Our Learn to Play program is the perfect starting point for young athletes ages 4–9 who are new to the game of hockey. Designed for both 6U and 8U players, this fun and supportive environment focuses on building skating skills, basic hockey fundamentals, and most importantly—a love for the game. No prior experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome. Our coaches create a positive, engaging atmosphere where kids can develop confidence on the ice while making new friends and having a blast!

There is no game-travel requirements at our Learn to Play level. But we do organize optional Jamborees throughout the year. These are typically with neighboring clubs (held in Telluride, Durango & Grand Junction) if your skater wants to attend.

You’re never old to learn to play hockey! If your child is 10 or older and wants to learn hockey, great! While our Learn to Play program is for 9 and under we have older kids sign up all the time. Simply sign them up for their age group by clicking REGISTER at the top of this page. We offer Full and Half Season options at the 10U level as well.

Learn to Play Options

There are 2 options for getting involved in hockey for your 6U and 8U players.

Option 1: Full and Half Season Memberships for kids looking for more ice time (birth years 2017-2020)

  • Season starts Oct 8 (Session 1: Oct 8-Dec 19 – Session 2: Jan 5-Mar 4)
  • Three 1-hour practices a week
  • No-travel (optional jamborees in Telluride/GJ/Durango)
  • Full (2 Sessions): $625 Half (1 Session): $375
  • Early Bird Registration ends Aug 15
  • Does not include equipment
  • REGISTER TODAY!

Option 2: Li’l Lizard Heads – Full Gear and Practice Setup

We  are pleased to announce a partnership with Pure Hockey to bring you the Li’l Lizard Heads Program, our Learn to Play Program for kids 2017-2020 birth years. Built to maximize the number of kids playing hockey by providing an easy entry to the sport. .

  • Full set of brand new hockey gear from Pure Hockey
  • Six 1-hour practices
    Fridays: Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14
  • $320 for gear and 6 practices!
    * The program is available for first-time 6U or 8U players that have not played hockey before. All player eligibility is subject to review and spots are not guaranteed.
  • REGISTER TODAY!
Which do you choose?
  • if your child is new to hockey and does not have gear, the Li’l Lizard Heads program is a great and inexpensive way to test the waters. If they love it and want to skate more than one day a week, simply sign them up for our Full or Half season membership and start bringing them 3x a week!
  • if you child has already played hockey or participated in the Li’l Lizard Heads program, you should sign them up for our Full or Half season membership.
How do I register for Learn to Play?
  • If you’re registering for our Full or Half Season Memberships, use the REGISTER link at the top of this page!
  • If you are registering for Li’l Lizard Heads, use the REGISTER link at the top of this page!
Learn to Play Hockey in Telluride

Frequently Asked Questions

If you registered for the Mile High Mites Program, they will connect you with a Pure Hockey representative. You can place your order over the phone and your gear will be mailed to you.

If your child is not part of Mile High Mites and needs gear, we’d recommend calling (866-787-3462), visiting Pure Hockey or stopping by one of their Denver stores (if you are going through the area). They have a great team of people that can help you find the right size gear for you skater.

Not at all! We welcome kids of all ages. Even if you child is over our “Learn to Play” age of 4–9 they can still sign up and start playing. Our 10U age group offers full and half season options. We’ve even had kids start playing at the 12 and 14U age group. It’s never too late to learn to play hockey!

The Mile High Mites program is a low cost option to try hockey. We only offer practices one day a week (Fridays). If your child loves hockey and wants to skate more often… GREAT! Sign them up for our Full or Half Season Membership but clicking REGISTER at the top of this page and bring he or she to practices 3 days a week!

Oh no! We hate to hear that! First, talk to your coaches, see if there are ways who can support your child and help them succeed. Sometimes some simple changes to our process may help he or she feel more comfortable. If your family decides that hockey is not right for them and stop participating, consider giving it some time and see if they to return after a break. We’ve had younger kids that simply needed to be a bit older before really finding their love of the game.

We do have a Refund Policy you can review.

While we would love to stay yes, typically kids under 4 need quite a bit more attention on the ice. It would not be fair to the other kids if our coaches were spending most of their time assisting younger skaters.

We’d suggest getting your kids some skates and a helmet and taking them to the open skate sessions at Hanley. Getting your kid on the ice early is a great way to start leveling up their skills before they start with our Learn to Play program.

Great question! Newer hockey parents are sometimes confuses about how this works. USA Hockey sets strict rules on how we operate our program. Our age groups are defined by their birth year requirements. They are typically 2 years age brackets for Boys/Coed and slightly different for Girls programs.

Below are the age classifications for 2025-2026.
Please note: Boys (Coed) are open to boys and girls.

Boys (Coed)
6U: 2019-2020
8U: 2017-2018
10U: 2015-2016
12U: 2013-2014
14U: 2011-2012
High School: 2005-2010

Girls
12U: 2013-2014
15U: 2010-2012
19U: 2006-2009

Note that registration numbers may affect the girls team we're able to have each season. We will update this page once we know our registration numbers.

Checking is only in Boys/Coed Hockey and starts at the 14U age level. Coaches will start teaching angling and body contact at the 10 or 12U levels to prepare kids checking. Proper angling and some body contact are permitted at the younger levels as long as it is not egregious.

Girls hockey has the exact same rules as Boys (Coed) hockey until the 14U  age group. At the 14U age group, Boys (Coed) start checking. If your daughter is confortable playing checking hockey she is more than welcome to continue playing Boys (coed) hockey. She can play there as long as she likes.

Girls are lucky to have the option to play Boys (Coed) hockey or Girls hockey (if available). Many of our Telluride girls do both for some time. It’s up to your daughter and her comfort level when she’s ready to switch to Girls Hockey.

Note that our clubs numbers fluctuate each year at the girls level. Depending our our roster numbers we may or may not have a girls team at the 12U, 15U or 19U level. On some occasions younger girls can play up on the 15U or 19U age groups depending on their ability and age difference. Contact the club with any questions.

If you’re passing through Grand Junction, they typically have open hockey throughout the year. That’s your best bet. Durango may also have some ice during early fall as well.