The Never Ever League is for the adult who has never ever played hockey before. It combines off ice instruction with on ice skill sessions (80%), and instructional game time (20%). The program is co-ed, non-checking, for people over 18 years of age and is set in an insanely positive, judgment free atmosphere. No ice skating or hockey experience is required in order to participate. It is truly one of a kind, as adults are often overlooked, with learn to play programs being designed only for children. Its unique design and execution are why over 3,500 adults have learned to play hockey through the Never Ever League since its inception in 2012.
Over the course of the 11-week program, participants will learn the fundamental skills of ice hockey, make new friends and learn the greatest game on Earth. During the first few classes, instruction is focused on developing ice skating skills of all participants. In the following weeks, instruction shifts to teaching participants individual playing skills (stick handling, shooting, passing), before shifting into team skills and game play (offense, defense, power play, penalty kill).
On the final week, participants graduate by playing in their first organized hockey game - the Never Ever Cup. Friends and family are encouraged to attend as the new hockey players graduate into the world of hockey. The participants from the program are divided into two teams who will compete against each other in this friendly game. The teams are coached by the Never Ever coaching staff, and the game is treated like a professional hockey game, with referees, the national anthem and music. The evening concludes with a party (on-site), where each participant is given their Never Ever League Certificate, and formally graduates into the world of hockey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TYPICAL CLASS SCHEDULE
Week #1: Forward Skating, Backward Skating Week #2: Stops, Pivots, Crossovers (Skating) Week #3: Turning, Stickhandling, Puck Control Week #4: Passing, Shooting, Shootout Week #5: Passing & Shooting Drills Week #6: Passing & Shooting Drills Week #7: Role of Forward, Role of Defenseman, Basic Breakout Week #8: Basic Breakout, Basic Forecheck Week #9: Review Breakout & Forecheck, Controlled Scrimmage Week #10: Controlled Scrimmage Week #11: Never Ever Cup Game (Class Graduation)
Schedule can vary, depending on how quickly the entire class is learning/developing hockey skills.
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Equipment rental kits are $100 plus tax, and is a convenient way for program participants to try the game before making their first purchase of hockey equipment.
The rental kit includes: a hockey bag, shin guards, helmet, elbow pads, shoulder pads, pants, gloves, a stick, and rental skates. Items that are not included (and would need to be purchased on you own) are hockey socks, a jock or jill proctor (recommended but not required), and a practice jersey. We are partners with Pure Hockey and would recommend visiting them to buy any of this needed equipment. As part of that partnership, every first time participant of the Never Ever League receives a gift card for $100 off a purchase of $250 at Pure Hockey (online or at their Rochester location). Gift cards are dispersed to participants at the first weeks class, and certain restrictions apply.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Over the course of the 11 week program, participants will learn the fundamental skills of ice hockey, make new friends and learn the greatest game on Earth. During the first few classes, instruction is focused on developing ice skating skills of all participants. In the following weeks, instruction shifts to teaching participants individual playing skills (stick handling, shooting, passing), before shifting into team skills and game play (offense, defense, positioning and game strategy). On the final week, participants graduate by playing in their first organized hockey game- the Never Ever Cup.
WHAT COMES AFTER THE NEVER EVER LEAGUE
Once you graduate from Never Ever League there are various ways to continue your hockey journey. We encourage those who enjoyed the program and want to take the next step to join the I-League, or form a team and join the E-Division within the Iceplex Adult Hockey League (IAHL). If you are still weary of joining a league or taking that next step, you are always welcome to participate in another session of the Never Ever League.
EXTRA Development OPPORTUNITIES
Included in the registration for the NEL program is 2 complimentary tickets to attend any scheduled Stick & Puck sessions, allowing participants extra ice time and time to work on your basic skills/fundamentals. Stick & Puck sessions are structured for the purpose of dedicated skill development time, whereas Skate & Shoot sessions would usually turn into a pick-up hockey game and does not allow for time to better your playing skills on your own.
Stick and Pucks are scheduled regularly throughout the calendar year if you want to extra ice time to develop skills on your own.
NEVER EVER CUP GAME
On the final week, participants graduate by playing in their first organized hockey game - the Never Ever Cup. Friends and family are encouraged to attend as the new hockey players graduate into the world of hockey. The participants from the program are divided into two teams who will compete against each other in this friendly game. The teams are coached by the Never Ever coaching staff, and the game is treated like a professional hockey game, with referees, the national anthem and music. The evening concludes with a group social gathering where each participant is given their Never Ever League Certificate, and formally graduates into the world of hockey.
Is there something we missed, and any information you'd like to know? If so, don't hesitate to contact the Program Director at any point.