The Eagan Hockey Association (EHA) offers a community-based, volunteer-driven program focused on the growth and development of young hockey players. The association aims to foster a fun, fair, and safe environment, maximizing participation and improving players' skills while promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Before diving into hockey, foundational skating skills are essential. The Eagan Skate School provides a comprehensive range of programs for skaters of all ages and abilities.
Eagan Skate School Programs
Eagan Skate School is now part of the Learn to Skate USA program. An annual membership must be purchased before registering for a class. Here's a detailed look at the programs offered:
- Snowplow 1-4: These introductory classes are designed for skaters ages 3-6 years, helping them develop preliminary coordination and strength to move around the ice. The program is divided into four progressive levels for kids with no prior skating experience to build confidence in skating and themselves.
- Basic Skills 1-6: These lessons focus on the fundamentals of ice skating, providing a strong foundation for skaters to explore the world of skating. Skaters progress at their own pace, mastering each skill and developing a love for skating.
- Free Skate: Each Free Skate level includes skating skills, spins, and jumps. These levels provide a strong foundation, allowing skaters to choose between recreational or competitive figure skating.
- Axel: This specialty class focuses on the Axel jump, using off-ice techniques, harness training, and on-ice exercises to build consistency and confidence.
- Practice Ice: One hour of full ice surface is available for skate school participants to practice and reinforce skills learned in classes or lessons.
- Practice Ice with Lesson: An introductory opportunity for skaters to work one-on-one with an Eagan Skate School Instructor. These private lessons are beneficial for skaters interested in specialized training and a specific skills focus for progression.
- Adult Open Skate w/Lesson: Similar to the above, this offers adults the chance to work individually with an instructor.
- Hockey Skating Skills: Skaters will learn how to be proficient and agile on the ice. The Eagan Skate School offers Hockey 2, 3, or 4 classes. Before you can score a goal, you need to learn to skate.
- Adults: Adult group lessons are available for those in the Adult 1-6 levels, providing an opportunity for adults to learn or improve their skating skills. Never too old to learn how to ice skate or brush up on your skating skills for those adults wanting to stay active.
- Adult Free Skate: This program is geared toward adult skaters who have passed Adult Basic Skills level 6 and are focusing on jumps, spins, and skating skills.
- Deaf/HH/ASL: This class is specifically designed for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, with instruction provided in American Sign Language and clear visual and tactile cues to support inclusive communication.
Classes are typically 30 minutes long and held once a week.
Skate Rentals and Attire
Skates are available to rent. For attire, it is strongly suggested that skaters wear snow pants, helmets, and gloves/mittens, especially for skaters ages six & under.
Read also: Eagan Ice Rink Skating Schedule
Proper Equipment
Proper equipment is the first step towards a positive skating experience. Skates should be leather, properly fit, and provide adequate ankle support. Skates should be sized and fit by a skate professional and should not be purchased for the skater to 'grow into'. This will create bad skating habits early on. The fit of the skate should feel snug. A skater should be able to walk in their skates with ankle support that prevents their ankles from "wobble" or pronating. Adjustable plastic recreational skates are not recommended. It is recommended that new skaters begin with a figure, recreational, or rental skate. Please no hockey skates for those enrolled in Snowplow 1-4. The hockey blade is rocked and provides much less stability for our younger skaters.
Registration Information
To register for the Eagan Hockey Association, follow these steps:
- Register with USA Hockey and obtain a confirmation code.
- Return to the Eagan Hockey Association registration page and proceed with the signup.
Note: Eagan Hockey Association's service area is defined by the boundaries of attendance at Eagan High School as defined by District 196. Before you begin, please verify that your family is eligible to play in the Eagan Hockey Association. If your address appears and the link shows "Eagan High School" as the high school that serves your address, you are free to register here. Otherwise, please see the appropriate neighboring associations (Eastview, Rosemount, Sibley, Apple Valley, or Burnsville).
If your address is outside of the Eagan High School boundaries and you are looking to play for EHA, please note that Minnesota Hockey modified their rules related to school-based waivers January 2024. Use of school-based waivers has become more restrictive and is only applicable to those players who have finished their last year of mites and are registering for their first year of squirts.
The association offers a payment plan to ease the initial costs. Registration fees include tryout fees, covering the cost of pre-tryouts for both boys and girls.
Read also: Gerry Youth Snow Pants: A Winter Essential
Fees and Payment
The maximum base fee per family is $4,100 (EHA Regular Season Fees Only; team fund fees or other fees may apply). Each player must register first with USA Hockey and then return to this Registration Session to signup for the 2025-2026 Season.
Registration fee balances are due in total with the 4th and final payment. This season we will continue a 4-payment plan to ease the initial costs. Please see the "Payment Options" section on the "Organization Options" page of the registration.
The registration session will allow you to complete contact information and submit payment. To complete registration through our secure site, please have your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or checking account information available. Please be sure to read carefully and double-check your registration before final submission.
Additional Programs
2026 Summer Figure Skating Camp: Aug. This is a four-day figure skating camp hosted by the Eagan Skate School for all skating levels.
Spring Ice Show: Our skaters will have the opportunity to showcase their skating skills for friends, family, and the community under the spotlights in costume at the Eagan Civic Arena. This season's theme is the timeless story of Mary Poppins - join us for a spoonful of skating at our annual spring ice show.
Read also: Nurturing Hockey Stars in Westfield
Please be prompt in registering for this season. We are working on planning and timely registrations provide us with clear numbers to help with this process.
By participating in the Eagan Youth Hockey Program and Eagan Skate School, young athletes can develop valuable skills, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the sport of hockey.