Director of Hockey
Eric Perrin
Daytona Beach, FL – Daytona Ice Arena is proud to announce former NHL player Eric Perrin as the new Director of Hockey for DIA. He will oversee our growing Swamp Rabbits youth programs as well as our adult leagues and programs.
As a native of Montreal, Canada, Eric fell for hockey at a young age and started to learn to skate at age 5. Eric’s love for the “Fastest Game on Earth” has taken him across Canada and the US, as well as Europe and the World. He was won many individual awards and more importantly, been a part of very successful teams that have won the NHL Stanley Cup (Tampa Bay Lightning) and the European Cup (JYP/Finland).
In preparation for his post-playing career, Eric became greatly involved in community events as Team Ambassador, with roles that included:
- Public Appearances
- Fundraising
- Volunteering
- Motivational & Inspirational Speaking
After retirement last year, Eric, his wife Karen, and their hockey loving children, discovered a love of the beach and have now settled in Daytona Beach. “I am eager to start this journey with DME Sports and Daytona Ice Arena and very excited about the potential growth of youth hockey in this area,” said Eric Perrin.
Outgoing Director of Hockey, Mackie Grimes said, “I would like to take this time to welcome Eric Perrin as the new Director of Hockey at Daytona Ice Arena. Eric comes with a lifetime of incredible experience and knowledge, a passion for hockey and player development, and I couldn't think of anyone else I would want to pass the torch to. We are fortunate to have him here as a member of this hockey family.”
Eric is driven by a quest for learning and desire to continually improve. As a leader, both on the ice and in the locker room, Eric is known for his positive attitude and professionalism and will be a great addition to the Daytona Ice Arena Ice Hockey leadership team.
Eric Perrin Career
College: University of Vermont
- Division 1 Full Scholarship
- ECAC Rookie of the Year
- ECAC Player of the Year
- Hobey Baker Finalist
- NCAA Final Four Appearance
Professional Highlights: Played in the most prestigious leagues in hockey including:
- National Hockey League
- American Hockey League
- Kontinental Hockey League
- NLA (Swiss Elite League)
- Liiga (Finnish Elite League)
Tampa Lightning
Want to Learn to Play Hockey?
The Learn to Play Rookie League initiatives aim to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community.
Learn to Play Hockey
The Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, head-to-toe equipment, weekly sessions of age appropriate on-ice instruction and certified coaching, led by National Hockey League Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere.
Head-to-toe equipment is provided for registered participants. Each participant will receive the following new equipment to keep and call their own, customized by your local NHL team:
- Ice Hockey Helmet with a cage
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Hockey gloves
- Hockey pants
- Shin guards
- Skates
- Jersey
- Socks
- Stick
- Equipment bag
- Approximate value $450
In addition to the equipment provided, we recommend that you purchase a mouth guard and athletic supporter.
Learn To Play Starts: March 26
8 Weekly Sessions
Total Learn To Play Cost: $150 includes equipment
Welcome to the Lightning Made Rookie League!
Lightning Made Rookie League is a next steps program for young players who are preparing to participate in a local hockey league. This program is 8 weeks and is for all children ages 5-12 years old.
Lightning Made Rookie League is taught by Lightning Alumni and staff and consists of 30 minutes of practice and 30 minutes of game play each session.
All participants receive:
- 8-weekly on ice sessions
- Lightning Made Rookie League jersey
- First curved hockey stick!!
- End of season on-ice jamboree and party
The cost of this program is $165 per player.
All players must have completed the Lightning Learn to Play program or a local rinks Learn to Play program. All players must also have a USA Hockey membership.
Learn to Skate
Want to Learn to Skate? Or improve your current skills?
Our Daytona Ice Arena Learn to Skate programs are perfect for skaters of every age!
Next Sessions Starts: October 13th
Skating 101
(Ages 6-18)
Our entry level class is for children who want to learn to skate for recreational purposes or who want to progress to figure skating or ice hockey.
Important Notes
- All participants must have an active Learn to Skate USA membership - sign up here
- Helmet, Gloves and long sleeves and long pants are recommended
- Rental Skates are provided at no cost
Our Learn To Skate Coaches
Ryan Wolford
Nicole Gagliardo
Isabella Chase
Madelyn Stark
Lynette Carroll
Sandra Brust
Sharon Jordon
Madeleine McSwain
Debbie Stephens Odgers
Matthew Stephens
Joyce Schaecher
Linda Erickson
Denyse Meyers
Nate Viera
Kristen Wolford
Bridge Jones
All of our LTS coaches are certified and members of LTS USA, members of United States Figure Skating, background checked and safe sports compliant.
Fall 2 Session
(8 Weeks)
Price $109
Tuesdays 5:45-6:30 pm
- October 13 - Week 1
- October 20 - Week 2
- October 27 - Week 3
- November 3 - Week 4
- November 10 - Week 5
- November 17 - Week 6
- November 24 - OFF
- December 1 - Week 7
- December 8 - Week 8
Saturdays TBA
- Dates Coming Soon
Fall Session
(8 Weeks)
Price $109
Tuesdays 5:45-6:30 pm
- August 11 - September 29
Class Schedule
- August 11
- August 18
- August 25
- September 1
- September 8
- September 15
- September 22
- September 29
Saturdays 11:00-11:45 am
- August 15 - October 10
Class Schedule
- August 15
- August 22
- August 29
- September 5 - OFF
- September 12
- September 19
- September 26
- October 3
- October 10
Learn to Play Hockey – Youth
Daytona Ice Arena has a variety of Learn to Play Hockey programs for players of all ages!
Learn to Play Hockey
The Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, head-to-toe equipment, weekly sessions of age appropriate on-ice instruction and certified coaching, led by National Hockey League Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere.
FREE head to toe hockey equipment as part of the Tampa Bay Learn to Play Hockey 8 week program! A $ 450.00 value !!! Next Sessions Starts March 26.
Hockey 201
Ages 6-13
Players build upon the Hockey 101 class as they advance build upon the basic skills of ice skating as well as while being introduced to new ice hockey specific skating skills. Set in a fun and nurturing environment, this next step program provides all participants a comfort level to enjoy their growing experience with hockey, while developing the fundamental skills to succeed in the next program progression steps.
Fundamental Curriculum:
- Advanced Edges
- Cross-overs
- Pivots
- Balance & Recovery
Requirements:
- Completions of Hockey 101.
- Hockey Helmet or Bike Helmet
Spring Session
March 5, 12, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Thursday 5:45pm - 6:45pm
$109.00 per participant
Hockey 301
Ages 6-13
This class is for the player who is putting on hockey gear for the first time. Participants will build upon the individual skills learned in Hockey 201 and will begin to learn the game with a stick, puck and net. The focus of the program is to create a fun atmosphere for all players as they continue to enjoy the game of hockey while growing skill development.
Fundamental Curriculum:
- Movement with the puck
- Passing the puck
- Shooting the puck
- Puck protection and creating turnovers
Requirements:
- Completion of Hockey 201
- All participants must have an active Learn to Skate USA membership
- Full equipment
Spring Session
March 5, 12, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Thursday 5:45pm - 6:45pm
$109.00 per participant
Hockey 401
Ages 6-13
This class is for the player who has passed hockey 301 and is progressing their hockey development in full gear. Participants will build upon the individual skills learned in Hockey 301 and will continue to learn advanced techniques with a stick, puck and net. The focus of the program is to create a fun atmosphere for all participants as they continue to enjoy the game of hockey while advancing skill development.
Fundamental Curriculum:
- Deception
- Support
- Outnumbering and body contact
- Scoring
Requirements:
- All participants must have an active Learn to Skate USA membership
- Completion of Hockey 301
- Full equipment
Spring Session
March 5, 12, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Thursday 5:45pm - 6:45pm
$109.00 per participant
Hockey 101
Ages 6-13
Participants start from square one, learning the basic skills of ice skating, while being introduced to individual ice hockey specific skating skills. Set in a fun and nurturing environment, this introductory program provides all participants a comfort level to enjoy their first experience with hockey, while developing the fundamental skills to succeed in the next program progression steps.
Fundamental Curriculum:
- Skate Stride
- Proper Stopping Technique
- Turning (Edgework)
- Backward Skate
Requirements:
- Hockey Helmet or Bike Helmet
Spring Session
March 5, 12, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Thursday 5:45pm - 6:45pm
$109.00 per participant
Recreational League
Weekly cross-ice game format for players to experience their first hockey game. This 8 week program gives players game scrimmages weekly with bench coaching and officiating so they can begin to learn the rules of the game. Daytona Recreational league prepares players for statewide travel hockey play.
Fundamental Curriculum:
- Movement with the puck
- Passing the puck
- Shooting the puck
- Puck protection and creating turnovers
Requirements:
- All participants must have an active Learn to Skate USA membership
- Full equipment
Spring Session
Spring: March 18-May 6
Sundays 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Thursdays 5:45pm - 6:45pm
$210.00 per participant
House League
House League - Fall 2020
Weekly cross-ice game format for players to experience their first hockey game. This 8 week program gives players game scrimmages weekly with bench coaching and officiating so they can begin to learn the rules of the game. Daytona Recreational league prepares players for statewide travel hockey play.
Fundamental Curriculum:
- Movement with the puck
- Passing the puck
- Shooting the puck
- Puck protection and creating turnovers
Requirements:
- All participants must have an active Learn to Skate USA membership
- Full equipment
Fall Session
Sundays: 8:15 -9:15am - Games
Tuesdays: 7:15-8:15pm - Practice/Skills Development
8 Games
9/1-11/8
8 Practices
$225.00 per participant
Adult Learn to Play Hockey
OLD DOGS NEW STICKS - TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT
Daytona Ice Arena will have a "free day" to try our Old Dogs New Sticks on September 13th from 4:15-5:15pm. If participants would like to borrow equipment to try out this great program, please arrive an hour prior to the session (at 3:15).
Old Dogs New Sticks is for the adult who has never played hockey before or is returning from an extended absence. 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.
Old Dogs New Sticks
Next, the Old Dogs New Sticks program will begin on Sunday, September 20th from 4:15-5:15pm and continue on these dates:
- Session 1: 9/20
- Session 2: 9/27
- Session 3: 10/4
- Session 4: 10/11
- Session 5: 10/18
- No session on 10/25 due to the Adult League Tournament
- Session 6: 11/1
- Session 7: 11/8
- Session 8: 11/15
The cost is $175