Play The Game : : The Official Website of the Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey Team

Play The Game

The programme began in 2005 as "Learn to play" and attracts both adults and children who wish to learn to play ice hockey.

Jamie Elson, Head of the Devils Community Foundation, Brent Pope, Current MD of the club and members of the Elite League Cardiff Devils team coach the sessions.

The programme is run all year round, 3 sessions per week.

Who can join?

If a player is under 10 years of age their ‘Learn to Play’ session is with the Cardiff Junior Devils under 10’s team which trains from 6.15-7.15 pm on Wednesday evening. These sessions are available to all beginners under the age of 10 and operate on a ‘Pay as you Play’ basis. Each session costs £10 which includes use of the necessary equipment.

Anyone can start learning to play ice hockey regardless of age, sex or ability. If you are still holding onto the side you are probably not yet ready for the sessions but if you can do the basics (ie stand unassisted on skates / perform basic skating movements) then just turn up and play.

Many people cannot go backwards or "hockey stop" on the ice when they start but soon pick up these skills. If you are not sure whether you are ready just come along and watch.

When, where and how much is it?

Over 18's "Play the Game" sessions operate on Wednesdays 8pm to 9pm and Friday from 6.15pm to 7.15 pm at the Cardiff Bay Arena (next to Cardiff International pool). The Future Devils sessions are operated on Wednesdays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.

Junior ‘Learn to Play’ sessions for 10-18 year olds operate on Wednesday evenings from 7.00 - 8.00pm.

Adult "Play the Game" sessions operate on Wednesdays 8.15 - 9.15pm and Friday from 6.15 - 7.15pm at the Cardiff Bay Arena (next to Cardiff International pool).

Each session costs £10. There's no waiting list and no need to book in advance. Just turn up (at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the session), pay your £10 (at the desk by the players' bench area on the far side of the arena) and play. If you are not sure of anything just ask Brent or the Coaches for help. They are a friendly welcoming group, who are happy to help you enjoy your introduction to the sport of Ice Hockey!

What equipment do I need?

We can loan you much of what you need for the sessions. Below are some examples of Ice Hockey equipment.

Helmets:

Under 18s must wear a helmet with full face cage. Adults can choose to wear open face helmets, with visor or with cage. There are a limited number of children's helmets available for the sessions. There are no adult helmets available at the moment. Wearing of helmets is compulsory at all times on the ice.

Protection:

Body armour is recommended but not compulsory. Gloves and elbow pads are compulsory and can be provided by the Coaches. Any Ice Hockey shirt will do. If you are wearing full body armour make sure you buy a big enough shirt to compensate. Plain training shirts can be bought for as little as £15

Hockey Shorts and athletic supports are not compulsory and are not provided. Athletic supports can be purchased alone or with integral garter belt (for holding up hockey socks). Beginners to the sessions often wear track suit bottoms with the shin guards over them.

Shin Guards:

Shin guards are compulsory and can be provided. Hockey socks are not compulsory and we do not provide these. Hockey socks are open ended both ends and stretch over the shin guards. They are held up by sock tape (like sellotape) or by garter belts.