The Minnesota Wild, together with a coalition of local hockey advocates, has announced the opening of registration for the 2026 Little Wild Learn To Play Program, a initiative designed to introduce children to the sport in a supportive environment.
Prospective participants can sign up beginning May 27 at 10 a.m. Central Time, with the program offering 22 on‑ice sessions spread across the state, including a dedicated session for girls at TRIA Rink in St. Paul.
The curriculum is tailored for first‑time players who are between five and eight years old as of December 1, 2026, ensuring that children are introduced to hockey at an age when fundamental skills develop most rapidly.
Organizers have emphasized that the program is reserved for children who have never been part of organized youth hockey, and those who have previously attended a Little Wild session are not eligible to re‑enter.
Equipment and Financial Support
Each registrant receives a full set of hockey gear and four one‑hour on‑ice sessions for a total cost of $212, a price that reflects both equipment and instruction. In addition, $12 from every registration will be donated to the Skate It Forward initiative, a nonprofit that uses sport to promote community development.
Fitting sessions for the equipment will be held at Pure Hockey locations in Woodbury and Burnsville, where families can receive personalized assistance in selecting the appropriate size and style of gear.
A Pathway to the Wild
All participants are invited to attend a preseason Minnesota Wild game at Grand Casino Arena, where they will receive a complimentary ticket and the chance to experience a professional game atmosphere.
Matt Boldy, a forward for the Wild and a vocal advocate for youth hockey, has been named as the program’s ambassador, lending his personal story and enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of players.
Beyond the immediate on‑ice experience, the program aims to foster a lifelong love of the sport while reinforcing values of teamwork, discipline, and community service through the partnership with Skate It Forward.