Everything you need to know about getting started—from learning to skate and finding a local program to buying her first set of equipment.
Maybe your daughter watched a hockey game and immediately wanted to try it. Maybe she has a friend who plays. Or maybe she's been asking for months, and you've finally decided to give it a shot.
Whatever brought you here, welcome to girls hockey!
If you're new to the sport, getting started can feel overwhelming. Between skating lessons, equipment, registration, and figuring out which program is right for your daughter, there's a lot to learn.
But here's the good news: You don't need to know anything about hockey to help your daughter fall in love with it.
At Breakaway Girls Hockey, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to experience this game. And we're here to help you navigate the journey, starting with her very first steps on the ice.
Step 1: Start With Skating
Before your daughter learns to shoot a puck or score her first goal, she'll need to get comfortable on skates.
The best place to begin is with a local Learn to Skate program. These classes introduce the fundamentals of skating in a structured, beginner-friendly environment.
She'll learn how to:
Balance and move confidently on the ice
Fall down and get back up safely
Stop, turn, and change directions
Build the coordination needed to eventually play hockey
Many ice rinks offer beginner classes specifically designed for children, and some offer hockey-focused skating instruction.
Breakaway Tip: Don't rush this stage! Strong skating fundamentals are one of the most valuable skills a hockey player can develop. Confidence on skates makes learning everything else easier.
Step 2: Try Hockey Before Making a Big Commitment
Once your daughter is comfortable on the ice—or even while she's still learning—look for opportunities to introduce her to hockey.
One of the best places to start is a Try Hockey for Free event.
These introductory events are designed to give new players an opportunity to experience hockey without committing to an entire season. Many provide loaner equipment and coaches who help beginners learn the basics.
Other great introductory opportunities include:
Learn to Play Hockey: Beginner programs that introduce hockey skills, rules, and teamwork.
Girls Hockey Clinics: Sessions designed to help girls develop skills while meeting other girls who play.
Local Hockey Association Events: Open houses, introductory sessions, and beginner hockey programs.
You can find opportunities through your local rink, youth hockey association, or USA Hockey.
Breakaway Tip: Your daughter doesn't need to be an experienced skater to explore beginner hockey opportunities. Ask the program what skating experience is recommended before registering.
Step 3: Find the Right Hockey Program
Once your daughter decides she wants to continue, it's time to find a program that fits her age, experience, and interests.
Most youth hockey organizations offer several levels of participation.
Learn to Play
Perfect for brand-new players who are learning basic hockey skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Recreational or House Hockey
A great option for players who want regular practices and games without the larger travel commitment.
Travel Hockey
A more competitive option that typically includes additional practices, tournaments, travel, and a greater financial and time commitment.
Does she have to play on an all-girls team?
Not at all!
Many girls begin playing on co-ed teams, especially in markets where girls-only programs are still growing.
Both girls-only and co-ed hockey can provide excellent development opportunities. The most important thing is finding an environment where your daughter feels comfortable, supported, and excited to play.
When evaluating a program, ask about the coaching philosophy, practice schedule, total season cost, and opportunities for girls within the organization.
Breakaway Tip: The best program isn't necessarily the most competitive one. It's the program that matches your daughter's current needs and helps her develop a lasting love for hockey.
Step 4: Get the Right Equipment
One of the biggest questions new hockey parents have is: What equipment does my daughter actually need?
Hockey requires protective equipment, but that doesn't mean you need to purchase everything brand-new.
Beginner Hockey Equipment Checklist
Hockey helmet with a full face cage
Neck protection that meets applicable league and governing-body requirements
Shoulder pads
Elbow pads
Hockey gloves
Hockey pants
Shin guards
Hockey socks
Hockey skates
Hockey stick
Athletic supporter/pelvic protection appropriate for the player
Hockey jersey
Equipment bag
Mouthguard, as required by the player's age group and league rules
Before purchasing equipment, check with your local program. Some introductory programs provide equipment, and many organizations have loaner gear, equipment exchanges, or used-equipment options.
How Much Does Hockey Equipment Cost?
Costs vary depending on the player's size, equipment quality, and whether you're purchasing new or used gear.
For a beginner, a complete set of equipment can cost several hundred dollars or more when purchased new. Used equipment and starter packages can reduce that expense significantly.
Breakaway Tip: Proper fit matters more than expensive gear. Protective equipment should fit securely, allow movement, and provide appropriate coverage. Avoid buying oversized equipment simply because your daughter will grow into it. Helmets, in particular, should fit correctly and meet applicable safety standards.
Step 5: Understand the Time and Financial Commitment
Hockey is an investment, but there are ways to get involved at different commitment levels.
The cost of participation depends on your location, organization, and type of program.
Common expenses include:
Program registration fees
Equipment
USA Hockey membership, when required
Practices and games
Tournament fees and travel, if applicable
Optional clinics or private lessons
Beginner programs often have a smaller time and financial commitment than competitive travel hockey.
Before registering, ask the organization for a breakdown of the full-season costs and what is included.
Remember: Your daughter does not need to begin in an expensive travel program to become a successful hockey player. Development takes time, and there are many ways to grow within the sport.
Step 6: Help Her Build Confidence and Find Her Hockey Community
Learning hockey can be challenging.
Your daughter will fall. She'll miss passes. She'll struggle with skills that other players seem to perform effortlessly.
And that's completely normal.
One of the most important things you can do as a hockey parent is help her understand that progress matters more than perfection.
Celebrate her effort, encourage her to try new things, and remind her that every player started somewhere.
Finding other girls who play can also make a tremendous difference.
Girls hockey clinics, camps, community events, and local girls hockey organizations provide opportunities to build friendships and connect with players who share her interests.
Those relationships can become one of the most rewarding parts of her hockey experience.
Step 7: Remember That Every Hockey Journey Is Different
As your daughter grows, her interests and goals may change.
She might want to play recreational hockey with her friends. She might develop aspirations of playing college hockey. She might eventually become a coach.
There's no single definition of success in this sport.
At Breakaway, we believe the most important thing is helping each girl discover what hockey means to her and providing the development, encouragement, and guidance she needs along the way.
Whether she's stepping onto the ice for the first time or working toward her next competitive milestone, her journey deserves support.
Your Daughter's Hockey Journey Starts Here
Getting your daughter into hockey doesn't have to be complicated.
Start with skating. Explore beginner programs. Find a supportive community. And most importantly, let her enjoy the experience.
You don't have to have all the answers on day one.
That's why Breakaway Girls Hockey exists.
Through our camps, clinics, parent resources, and female coach development programs, we're working to make hockey more accessible and create meaningful opportunities for girls at every stage of their journey.
Because every girl deserves the chance to discover how far this game can take her.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Explore Breakaway's development opportunities, connect with our community, and discover resources to support your daughter's hockey journey.
Her Game. Her Climb. Her Breakaway.