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The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), in partnership with USA Hockey, have identified the need for a unified growth strategy as a priority for the sport of hockey. The Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play challenges the way youth hockey is offered by providing first-time participants free head-to-toe equipment, six (6) classes of age-appropriate on-ice instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere.

The program provides FREE head-to-toe equipment for your child to keep as they continue exploring youth hockey. However, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee is $285 plus processing.

The Little Preds Learn to Play program is offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls) between the ages of five (5) and nine (9). Participants must not have previously registered with USA Hockey or previously participated in a hockey league/program (house/rec league, learn to play, mini-mites, camps, etc.). It is strongly encouraged that participants complete a Learn to Skate class through their local rink prior to enrolling in Little Preds.

* If the Nashville Predators become aware that a registered child has previous hockey league/program experience, the child will be removed from the Little Preds program without refund, and guardians will be charged the full retail price for the equipment.

It is strongly recommended that participants complete a Learn to Skate class through their local rink prior to enrolling in Little Preds. For those looking to register for a Learn to Skate program, please contact your local rink. 

The Little Preds Learn to Play program is offered at ten (10) local rinks throughout the Southeast.

Upon a successful registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. A week before your session start, you will receive more information. Please check your SPAM or PROMOTIONS folder as this e-mail may not arrive straight to your inbox.

We are sorry to hear that! If you are able to give notice prior to ordering your equipment, you are able to cancel your registration and our staff will work towards processing your refund. Please email jboniecki@nashvillepredators.com with any cancellation notices.

We have notification list for all Little Preds programs. If you are interested in a session that is full, please register for the notification list here. We will contact participants when spots become available.

If you successfully registered your children for the same session, then yes. All participants will be on the ice at the same time. Coaches may split the class into groups for drills throughout the program.

No, within the first few weeks of class, you will get an e-mail with your USA Hockey number, so do not register your child yourself for USA Hockey. USA Hockey is the governing body of ice hockey in the United States.

USA Hockey is the national governing body of ice hockey in the United States (https://www.usahockey.com/). USA Hockey provides a number of resources for the Learn to Play program, including; age-appropriate training modules and practice plans, coaching certification, background screening and insurance for all Learn to Play participants.

It is strongly recommended that participants arrive 30-60 minutes early prior to the first on-ice session. Please arrive in enough time to ensure that your child is able to get checked in, dressed, and on the ice on time. Please be aware that it can take longer than expected to get your child dressed, especially in the first few sessions.

Please make sure to let your local rink contact know that you will not be attending a certain class.

Upon registration, each participant will receive complimentary head-to-toe equipment from Bauer. Please check your confirmation email for more details on how to order. 

The equipment provided includes: a helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, gloves, hockey skates, a hockey stick, jersey, socks, neck guard, and an equipment bag. Participants can purchase their own neck guard and athletic supporter (jock/jill). All equipment is required to be worn during on-ice sessions. Participants keep the equipment upon graduating from the Little Preds program.

The Nashville Predators encourage all Little Preds participants to continue playing hockey! Talk to your Coach or Rink Director for the best next step program after Little Preds graduation.

No. The Little Preds Learn to Play program is offered only to new, first-time participants. Sessions are not progressive and participants may only register once. Your rink director will be able to provide the next steps after the Little Preds program.