Category: Learn

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 Daytona Ice Arena Youth Rookie League

Hockey can help your child learn and grow in all aspects of life. Playing hockey helps improve children's physical fitness while strengthening their minds, encouraging leadership behaviors, fostering character development, and teaching important life lessons.

The value of learning to play hockey goes beyond skating and puck-handling skills. Its' greatest value is the role it plays in the development of character and life skills such as RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, INTEGRITY, PERSEVERANCE and TEAMWORK. New experiences extend beyond the ice by making new friends and teammates and creating memories to last a lifetime.

The focus and goal of DIA's Rookie League curriculum is designed to teach beginner players the fundamentals of hockey. After completion of Learn to Play Hockey, or a similar basic hockey program, players can continue to work on their fundamental hockey skills using the ADM model recommended by USA Hockey. Participants will learn basic game and team concepts.

Dates & Time:
Saturdays 9:30-10:30am
Session I: June 5th - July 3rd (4 sessions - no class on June 12th)
Session II: July 10th - July 31st (4 sessions)
Cost: $80 per session or $140 for both sessions
Discounts available for multiple family members.
Contact Karen Perrin karen.perrin@daytonaicearena.com for more information.

 

 

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!

Learn To Skate

Ages 3+
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
  • Helmet, Gloves and long sleeves and long pants are recommended
  • Rental Skates are provided at no cost
  • Class sizes are limited. If your class is full, you can be waitlisted and first in line for the next session. If your class level is full and you choose another level class, you will not be allowed into a full class and your registration will be transferred to the next available session.

Upcoming Sessions

Tuesday - 5:45pm-6:30pm
August 10, 17, 24, 31
September 7, 14, 21, 28
Saturday - 11:00am-11:45am
August 14, 21, 28
September 4, 11, 18, 25
October 2
Cost - $129.00 - 8 sessions
          $ 70.00 - 4 sessions
Registration for Learn to Skate:
Learn to Skate Early Fall Tuesday 8 Sessions:Register Now
Learn to Skate Early Fall Tuesday 4 Sessions: Register Now
Learn to Skate Early Fall Saturday 8 Sessions: Register Now
Learn to Skate Early Fall Saturday 4 Sessions: Register Now

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.

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

    Aspire Program

    This class is for skaters level pre-Freestyle and above. Each weekly class includes 30 minutes of off-ice training and 30 minutes of on-ice training.
    • All participants must have an active Learn to Skate USA membership
      Tuesday - 5:45 - 6:15 pm Off-Ice Training
                      6:30 - 7:00 pm On Ice Training
    Dates:
    Tuesday - 5:45pm-6:30pm
    August 10, 17, 24, 31
    September 7, 14, 21, 28
    Cost: $140.00 - 8 sessions
             $ 80.00 - 4 sessions
    Registration Links for Aspire:
    Aspire Early Fall Tuesday 8 Sessions: Register Now
    Aspire Early Fall Tuesday 4 Sessions:Register Now

    Learn to Skate Hockey

    The focus and goal of the Learn to Skate Hockey curriculum is designed to teach beginner hockey players the fundamentals of skating.
    The Learn to Skate Hockey classes will teach skaters how to be more proficient and agile on the ice. Proper techniques for the game of hockey are the primary focus and all elements are taught without a puck. Skaters will learn the basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, and other necessary fundamentals to be successful.
    Free skate rental is included for use during class. A helmet is required for class. Elbow and knee pads, a hoodie or sweater, long pants and non-hockey gloves are recommended.
    Learn to Skate Registration is required to attend the class. Registration Link follows:
    Summer 2021 Dates:
    Saturdays 9:30-10:30am
    Session I: June 5th - July 3rd (4 sessions - no class on June 12th)
    Session II: July 10th - July 31st (4 sessions)
    Sign up for both sessions and receive a punch card for 8 free public skate sessions valid for use from June 5-August 5th.
    Cost: $70 per session
    $129 for both sessions
    Early Bird Discount: $109 for both sessions if registered by May 15, 2021.
    Discounts available for multiple family members.
    Contact Karen Perrin karen.perrin@daytonaicearena.com for more information.

    Learn to Skate Schedule

    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.

    Tuesdays 7:15-8:15pm Practice/Skills Development
    (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
    Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm 10 YEARS AND UNDER game
    • April 8th, April 15th, April 22nd, April 29th
    • May 6th, May 13th, May 20th, May 27th
    Sundays 8:15-9:15am 11 YEARS AND OVER game
    • April 11th, April 18th, April 25th
    • May 2nd, (No class May 9th), May 16th, May 23rd (No class May 30th)
    Class on Tuesday, June 1st (A Game not Practice), June 6th

    Calendar

    Adult Learn to Play Hockey

    ADULT LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY

    Register Now

    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 
    Cost: $175
    Early Bird discount until February 28th (Discount $20 Off)

      Old Dogs, New Sticks Schedule