How to start playing hockey as an adult in Columbus, OH

6 programs across the Columbus area last checked 2026-10-26

  1. Learn to skate (1)
  2. Learn to play (3)
  3. Beginner league (1)
  4. Next steps (1)

1. Learn to skate 1

Adult skating classes. Most beginners start here.

Adult

Adult Learn to Skate (Adult 1-6)

OhioHealth Chiller (Dublin, Easton, North) · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 18+
Price: $175 per 8-week session
Schedule: October session Oct 12 - Dec 12 (underway); next session Jan 4 - Feb 27, 2027. adult classes include Easton Thu 6:00 PM (Adult 1) and Dublin Mon 6:45 PM (Adult 1-6)
For beginning and experienced adult skaters. Classes include weekly lessons and skate rental.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26

2. Learn to play 3

Hockey clinics for adults who have never played.

What to expect in a learn-to-play program

Adult

Adult Learn to Play Hockey

OhioHealth Chiller Dublin / Easton · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 18+
Price: $175 for 8 weeks
Schedule: October session: Thursdays 6:50-7:35 PM at Dublin, Wednesdays 6:50-7:40 PM at Easton (waitlist). Next session Jan 4 - Feb 27, 2027
Adult classes in the Chiller Learn to Play program (ages 11-17 and adults).
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26
Adult

Adult Women's Learn to Play Hockey

OhioHealth Chiller North · Lewis Center, OH
Ages: 18+
Price: $175 for 8 weeks
Schedule: October session: Fridays 9:20-10:20 AM
Women's adult class in the Chiller Learn to Play program.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26
Adult

Saturday Night Hockey (Adult Hockey Clinic)

OhioHealth Chiller Ice Works / Easton · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 18+
Price: $150 per player; $75 per goalie
Schedule: Saturdays Oct 31 - Dec 12, 2026 (6 weeks); times vary by week
45 minutes of instruction plus 45 minutes of coached scrimmage. Limited to Adult Learn to Play participants and CAHL Lower C and D players; 30 skaters and 2 goalies. Full gear required; full session only.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26

3. Beginner league 1

Novice, instructional and D-level leagues.

Adult

Chiller Adult Hockey League (CAHL)

OhioHealth Chiller rinks · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 18+
Price: $3,350 per team (fall)
Schedule: Year-round seasons; fall began Sep 2 with 12 games plus playoffs
Leagues for all skill levels from beginners up, including lower C and D divisions. Individuals without a team can email the CAHL director. USA Hockey registration required.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26

4. Next steps 1

Open hockey once you can play.

Adult

Adult Drop-In Hockey

OhioHealth Chiller rinks · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 18+
Price: $16 per session; goalies free
Ages 18+ only. Limit 30 skaters and 4 goalies. Full equipment required. Check the rink schedule for times.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26

Beginner guides

Learn to skate first · Your first hockey class · What hockey costs · Stick and skate sizing · Beginner leagues explained

Used gear near you

Buying used is the easiest way to cut the cost of a first kit. Inventory changes daily, so check listings or call the store before you go.

Facebook Marketplace

Local listings for "hockey equipment" in the Columbus area.

Search Marketplace ↗

SidelineSwap

Online marketplace for used ice hockey gear, shipped to you.

Shop ice hockey ↗

Play It Again Sports stores

Store

Play It Again Sports Grove City

4095 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
About 7 miles from downtown Columbus · (380) 666-0279
Store page ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26
Store

Play It Again Sports Hilliard

4720 Cemetery Road, Hilliard, OH 43026
About 9 miles from downtown Columbus · 614-529-9100
Store page ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26
Store

Play It Again Sports Columbus East

6011 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43213
About 9 miles from downtown Columbus · 614-868-0018
Store page ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26
Store

Play It Again Sports Westerville

718 N State Street, Westerville, OH 43082
About 13 miles from downtown Columbus · 614-890-2110
Store page ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26

Store list from the official Play It Again Sports store locator ↗, checked 2026-10-26. Distances are approximate, straight-line.

Buying used: what beginners should know

  • Helmets expire. Replace a helmet after about 5 years, or after any hard impact. Check the date on the certification sticker before you buy.
  • Always try on skates first. Fit matters more than anything with skates, and a used pair may be broken in to someone else's foot.
  • Inspect pads and gloves. Look for cracks in the hard plastic, a strong smell, and worn or torn straps and Velcro. Check glove palms for holes.
  • Why used makes sense. When you're just starting, you don't yet know your size, your style or whether you'll stick with it. Used gear lets you play for a fraction of the price and upgrade later.

For kids 4

Youth learn-to-skate, learn-to-play and intro hockey programs at or near the rinks above.

Learn to skate

Youth

Teen Intro to Skating

OhioHealth Chiller (Dublin, Easton) · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 11-17
Price: $175 per 8-week session
Schedule: Dublin Mon 6:15 PM and Sat 9:50 AM; Easton Thu 6:30 PM (October session)
Learn to skate class for teens.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26
Youth

Learn to Skate: Basic 1-6

OhioHealth Chiller (Dublin, Easton, North) · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 5-17
Price: $175 per 8-week session
Schedule: Next session Jan 4 - Feb 27, 2027
Basic Skills curriculum for skaters taking their first steps on the ice. Skate rental included.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26

Learn to play

Youth

Blue Jackets Learn to Play

OhioHealth Chiller rinks · Columbus area, OH
Ages: 4-10
Price: $275 per 8-week session
Schedule: Next session Jan 4 - Feb 27, 2027; eight 45-minute classes
Three-step program for kids new to organized hockey. First-time Hockey 1 players get head-to-toe equipment, plus a Blue Jackets ticket.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26
Youth

Learn to Play Hockey 3 (ages 11-17)

OhioHealth Chiller Easton · Columbus, OH
Ages: 11-17
Price: $175 for 8 weeks
Schedule: October session: Wednesdays 6:00-6:45 PM
Part of the Chiller Learn to Play program for ages 11-17 and adults.
Official source ↗
Last checked 2026-10-26

Get an email when beginner sessions open in Columbus

Learn-to-skate and learn-to-play sessions fill up fast. Pick your city and we'll email you when new sessions or registration open. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Starter gear

Most programs need full equipment: helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin guards, skates, stick, and a jock or jill.

Starter gear guide

FAQ

I can't skate at all. Where do I start?

Start with an adult learn-to-skate class (step 1). The OhioHealth Chiller rinks run Adult 1-6 classes for ages 18 and up, with skate rental included.

Is there an adult learn-to-play program?

Yes. The Chiller's Adult Learn to Play Hockey runs in 8-week sessions at Dublin and Easton, with a women's class at Chiller North. Saturday Night Hockey is a next-step clinic for Learn to Play grads and lower-division players.

Is there a league for true beginners?

The Chiller Adult Hockey League has levels from beginners up, including lower C and D divisions. Players without a team can email the CAHL director.

Are these details current?

Each card shows the date we last checked it and links to the official source. Schedules and prices change, so confirm with the rink.

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