Ice hockey and desert climate remain in an unusual, yet popular, coexistence. Those who aren’t as tall as a hockey stick are flocking to take up the sport in Tempe and across the Valley.
At the very least, an arena full of ice is a respite from an otherwise sweltering environment.
With outside daytime temperatures still in triple digits, a popular beginner youth-hockey program returns to Tempe on Saturdays.
Registration is open for the fall Matt Shott Arizona Hockey League Foundation’s Shott’s Tots, for kids ages 5-11 at Mountain America Community Iceplex, 411 S. Packard Drive — inside Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University Tempe campus.
The 30-minute sessions at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays run through Dec. 6.
A similar Shott’s Tots program is available in Gilbert at 4 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 9 at AZ Ice Gilbert, 2305 E. Knox Road. Those sessions are 45 minutes long.
Shott’s Tots, recommended by the National Hockey League and USA Hockey, is a learn-to-play opportunity for kids who are new to the sport.
Each session follows an athlete-first development curriculum. The program teaches foundational hockey skills—skating, puck handling, passing and shooting. Experienced, trained coaches focus on building confidence and creating a fun, supportive environment for players.
No experience is required. Basic skating ability is helpful but not mandatory.
All equipment is provided for new players.
The program, which costs $300, consists of eight on-ice sessions with head-to-toe hockey equipment to keep — including skates, stick, equipment bag, helmet, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin guards, socks and Shott’s Tots jersey.
Returning players are welcome for a discounted price of $175.
Equipment is provided only for new players. Those who have equipment or have completed another learn-to-play program must register as a returning player.
Participants eventually will be directed into local rink ecosystems, where they can continue to play at various levels including clubs, mini mites and youth hockey leagues.
Shott’s Tots is an approved program under Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship program. Families may use ESA funds under the vendor name Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Legacy Foundation.
The charitable foundation, dedicated to raising funds to support hockey programming and the growth of the sport in Arizona, sponsors fall sessions of Shott’s Tots at six rinks across the state including Mountain America Community Iceplex in Tempe.
The foundation was established in memory of Matt Shott, a pioneer who initiated NHL youth programs in Arizona. It is committed to continuing Shott’s legacy by providing opportunities for the community to engage in the sport he was passionate about.
Information: azhockeylegacy.org.
Shott’s Tots Youth Hockey Program
TEMPE
Where: Mountain America Community Iceplex, 411 S. Packard Drive, inside Mullett Arena at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.
When: 9:30 a.m. Saturdays through December. Sessions are 30 minutes.
Register: azhockeylegacy.org/registration/44815.
GILBERT
Where: AZ Ice Gilbert, 2305 E. Knox Road, Gilbert.
When: 4 p.m. Sundays through November. Sessions are 45 minutes.
Register: azhockeylegacy.org/registration/46348.