Dedham Youth Hockey is proud to launch our Intro to Hockey (ITH) program. As part of our mission to emphasize fun, friendship and skill development we will be offering 2 sessions. Each session will be fun, station based skills programs in accordance with USA Hockey’s American Development Model, and run by our team of experienced certified coaches for children of all ages.

Introduction to Hockey is the next step for those that have completed Learn to Skate and are interested in developing hockey skills. We will continue to work on skating skills and introduce new elements. DYH Coaches focus on the following core skills:

Balance & Agility – basic stance, getting up from the ice, balance on one foot, gliding on two skates, gliding on one skate – forward and backward

Starting & Stopping – T start, front v start, crossover start, outside/inside stop, two-foot parallel stop

Forward & Backward Skating – c cuts left & right foot alternating, forward striding, edge control, figure 8’s, gliding on two skates backward

Turning & Crossovers – Glide turns, tight turns, pivots – backward to forward, forward to backward

Puck Control – Stance, narrow, wide, side - front – side, open ice carry – forehand & backhand, puck in feet

Passing & Receiving – stationary forward pass & backward pass, moving forward pass, moving backhand pass and lead pass

Wrist Shot – forehand wrist shot, backhand wrist shot, lots of shooting

DYH welcomes and encourages Parents to get involved in your child's journey in learning to play hockey. We are a volunteer program and rely on parents that have skating or a hockey background to join the fun!