NVHA offers an instructional Learn To Play Hockey program for beginning hockey players.  While most players are in the Mite age group (5-8 years old),
there are players as old as 9 who have participated in the Learn To Play Hockey program.  Many of the players have previously participated in the
NVHA Learn To Skate program, but some enter the Learn To Play Hockey program directly, based on previous skating experience outside the NVHA programs.

Instruction is provided by volunteers from the Nonotuck Valley Hockey Association and players from local high school hockey programs.

Participants are required to wear hockey skates, an approved hockey helmet with mask, hockey gloves, shin pads, hockey pants and an a
thletic supporter / pelvic protector with protective cup.

The Learn to Play Hockey program begins October 15, running for about 17 sessions in total. 

The program meets every Saturday from 11 to 11:50am at Lossone Rink on the Williston-Northampton campus in Easthampton.

The cost for the season is $150, due by October 1.  Click here for more details on how to register for the Learn to Play Hockey program.

Any questions about the Learn to Play Hockey program can be directed to .

NOTE: Children in the Learn to Play program that are between 5-8 years old may also be eligible to skate in the Novice program.  Novice hockey is 3-on-3 (no goalies) and is run by the Greater Springfield League (GSL).  Also known as "Mini-Mites" its the precursor to playing on the Mite team.

There are three sessions during the season and there is an additional cost (approx. $100/session).  Each session costs of seven (7) games and are played on Sunday mornings in Springfield.  Players must be enrolled in the Learn to Play program and assigned to the team by the Association.