There are many learn to skate programs offered by Pepsi Ice Midwest. These classes are generally 8 weeks long and run year round. In order for your child to enjoy the ice hockey experience to its fullest, we recommend that they are able to skate comfortably before singing up for Stars Hockey. More information about Learn to Skate programs can be found at www.pepsiicemidwest.com.
Pepsi Ice Midwest also offers Learn To Play Hockey Programs. These programs are 8 week sessions and are usually offered year round. Participants should have basic skating ability. This program focuses upon Hockey Skills including; Controlled Scrimmage, preparing participants for “House League Play”, and a general overview of Hockey. Participants in this program are required to have their own hockey equipment. A detailed list of the equipment needed can be found in our FAQ Section.
Pepsi Ice Midwest offers Stick and Helmet Classes. This program is 8 weeks long and runs year round. Participants should have basic skating ability (see Learn to Skate). The Stick and Helmet program focuses on basic hockey skills including; forward and backward skating, starts and hockey stops, stick handling, puck control and shooting. Players need helmets, gloves and sticks. Elbow pads are useful too. More information about this program can be found at Pepsi Ice Midwest or on the web at www.pepsiicemidwest.com.
KC Stars Hockey offers House League programs from September-March for the main season and March-May for the spring season. We participate in a citywide league that competes against other hockey teams in the KC Metro area and surrounding communities. All USA Hockey age groups are offered including; Atoms (age 6 & under), Mites (ages 7 & 8), Squirts (ages 9 & 10), Peewee (ages 11 & 12), and Bantams (ages 13 & 14). High school players belong to the City-Wide Hockey League. Our coaching staff utilizes player evaluations to balance our teams. Our house teams have 1 practice and 1 game per week. Practice times are consistent. Games are typically played on the weekends.
Travel Hockey is for the more advanced player wanting to play at a more competitive level. The level of competition is more varied, the commitment (financial and time) is greater and it typically requires a significant amount of travel. Our KC Stars Travel Hockey teams compete against other teams in the Midwest League and also host and attend tournaments outside the Midwest League. Some travel teams also compete on a National Level. Try-outs and teams are formed for all levels in August. Divisions may have multiple levels of travel teams depending on the player turnout and skill level. These levels include the Squirt, Peewee, Bantam and Midget age groups. Our travel teams also participate in many regional and national tournaments throughout the season. Travel teams have a consistent practice schedule with practices held twice weekly. Games are on the weekends and Holidays and are scheduled by the travel team scheduler/manager.