Learn to Play Ice Hockey - Manchester Phoenix Junior Ice Hockey Club

Learn to Play Ice Hockey!

There are three steps to playing ice hockey with Manchester Phoenix Juniors. If you're over 5 and under 18, read on...

1. Hockey basics

Step one, and ideal for novices, this is an eight-week course run by the rink and features Phoenix coaches. Based on the EIHA approved format, you'll go through six grades, learning all the essential skills you'll need. The course includes basic skating, puck control, balance, shooting and more. Call the rink to book on 08700 85 29 29 or follow this link for more information: www.silver-blades.co.uk/altrincham

2. Stick & Puck

Once you've covered the basics, try a Stick & Puck session. Run by the junior club, it gives you the chance to do your own thing, practising stick skills in your own time and at your own pace. There'll be a Phoenix coach on the ice to give you any help and advice you want. Just ask! There'll be club members on the ice as well so you'll need some basic kit for this. The minimum is helmet, gloves, skates, neckguard and pelvic protection (box). Sessions cost just £5 for non-members and members can skate for free. Find times on our current ice time schedule.

3. In-House

'In-House' is our name for an informal game. It's the next stage in gaining experience playing as part of a team. Just turn up and coaches will divide players in to similar age groups and ability levels. It's a real ice hockey match, but without the pressure of having to be the best! When you've got some In-House under your belt and you want to go on to join a Phoenix junior team, just ask a coach, who'll be happy to assess you! In-House sessions cost £5 for non-members while members (except U18) play free. You'll need to wear full kit. Find times of our weekly sessions on our current ice time schedule.

Important Information

Stick and puck sessions are supervised by fully qualified Phoenix ice hockey coaches registered with the English Ice Hockey Association. They also have child protection clearance and have playing experience up to Elite league level. They will normally be junior league team coaches and will know exactly what level of skill you require to progress to 'in house' hockey or one of the Manchester Phoenix squads.

Full kit

When you play in scrimmages and games you will need full kit. For insurance reasons there can be no exceptions. The club has a limited, but ever growing, amount of loan kit, so we may be able to help you out in the first few weeks. Just ask. Otherwise, you'll need to buy some kit yourself. The Altrincham Ice Dome will have its own kit shop where Club members will be able to buy equipment at discounted prices. Until the shop is fully operational, we suggest you check our links page for other suppliers.

Full kit consists of:

Helmet (with face guard)
Neck guard
Body Armour
Elbow Pads
Hockey Gloves
Pants
Box/Pelvic Protector
Leg Pads
Socks
Skates
Stick

For more details about how to trial for a Phoenix junior team, click here.

Schedule changes

Please note that sessions may be subject to cancellation or alteration during public holiday periods or as a result of circumstances beyond our control. The club also has a summer break between July and mid August. Check the training schedule or the home page of the junior website for the latest info and changes.