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 Bay 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.
Current Session Dates: January 9 - March 13, 2021 - Registration Closed
Session held Saturday 9:00-10:00AM
Cost $175.00
Next Session Starts April 3, 2021
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
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.
Current Session Dates: January 9 - March 13, 2021 - Registration Closed
Session held Saturday 10:00-11:00AM
Cost $165.00
Next Session Starts April 3, 2021
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!
Skating 101
3 Years Old and Up
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
Upcoming Sessions
- March 2, 9, 16, (no class on March 23), 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27
- March 13, 20, (no class on March 27), April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8
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.
House League
House League 2021
Session Dates: April 6th - June 6th
House League 2021
Session Dates: April 6th - June 6th
Beginning with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Learn to Play and Rookie League Programs, these players graduate into the House League Hockey Development Program.
Each House League season consists of 2 weekly on-ice sessions (1 practice/development session and 1 game). Therefore, the season consists of 8 practice/development sessions that are held on Tuesday nights and 8 games that are on Thursday nights or Sunday mornings. The games include bench coaching and officiating so they can begin to learn the rules of hockey.
The program focuses on teaching fundamental hockey skills which is the basis for any level of hockey competition, whether it is at the recreational level or higher.
8 Practice/Development Sessions and 8 Games
Practices:
- Tuesdays from 7:15-8:15pm.
Games:
- Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm 10 YEARS AND UNDER
- Sundays 8:15-9:15am 11 YEARS AND OVER
Cost: $225.00
For Goalies: Use code HOUSEGOAL on the registration page for the discounted price of $112.50 for the session.
(Combined All Ages Practice/Skill Development Session Divided into Different Levels)
- April 6th, April 13th, April 20th, April 27th
- May 4th, May 11th, May 18th, May 25th
- April 8th, April 15th, April 22nd, April 29th
- May 6th, May 13th, May 20th, May 27th
- April 11th, April 18th, April 25th
- May 2nd, (No class May 9th), May 16th, May 23rd (No class May 30th)
Adult Learn to Play Hockey
ADULT LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY
Old Dogs New Sticks is for the adult who has never ever 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
- Sundays - 4:15pm-5:15pm
- Session 1: April 11
- Session 2: April 18
- Session 3: April 25
- Session 4: May 2
- No Session May 9 (Mother's Day)
- Session 5: May 16
- Session 6: May 23
- No Session May 30 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- Session 7: June 6th
- Session 8: June 13th
Early Bird discount until February 28th (Discount $20 Off)