How much do private hockey lessons cost?
How much do private hockey lessons cost?
$75 – $150 average cost per hour
Average private hockey lesson cost
Private hockey lessons cost $75 to $150 per hour or $40 to $85 per half hour for one-on-one hockey coaching. Semi-private lessons with 2 players cost $50 to $100, while small group lessons with up to 4 players cost $30 to $75 per player per hour. Ice time and other fees may apply.
| Lesson type | Number of players | Average cost per player* |
|---|---|---|
| Private instruction | 1 | $40 – $85 per ½ hour $75 – $150 per hour |
| Semi-private | 2 | $50 – $100 per hour |
| Small group | 3 – 4 | $30 – $75 per hour |
*Not including ice time or other club fees
Hockey private lesson cost breakdown
Ice hockey lessons involve more than just coaching fees. Other fees apply to use the ice, rent equipment, and purchase insurance coverage. The following table breaks down the expenses players can expect when pursuing private hockey lessons.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Private instruction | $75 – $150 per hour |
| Ice time | $10 – $20 per session |
| Equipment rental | $50 – $150 per season |
| USA Hockey member registration | $15 – $110 per year* |
| Local hockey club membership | $200 – $800+ per year |
*Including insurance. Price depends on the player's age.
Ice time: Arena admission or ice time costs $10 to $20 per session. Some coaches add ice time into their lesson rates and some facilities include a set number of club ice time hours with membership.
Equipment rental: Hockey gear rental costs $50 to $150 per season, with a refundable deposit of $200 to $300. Standard rental packages include helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, and sometimes skates, providing an affordable option for new players to try the sport without a significant upfront equipment investment.
USA Hockey registration: USA Hockey member registration is a mandatory national-level fee for players, coaches, and officials participating in sanctioned hockey programs. Paid annually, the fee varies by age group and covers basic insurance, national program support, and access to USA Hockey resources.
Local hockey club membership: Local clubs typically require memberships to use the facilities. Annual membership fees typically range from $200 to $800+, depending on the facility's amenities and location.
Cost of ice hockey equipment
Some players prefer to purchase equipment rather than rely on poor fitting rental gear. Investing in your own equipment costs $500 to $1,500+, depending on the quality and brand. Renting equipment is more cost-effective for beginners or growing youth players, while purchasing is more common for long-term players.
Factors such as age, skill level, and personal preferences significantly affect costs, with higher-end gear offering better performance and protection.
| Hockey gear | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hockey skates | $100 – $300+ |
| Helmet with face shield | $100 – $250+ |
| Shoulder pads | $50 – $200+ |
| Elbow pads | $50 – $150 |
| Gloves | $50 – $200 |
| Hockey pants | $50 – $100 |
| Shin guards | $50 – $150 |
| Practice jersey | $20 – $40 |
| Hockey socks | $10 – $30 |
| Jockstrap / Jill | $10 – $40 |
| Mouthguard | $10 – $40 |
| Total average equipment cost | $500 – $1,500+ |
Buying second-hand, lightly used gear can be a great way to save money, but it's important to ensure it fits well to provide the necessary protection and comfort.
Ice hockey lesson cost factors
Ice hockey lesson costs can vary significantly based on several factors:
Location: Prices can differ based on local rink pricing and the geographic area, with urban centers typically charging more than rural locations.
Coach experience: More experienced coaches often charge higher fees. Retired professional hockey players frequently transition into coaching, bringing valuable on-ice experience and advanced technical knowledge that can command premium training rates.
Ice time fees: Some private lessons require additional ice time fees, which can add $10 to $20 or more per player to the session costs.
Session length: Longer sessions cost more but offer more time for feedback and skill development. Typically, 30-minute sessions are ideal for younger players, while 60 to 90-minute sessions benefit more advanced athletes.
Time of day: Lessons scheduled during off-peak hours may cost less than ones at peak times.
Position-specific training: Goalie training generally costs more due to specialized coaching and equipment, with private sessions ranging from $100 to $300.
For beginners or players looking to improve their skating fundamentals, ice skating lessons are a valuable supplement to hockey training. Private ice skating lessons cost $30 to $50 for 15 to 30 minutes of one-on-one instruction.
FAQs about private hockey lessons
Are private hockey lessons worth it?
Yes, private hockey lessons can help players improve skills faster by focusing on individual strengths and weaknesses. Personalized coaching provides targeted feedback that team coaching can't match.
Where can I find private hockey lessons near me?
To find private hockey lessons near you, search online directories like Lessons.com for qualified private coaches. Also, check out local ice rinks and hockey centers. Most facilities have certified coaches who can help players develop their skills.
What should I bring to private hockey lessons?
Bring complete hockey gear: skates, helmet, gloves, stick, and protective equipment. Most rinks have rental equipment available. Check with your coach about any specific training requirements.
Can beginners benefit from private hockey lessons?
Beginners can make great progress in their basic skills with personalized instruction. Coaches adapt drills to individual learning pace to help beginner players build confidence and improve skills quickly.
How often should I schedule private hockey lessons?
How often you take lessons depends on your goals and budget. Weekly sessions in-season work well, though many players schedule additional lessons during the off-season or before tournaments to sharpen their skills.
Tips for choosing a private hockey instructor
Choosing the right private hockey instructor is important for improving skills and enjoying the game. These tips can help you find the right coach for you:
Compare prices of different instructors and look for package deals or group sessions to save money.
Get recommendations from other parents, coaches, or players who have experience with specific instructors.
Look for instructors with positive reviews and a good reputation. Avoid those known for negative behavior.
Consider the instructor's coaching background and experience level. More experienced coaches often provide higher-quality instruction.
Make sure the instructor specializes in the skills you need to improve, whether it's skating, shooting, or goaltending.
Factor in more than just lesson fees. Include ice time, equipment rental, insurance, and potential club membership costs when budgeting for private instruction.
Questions to ask a hockey training coach
When considering private hockey lessons, ask the right questions to ensure you find a coach who meets your needs:
What is your coaching philosophy?
How do you develop individual skills like skating, shooting, or puck handling?
What experience do you have with players at my level?
Can you provide references or testimonials?
How do you track progress?
What is the structure of a typical lesson?
What are your cancellation and rescheduling policies?
What additional costs should I expect?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.