Are you a new skater who’s curious about hockey but not sure how to take the first step? Maybe you’ve heard of "Stick and Puck" or "Sticktime" sessions at your local rink but aren’t quite sure what they are—or if they’re meant for someone just starting out. Good news: Stick and Puck might be exactly what you’re looking for.

In this post, we’ll break down what Stick and Puck is, why it’s a great starting point for beginners, how to feel confident trying it out, and how to easily find Stick and Puck sessions near you using IceFinder.

What Is Stick and Puck?

Stick and Puck is a casual, open-ice session that gives skaters the opportunity to practice hockey skills without the pressure of a formal game or practice. Think of it like “open gym” for hockey. You can skate around, pass the puck, work on your shot, and just have fun.

Here’s what typically happens during a Stick and Puck session:

• Players bring their own stick, gloves, and helmet (more on gear below).

• You can skate at your own pace—no drills, no coaches, no games.

• It’s open to all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned players.

• It’s non-contact, so there’s no checking or rough play.

Is Stick and Puck for Beginners?

Absolutely! Stick and Puck is perfect for beginners. If you’re still learning to play, this is a pressure-free environment where you can get comfortable with handling a stick and puck. However, we recommend that you are capable of skating safely so you are not a hazard to other skaters around you. If you haven't quite gotten the hang of balancing, turning, and stopping in your skates, we recommend taking a Learn to Skate class and practicing at a few Public Skate sessions first.

Do I bring my own pucks?

Usually, most rinks will have their own pucks available out on the ice during Stick and Puck sessions. You can always check with the rink to see, but we recommend bringing a few in your bag just in case.

Don’t worry about getting the same puck back—pucks get shared and mixed around constantly. If you do bring your own pucks, be sure to only leave with as many as you brought.

Can I practice skating?

Sure! Even though it's called a "Stick and Puck", you're allowed to just work on skating in your gear if you'd like. Just be sure to stay safe and avoid running into other people.

What happens at a Stick and Puck?

Tips for Your First Stick and Puck

Here are a few beginner-friendly tips to help you feel more prepared and confident:

1. Gear Up Right

Most rinks require:

• Helmet (cage or face shield highly recommended)

• Gloves

• Stick and puck

• Skates

• Sometimes optional, but helpful (and recommended): shin pads, elbow pads, and a cup

Don’t have your own equipment yet? You can buy gear online at retailers like Pure Hockey or Ice Warehouse.

2. Go During Off-Peak Hours

If possible, choose a session during a weekday or early in the day. Fewer people means more space to practice.

3. Start Slow

Warm up with basic skating before using your stick and puck. No need to rush—just get comfortable on the ice.

4. Watch and Learn

Spend a few minutes observing others. You'll quickly see that everyone’s doing their own thing—there’s no right or wrong way to use your ice time.

5. Bring a Friend

If you can, go with someone who’s skated before. It’s always more fun (and less intimidating) with a buddy.

6. Be Respectful and Watch out for Others

Stick and Puck is open to all, so it’s important to share the ice, avoid rough play, and give space to newer or younger skaters—just like you'd want others to do for you.

7. Stay Away from the Net

Don’t hang out behind or in front of the goal while others are shooting. It’s not only disruptive but can also be dangerous. Give shooters space, and if you want to take shots, wait your turn and rotate through like everyone else.

Find Stick and Puck Sessions Near You with IceFinder

Ready to give it a try? The hardest part is often knowing where and when to go.

That’s where IceFinder comes in.

IceFinder is a free tool that makes it easy to:

• Search for Stick and Puck sessions near your zip code

• Filter by date, rink, or event type

• View up-to-date session times across local rinks

• Discover rinks you didn’t even know existed!

No more digging through clunky rink websites! IceFinder is a simple, clean way to find the perfect session to get you started.

Trying something new like Stick and Puck can feel a little intimidating—but remember, everyone starts somewhere. Most people on the ice are too focused on their own progress to worry about what others are doing. So lace up your skates, grab your stick, and give it a shot.

You might just fall in love with the game.