(And Improve Coordination, Confidence and Focus)

Ice hockey is a fast-growing sport in metro Atlanta, with five ice centers offering opportunities to learn and skate, for kids and adults, and competition through league play. The metro area’s pro team, the Atlanta Gladiators, is regularly drawing thousands to its home games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

Learn to Play Hockey Programs (LTP) have played a big part in expanding Atlanta’s fan base for hockey. LTP programs perform something of a miracle: Kids reluctant to step onto the ice the first day emerge weeks later with improved skills, confidence and smiles.

My son started LTP at age 5 at the Cooler, a family skate center in Alpharetta. Now, a year later, he’s playing on the House league (Mites). LTP was a great confidence builder for him. Though one of the smaller kids in his class, he is arguably now one of the strongest, fastest, and most coordinated.

The LTP Hockey Program consists of four increasingly advanced levels of fundamental hockey skills. Each level is eight weeks long and each practice is 1 hour. Kids should be 4-12 years of age and capable on skates, but beyond that the coaches try to adapt the drills to player skill.

Ice centers also offer classes to kids new to skating to prepare for the LTP program. Through LTP, my son has learned self-discipline, focus, and commitment, all while having a tremendous amount of fun. Not a day goes by when he doesn’t reach for his hockey stick and ask to play.

To find out more about ice hockey, contact an ice center – you’ll find locations in all parts of the metro area.
– Megan Benoit Ratcliff

Hockey Equipment

Hockey is not a cheap sport when you factor in equipment, LTP programs, and additional ice time. Renting gear or buying used at a local Play It Again Sports or online are good options. Here’s what’s required:

  • Skates
  • Helmet
  • Facemask
  • Mouthpiece
  • Stick
  • Shin, Shoulder and Elbow Pads
  • Supporter and Cup
  • Gloves
  • Pants/Breezers

Want to play? Start here.

Center Ice Arena
5750 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-549-8425; centericearena.org

Ice Forum
2300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth. 770-813-1010; iceforum.com
3061 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw.770-218-1010;  iceforum.com

Marietta Ice Center
4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-509-5067; mariettaicecenter.com

The Cooler
10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta. 770-649-6600; coolerathletics.com

The ICE
1345 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming. 678-845-0103; theice.info

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