Goggin's youth hockey program brings beginners to the ice
Goggin Ice Center offers Learn To Play Hockey Programs to teach youth athletes introductory hockey skills like skating, shooting and passing.
The Goggin Ice Center at Miami University is one of four rinks in Butler and Hamilton counties offering a youth ice hockey program.
The other rinks are the Queen City SportsPlex, Northland Ice Center and Indian Hill Winter Club. Cincinnati Gardens, which was demolished in March 2018, also used to be a spot for hockey players.
Goggin’s introductory program teaches players ages 4 to 10 basic hockey skills including shooting, skating, stickhandling and passing.
Jackie Mensing, a resident from Liberty Township, has a son who plays for the Junior Cyclones and participated in a camp at Goggin over the summer. She thought her younger, 7-year-old daughter could also give the sport a try.
“She's had a blast,” Mensing said. “The coaches seem invested in these kids to help them grow as hockey players. I’m really impressed with how they have the school things set up for her, and to help them develop in her skills.”
Mensing said her daughter wants to play on a team, although they were too late to register her for the season.
“So we're gonna keep her in this program because she absolutely loves it,” Mensing said. “And then maybe, you know, see if she can get out in a little house (league).”
Players find their footing (left) in between rounds and teams huddle with their instructors (right) before scrimmaging at Learn to Play Hockey on Nov. 15, 2025. Photo by Emily Siderits.
Justin Isaacs is from Hamilton and grew up playing in hockey leagues at Goggin almost 40 years ago. On Nov. 15, he was watching his son play at the Learn to Skate Program.
“He’s just a hockey player, he loves it,” Isaacs said.
Ashley Isaacs, Justin’s wife, said, “They do a good job helping him learn some of the skills in a really fun way.”
Goggin is currently hosting its second session of six for the Learn to Play Hockey program. Sessions one through five have 10 to 12 practices, depending on the session. Session six spans six practices.
Hockey is the most expensive youth sport to play, according to data from the Aspen Institute of Play and the Utah State University’s Families in Sports Lab. On average, families spend $2,583 a year on ice hockey, with $389 on equipment and $829 on traveling.
For the Goggin program, the first two sessions cost $170, while the third and fourth sessions cost $165, the fifth costs $155 and the sixth costs $90. Costs include equipment rentals.
Session two of Learn to Play Hockey will conclude on Nov. 22, and the third session will begin on Dec. 2.
Families may register for session three online at miamioh.edu/athletics-recreation under “Get on the Ice at the Goggin Ice Center.”
