New to Hockey? Welcome!

At Detroit Lakes Youth Hockey, our goal is simple — to get as many kids as possible on the ice and loving the game. We focus on fun, skill development, and teamwork at every level, whether your player is just learning to stand up on skates or already ripping wrist shots.

We kick things off with Learn to Skate and Try Hockey for Free sessions in August and September, giving families a no-pressure way to see what hockey’s all about. Even better — your first season’s registration is free, and we provide free equipment through the Squirt/U10 levels. No hockey background? No problem. We’ll have your new skater zooming around the rink in no time!

Our regular season runs mid-October through February, with a short break around Christmas. Thanks to our incredible volunteers and the Derick Brehm Invitational Golf Tournament, we’re now able to offer ice time starting in August and a 3-week July skills camp — all at no additional cost to our players.

• 6U (Termites) – Practice Wednesdays and Saturdays
• 8U (Mites) – Practice Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
• Lilac Loons (6U/8U Girls) – Practice Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings
• Rookies Program – A free 10-week session (mid-October through mid-December) with free gear rentals for first-time skaters

We know family life gets busy — if your player needs a night off, that’s okay! Our youngest skaters still get plenty of ice time and always keep progressing.

A few weeks into the season, Saturday mornings turn into in-house cross-ice games for Termites, Mites, and Lilac Loons. Termites wrap up their year with a fun one-day Detroit Lakes Jamboree in February, while Mites hit the road for a couple of optional out-of-town jamborees.

Once the outdoor rink at People's Park opens (usually around Christmas), we fire up Hotdog Hockey every Friday night — weather permitting. It’s a free, unstructured skate for Termites and Mites from 5:30–8:00 PM, with parent volunteers serving up hotdogs while the kids skate, laugh, and play under the lights.

DL Youth Hockey runs on volunteers — and that’s part of what makes our program special. From bingo nights to meat raffles, our charitable gaming efforts help keep registration and ice costs affordable for everyone. It’s also the best way to meet other hockey families and become part of the DL hockey community.

Want to see what’s next as your player moves up? Check out the TEAM pages for level-by-level info, schedules, and expectations.

We can’t wait to see you at the rink — Go Lakers!