Start Smart Instructional Program
What Is Start Smart?
Start Smart is an instructional level youth hockey program, designed to give kids ages 5-14 the necessary skills needed to eventually play in the Salt Lake County Youth Hockey League program. Participation in the Start Smart program is generally required prior to entering the Salt Lake County Youth Hockey League program.
When Is Start Smart?
Each Salt Lake County ice facility runs its own Start Smart program. The program schedule and pricing structure varies from one facility to the next. Please contact one of the Hockey Program Coordinators listed below for specific Start Smart information:
West Valley Acord Ice Center
Chris Billeter, 801-967-4030, email
Salt Lake County Ice Center (Murray)
Joe Bernardy, 801-270-7293, email
Salt Lake City Sports Complex
Shannon Schmidt, 801-583-9713, x264, email
Do I need to know how to ice skate to participate?
Basic ice skating skills are required for participation in this program. All beginning level skaters should attend at least one semester of the Learn-to-Skate program before signing up for Start Smart.
What equipment is required for participation?
Basic hockey equipment is also required for participation in the Start Smart program. This includes hockey skates, helmet/mask, shin guards, elbow pads, hockey gloves, and a hockey stick. The skates and helmet/mask may be purchased, or are available for rent through each ice center's skate rental area, $1 each time for the skates and $ .50 each time for the helmet. The remaining equipment is available for purchase as a discounted package through each ice center's pro shop, or at any local hockey shop.
Acord Ice Center Start Smart Program
