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Lightning Learn to Play - Presented by Bloomin' Brands


Program Overview

The NHL and the NHLPA have partnered with the Tampa Bay Lightning to provide a low-cost opportunity for kids to try hockey for the first time. During the 2022-23 hockey season, more than 800 boys and girls (age 5-10) will discover the sport of hockey for the first time through the Lightning Learn to Play Hockey Program. This program will be offered in multiple rinks throughout Florida.

The program will consist of eight (8) hour long on-ice training sessions over the course of eight (8) consecutive weeks. Children will receive their own complete set of CCM hockey equipment to keep as they progress into a next-step hockey program. 


Program Details & Registration

*Please review prior to registering your child

  • To be eligible for the Lightning Learn to Play Program, children registering must be between the ages of 5-10
  • The Lightning Learn to Play Program is intended for children who have not participated in an organized hockey program before. Children with their own hockey equipment and/or those who play/have played organized hockey in the past are ineligible. Those who have already completed the Lightning Learn to Play Program are also ineligible.

Program Information

  • The Lightning Learn to Play Program registration fee is $250 per child. This covers the cost of the eight instructor sessions, and full set of equipment (including skates).
  • Participants are encouraged to have completed a Learn to Skate program at a local rink before signing up for the Lightning Learn to Play Program.

What's Included

Head-to-toe equipment for registered participants. Each participant will receive the following new Lightning customized equipment to call their own:

  • Ice Hockey Helmet
  • Shoulder Pads
  • Elbow Pads
  • Ice Hockey Skates
  • Hockey Gloves
  • Hockey Pants
  • Shin Guards
  • Customized Lightning Jersey
  • Socks
  • Stick
  • Equipment Bag

In addition to the equipment provided, we recommend that you purchase a mouth guard and athletic supporter.

Upon completion of the Learn to Play program, participants will be able to keep the equipment.


Where to Learn to Skate


Participants must have completed a Learn to Skate program at a local rink before signing up for the Lightning Learn to Play Program. Please find each rink's Learn to Skate program below

Host Rink Rink Address Registration
Clearwater Ice Arena 13940 Icot Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760 Click here to Learn to Skate at Clearwater!
Power Pole Arena 6910 Asphalt Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 Click here to Learn to Skate with the Lightning!
Power Pole Arena - Girls Only 6910 Asphalt Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 Click here to Learn to Skate with Girls Only!
Ice Factory of Central Florida 2221 Partin Settlement Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744 Click here to Learn to Skate at Kissimmee!
Lakeland Ice Arena 3395 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815 Click here to Learn to Skate at Lakeland!
RDV Ice Den 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810 Click here to Learn to Skate at RDV!
Tampa Bay Skating Academy 255 Forest Lakes Blvd, Oldsmar, FL 34677 Click here to Learn to Skate at TBSA!
TGH ice Plex 10222 Elizabeth Pl, Tampa, FL 33619 Click here to Learn to Skate at TGH!

Where to Learn to Play


2022-23 Learn to Play Sessions

Host Rink Rink Address Session Day Dates/Time Cost Registration
Advent Health Center Ice 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Spring '23 Sunday Begins March 19th at 3:30 pm $250 Sold Out!
Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex 5309 29th St E, Ellenton, FL 34222 Spring '23 Saturday Begins March 25th at 8:00 am $250 Sold Out!
Lakeland Ice Arena 3395 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815 Spring '23 Saturday Begins March 25th at 8:00 am $250 Sold Out!
Power Pole Arena 6910 Asphalt Ave Tampa FL 33614 Spring '23 Sunday Begins March 26th at 11:00 am $250 Sold Out!
GIRLS ONLY - Power Pole Arena 6910 Asphalt Ave Tampa FL 33614 Summer '23 Sunday Begins June 11th at 2:00 pm $250 Click here to Learn to Play with Girls Only
TGH Ice Plex 10222 Elizabeth Pl, Tampa, FL 33619 Spring '23 Friday Begins March 24th at 7:00 pm $250 Sold Out!
Power Pole Arena 6910 Asphalt Ave Tampa FL 33614 Summer '23 Sunday Begins June 11th at 11:00 am $250 Click here to Learn to Play at Power Pole Arena

Next Steps to Learn to Play

Has your child already completed the Tampa Bay Lightning Learn to Play program and are you looking for what to do next? Join our Tampa Bay Lightning Rookie League! The Tampa Bay Lightning Rookie League (TBLRL) is a next steps program for young players who are preparing to participate in a local hockey league. TBLRL is an 8-week program for ages 5-12 years old and is coached by Lightning Alumni and Staff. For more information, CLICK HERE.