Amateur Hockey Association Illinois

Welcome to the Minor Hawks Program!

MinorHawks is a “Learn to Play” program for kids ages 4-8, sponsored by the Blackhawks, Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI) and USA Hockey.

This program is geared primarily for boys and girls ages four to eight, although hockey can be played by everyone. It is designed to not only teach your son and/or daughter how to skate and introduce them to the game of ice hockey but will also demonstrate to your young athlete to the life lessons of teamwork, self-confidence and determination that many kids (even adult kids) never outgrow.

Hockey’s unique fitness advantage starts with skating, which develops many muscle groups that other sports don’t. And unlike walking or running, skating isn’t something that’s done every day. This inherent uniqueness makes hockey less (as kids like to say) “borring.”

The program cocnsists of an 8 week clinic with ice time (usually 1/2 hours per week) and one or two off ice sessions. The cost of the the program varies from rink to rink, however, Each location varies in cost, but all sessions average about $10/session with the general cost for an eight week session is under $75.00.

You don’t need equipment! Participating MinorHawks locations will provide participants with free rental equipment, rental skates and a Blackhawks jersey!

According to Joel Quenneville, head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, “Every player I have ever coached started playing hockey at a very young age by going to a rink, strapping on the skates, and giving it a try. The Minor Hawks Program now gives every youngster the opportunbity to give hockey a try at a very nominal cost. I know one thing for sure, once a youngster gives hockey a try, they will be hooked for life”.

So come join the fun and excitement of hockey by joining up today.

Check out the list of locations below for a rink in your area and ask them if they have a MinorHawks/Learn to Play program. If you can’t find a program near you, contact Mike Durkin at membership@ahai2.org.

MinorHawks Rink Locations

All Seasons Ice Arena
31W 330 North Aurora
Naperville, IL 60563
630-851-0755
Contact: Chris Chelios

McFetridge Sports Complex
3843 N. California Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-478-2609
Contact: Brad czachor

Campus Recreation Center
406 E. Armory Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820
217-244-3603
Contact: Dan Proctor

North Shore Ice Arena
2111 Founders Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
Contact: chuck smith

Carol Stream Ice Rink
540 East Gundersen
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630-333-2095
Contact: Mike Breslin

Oakton Ice Arena
2800 Oakton St.
Park Ridge IL 60068
(847) 692-3359
Contact: Jimmy wright

Darien Sportsplex
451 Plainfield Rd.
Darien, IL 60561
630-789-6666
Contact: Kyle Kotrba

Oregon Community Sports Arena
100 North Perry Parkway
Oregon, WI 53575
608-835-9650
Contact: Tony Renlund

David S. Palmer Arena
100 W. Main St.
Danville, IL 61832
217-431-2424
Contact: Mike Smith

Pepsi Ice Center
201 S. Roosevelt Ave.
Bloomington, IL 61701
309-434-2737
Contact: Joe Olsen

Downers Grove Ice Arena
5501 Walnut Ave,
Downers Grove, IL
(630) 971-3780
Contact: Jon woodring

Rink Side Sports
Gurnee Mills Mall - 6152 W. Grand Ave.
Gurnee, IL 60031
847-856-1064
Contact: Mike Hernbrott

International Ice Centre
1581 W. Frontage Rd.
Romeoville, IL 60446
815-886-4423
Contact: Ed Nickey

Riverview Ice House
324 N. Madison St.
Rockford, Il 61107
815-963-7408
Contact: Scott Burfoot

Inwood Ice Arena
3000 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60453
815-741-7875
Contact: Dave heritage

ST. Jude Youth Hockey Association
5505 W. 127th St.
Crestwood, IL 60445
708-371-1344
Contact: JOE KENEIPP

Leafs Ice Centre
801 Wesemann Dr.
West Dundee, IL 60118
847-844-8700
Contact: Hailey kenny

West Meadows Ice Arena
3939 Winnetka Ave.
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
847-398-2700
Contact: bob veller

Mandt Community Center
400 Mandt Parkway
Stoughton, WI 53589
608-873-7528
Contact: Ryan Picek

Winnetka Ice Arena
490 Hibbard Rd.
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-2060
Contact: tom gullen