Penn State runs youth hockey programming which connects into our programming. Often future Icers players will start out doing Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, and Nittany Lion Development Program (NLDP) at the rink. Registration for these programs can be found through the Public Pegula Site. If you are engaged in Learn to Play or NLDP programming you are likely eligible to join Icers! Please reach out to our scyiha.secretary with questions!

The Nittany Lion Development Program is for youth who have completed at least the first two levels of Pegula's Learn to Play program (or equivalent programs elsewhere). It is meant for skaters in the 8U, 10U, and 12U age groups who looking to take their skills to the next level. This in-house program is a great way to provide children with access to professional coaching and advanced training at an affordable cost.

The program offers two skills practices each week. All players must wear proper hockey equipment, which can be rented from the arena. Participation in all NLDP practices is included in the Icers registration fee, though players do not need to be registered with the State College Youth Ice Hockey Association to enroll in NLDP. 

• Fall Dates: September - December
• Spring Dates: January - March

Pegula's Learn to Play hockey curriculum follows the official Learn to Skate/Learn to Play guidelines developed by the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Figure Skating, and USA Hockey.

Hockey 1

Hockey 1 is a six-week class that teaches the FUNdamentals of skating, starting with the student's first steps on the ice. Students are taught how to stand up on skates, how to glide, how to skate, how to turn, and how to stop. All skaters are required to wear a helmet, gloves, and skates. Skates can be rented through Pegula. Bike helmets and winter gloves are acceptable. Balance aids are available to help novice skaters feel comfortable on the ice. Each class is 30 minutes in length.

At the end of the program, students are given a report card with a recommendation for which class to enroll in next. Skaters must pass Hockey 1 to be eligible to enroll in Hockey 2.

Hockey 2

Hockey 2 is a continuation of Hockey 1 and emphasizes additional FUNDamental skating techniques, such as backwards skating and more advanced gliding, skating, and stopping techniques. Each class is 30 minutes in length. Skaters must pass Hockey 2 to be eligible to enroll in Hockey 3.

Hockey 3

Hockey 3 is where students first learn to play the game of hockey. The first half of each class focuses primarily on skating skills such as crossovers and hockey stops and basic hockey skills such as the appropriate hockey stance. The second half of each class is run as a station-based clinic with small area games as outlined in USA Hockey's American Development Model (ADM) curriculum.

Skaters must wear full protective hockey equipment. Equipment can be rented at the rink. Classes are one hour in length.

Hockey 4-5

Hockey 4 and 5 are a continuation of Hockey 3. Skaters receive more advanced training on skating and hockey concepts including backwards crossovers, shooting technique, and explosive stops and starts.