Little Hawks

The Darien Park District Little Hawks Program is for players who are interested in learning to ice skate and play the game of hockey!

The Little Hawks Program includes Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, Drills for Skills and Power Skate classes. The Darien Park District Little Hawks Program is coached by Steve Climo and his staff. Fully hockey equipment is required for all programs.

Learn to Skate classes are for inexperienced skaters, ages 3 and up. Players will develop the ability to skate at a beginner's level and progress toward learning to play hockey. Learn to Skate classes are offered in 6-week cycles year-round.

Classes are designed to give the inexperienced skater a solid foundation for developing their hockey skating abilities. Our goal is to develop the students skating abilities to be able to promote them towards the first steps of learning to play hockey.

Equipment Requirements: USA Hockey approved helmet & face mask, hockey stick, shoulder pads, hockey pants, protective gloves, elbow pads, knee/shin pads, hockey skates and neck guard.

Learn to Play classes are designed for the novice skater who is ready to start further developing hockey skills. Players must be able to balance while standing and be able to push off and glide across the ice. All practices follow the guidelines set forth by USA Hockey's American Development Model (ADM).

Players will learn the basics of forward and backward skating, stops, starts, turns, transitions, passing, shooting and more. Learn to Play classes are offered in 6-week cycles year-round.

Equipment Requirements: USA Hockey approved helmet & face mask, hockey stick, shoulder pads, hockey pants, protective gloves, elbow pads, knee/shin pads, hockey skates and neck guard.

Drills for Skills and Power Skate are one-hour classes intended to help players maintain and further develop their hockey skills in preparation for in-house league or travel hockey. These classes are not required to proceed to the in-house or travel hockey level. Classes are offered in 6-week cycles year-round.

Drills for Skills classes are high intensity, designed for both the aspiring House and Travel hockey player. High repetition of all drills allows instructors to recognize the needs of each player and provide personalized direction for their further development. The reinforcement of skating, stick handling, passing, and shooting will all be taught in a non-contact environment.

Equipment Requirements: USA Hockey approved helmet & face mask, hockey stick, shoulder pads, hockey pants, protective glasses, elbow pads, knee/shin pads, hockey skates and neck guard.