in the AHA Travel Teams (available to all ages). Skaters are placed in groups that best match their ability and age at the beginning of the program. The LTS Program has two or three divisions, depending on skater numbers and skill level:

• Blue (beginner): First-time or new skaters; emphasis on skating skills
• White (intermediate): 2nd year in the program; emphasis on skating and basic hockey skills
• Red (more advanced): 3rd year in the program, or 2nd year with improving skills; increased emphasis on hockey skills and introduction to team play

Each LTS skater must have ice skates, shin pads, elbow pads, gloves (hockey gloves are not required; heavy winter gloves are OK), an HECC approved helmet with cage/face mask and a hockey stick. [Printable quipment information (PDF)].

The program generally runs from early November to late February.
Visit the registration page for pricing and to register.

The Learn to Play Program (LTP)

This is a hockey program offered by the Association. This program stresses skill development and hockey concepts. Its goal is to prepare skaters for Travel Teams. Skaters with equal skill levels will be placed together so that drills flow more effectively during practice time. Depending on the number of skaters in each group, creating additional groups of equal skill levels is an option. Inter-squad scrimmages will occur from time to time; teams will be created with team balance in mind. Girls have the option of being on an all-girls team or a co-ed team.

This program is available to any skater with birth years 2014 and younger (i.e. skaters 8 and under). New skaters should participate in Learn to Skate first. Older skaters are expected to participate in the co-ed Travel program, girls Travel program or the girls house team. Players should spend no more than two (2) years at this level before moving on to a Travel Team or the all-girls house team.

Full hockey equipment is required. Because of the age and abilities of skaters in this group, it is mandatory that a parent or an adult responsible for that child remain in the rink at all times while their child is in the rink.

The Association will offer one or more novice teams in the second and third sessions of the GSL Novice Program if there are enough children who meet the USA Hockey and GSL requirements. The Novice teams will play one hour cross ice games against teams from other GSL associations. These games will be 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 with reduced sized nets and no goalies and take place at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield on Sunday mornings.

The program generally runs from early November to late February.
Visit the registration page for pricing and to register.

For more information on these programs, please contact AHA President, Bill Soares at or LTS/LTP Coordinator, Thomas St Laurent, Jr. at