Mini Monsters
Presented By:
- Twice a week on-ice instruction
- Head-to-toe equipment
- Appearances by Monsters players and staff
The Mini Monsters Learn to Play program presented by University Hospitals in Lakewood, Cleveland Heights and newly added Brooklyn is designed to provide a simplified introductory hockey development pathway for boys and girls ages 3 to 14* who are eager to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun and supportive environment. In partnership with Ohio Hockey Project, who will provide coaching and program development, the Mini Monsters introduces young athletes to the exciting world of hockey, focusing on basic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
*Age groups determined by location
Winterhurst Ice Arena
3 to 8 years old
Thursdays, 5:40 p.m. to 6:25 p.m.
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
9 to 14 years old
Thursdays, 6:25 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. to noon
Cleveland Heights Recreation Center
3 to 8 years old
Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Saturdays, 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
9 to 14 years old
Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
John M. Coyne Recreation Center
3 to 8 years old
Fridays, 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Meet the Coaches!
Brianne McLaughlin
BRIANNE MCLAUGHLIN is a two-time Olympic silver medalist with the United States women’s national hockey team, and a former member of the National Women’s Hockey League’s Buffalo Beauts.
Shannon Szabados
SHANNON SZABADOS is a three-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist for the Canadian women’s national ice hockey team, and the first & only female to record a shutout in men’s professional hockey North America.
Russ Sinkewich
RUSS SINKEWICH is the founder of Ohio Hockey Project and a former member of the Cleveland Monsters.
Mini Monsters is a Learn to Play program operated by the Cleveland Monsters out of Lakewood, Cleveland Heights and Brooklyn. It is designed to provide a simplified introductory hockey development pathway for boys and girls ages 3 to 14 who are eager to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun and supportive environment. In partnership with Ohio Hockey Project, who will provide coaching and program development, the Mini Monsters introduces young athletes to the exciting world of hockey, focusing on basic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The Mini Monsters program is intended for new, first time participants with no prior hockey playing experience (i.e. prior registration on an organized time or in a USA Hockey program). Boys and girls ages 3-14 with the ability to skate independently are welcome to register.
It is a requirement that participants be self-sufficient and able to skate independently prior to enrollment in Mini Monsters Learn to Play. The first step in learning to play hockey is completion of a learn to skate program, which are available at many local rinks throughout Northeast Ohio including Winterhurst Ice Arena.
The program fee for each three month is $300 and all participants will receive:
- A complete set of hockey equipment to use for the duration of the program on a rental basis
- A Mini Monsters jersey (yours to keep)
- An annual skate at Rocket Arena
A complete set of hockey equipment will be provided to participants at the beginning of the program including stick, helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, socks, neck guard, hockey skates, and an equipment bag. All children will receive a Mini Monsters jersey to keep and wear during the experience.
The Monsters have partnered with the Ohio Hockey Project, founded by former Monster and Northeast Ohio native Russ Sinkewich, to provide coaches for the program. Ohio Hockey Project coaches and Lakewood Community Ice Directors Brianne McLaughlin, a two-time Olympic silver medalist with the United States women’s national ice hockey team, and Shannon Szabados, a three-time Olympian and two-time gold medal winner for the Canadian women’s national ice hockey team, will assist in coaching the program. Additional coaches from Ohio Hockey Project, Winterhurst Ice Arena, Cleveland Heights and the Cleveland Monsters will assist with on-ice programming.
We are proud to offer a Mini Monsters Learn to Play Scholarship with University Hospitals. Please fill out the FORM HERE to be considered.