Shoreline Sharks & New York Rangers Team Up for 2026 Learn to Play Program

The Shoreline Sharks are once again partnering with the New York Rangers Junior Rangers program to introduce young girls to hockey through the Learn to Play Clinic, beginning September 27 at Northford Ice Pavilion.

Open to girls ages 4–11, the program is designed for beginners and gives young players an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun, all-girls environment. No previous hockey experience is necessary.

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"For families who are new to hockey, figuring out how to get started can feel a little overwhelming," said Pam Miller, Shoreline Sharks Learn to Play Clinic Manager. "This program makes that first step really easy. The girls get on the ice, learn the basics and have fun, and parents don't have to invest in all the equipment before knowing whether hockey is something their daughter will enjoy."

Eligible first-time participants receive free head-to-toe hockey equipment through the Junior Rangers program, including skates, a helmet, a stick, and protective gear.

The Sharks offer two 10-week Learn to Play sessions during the 2026–27 season. The fall session runs September 27 through December 13, followed by a winter session from December 20 through March 7. Practices are held Sundays from 3–4 p.m.

While families can register for an individual session, most players participate in both. The two-session format gives beginners the opportunity to spend much of the hockey season on the ice, steadily building their skating and hockey skills as they become more comfortable with the game.

"You see so much progress over the course of the program," said Cait Bernick, the lead Learn to Play instructor. "Some girls come in with very little skating experience, and we start with the fundamentals. As they get more comfortable, we introduce more hockey skills and keep building from there. The goal is for them to learn, improve, and most importantly, enjoy being on the ice."

Throughout the program, players work on skating, stickhandling, passing, and shooting while also learning teamwork and sportsmanship. The Junior Rangers Learn to Play model is specifically designed for beginner players and uses a station-based format, with 10 one-hour sessions focused on the fundamentals.

For many Sharks players, Learn to Play is the beginning of a longer hockey experience. As their skills develop, players can move into the Sharks' House Development Program, which is a bridge to travel hockey.

"We've watched a lot of girls come through Learn to Play and continue on with the Sharks," Miller added. "That's one of the best parts of the program. They start out just trying hockey, and before long, they're hockey players."

Shoreline Sharks Learn to Play

Fall Session: September 27 – December 13, 2026
Winter Session: December 20, 2026 – March 7, 2027
Time: Sundays, 3–4 p.m.
Ages: Girls 4–11
Experience: No previous hockey experience required

Registration is now open for both sessions.

Click here to learn more.