🏒 How Adults Can Learn Hockey From Scratch in Ottawa (Co-Ed Beginner Guide)
- Richard Kirby
- Dec 9
- 3 min read
Thousands of adults across Ottawa — men and women — are learning hockey for the very first time. Whether you never skated as a kid, never played organized hockey, or thought it was “too late,” the truth is: Hockey is more accessible now than ever. And adults are the fastest-growing group of new players in Ottawa.
This guide breaks down exactly how adults in Ottawa can learn hockey from scratch — safely, confidently, and in a fun, supportive environment.
⭐ Step 1: Find an Adult Beginner-Friendly Program (This Matters More Than Anything)
Most beer leagues and pickup games in Ottawa are not designed for new players. The speed, intensity, and skill gaps can be overwhelming — and even dangerous — for beginners.
That’s why OWBH (Ottawa West Beginner Hockey) exists.
OWBH was built specifically for:
New adult skaters
Men and women with zero experience
Adults returning after years or decades
Anyone who wants fun, safe, positive hockey
Players who want coaching, not chirping
Adults who want fitness + community
👉 Beginner & league info: https://www.ottawahockeyhub.ca/owbh
OWBH provides a welcoming co-ed space where adults learn the game step-by-step.
⭐ Step 2: Start With Practices, Basics, and Skills Training
Adults learn quickly when they have access to:
🧊 Beginner-friendly practices
Learn foundational skills:
Skating technique
Stopping
Control
Turning
Stickhandling
Shooting
Passing
No pressure. No judgment. No chaos.
❄️ Power Skating
OWBH runs power skating designed specifically for adult beginners — not elite youth drills.
The focus is on:
Balance
Edges
Confidence
Proper stride
Core skating habits
Adults drastically improve after only a few sessions.
⭐ Step 3: Play 3-on-3 Adult Hockey — The Easiest Format for Adults to Learn
OWBH runs one of Ottawa’s only dedicated adult 3-on-3 leagues, which is far more beginner-friendly than 5-on-5.
Why 3-on-3 works so well for new players:
More puck touches
More skating
Less pressure
Less traffic
Fewer collisions
Players improve faster
Gameplay is fun, fast, and supportive
This format is ideal for both men and women, and allows everyone to learn safely at their own pace.
👉 Explore the 3-on-3 league: https://www.ottawahockeyhub.ca/owbh-3vs3-league
⭐ Step 4: Join a Supportive Community (This Is What Keeps Adults Playing)
Learning a new sport as an adult requires encouragement — not criticism.
OWBH emphasizes:
Respect
Safety
Inclusiveness
Coaching
Team balance
No-contact rules
Zero pressure to “perform.”
Both men and women in the program consistently say they feel welcomed, supported, and seen, which is rare in traditional adult hockey.
This is why OWBH players stay season after season.
⭐ Step 5: Want to Learn Goalie? Adults Can Start Too.
OWBH is one of the ONLY programs in Ottawa that encourages new adult goalies, regardless of experience.
Goalies play FREE
Goalie training is available
Supportive coaching
Safe pace of play
Perfect for beginners
Lots of reps in 3-on-3
If you've ever been curious about playing goalie, OWBH is the easiest and safest place to learn the position.
⭐ Step 6: Watch Real Gameplay Before You Join
You can see real OWBH players — beginners, intermediates, returners — skating and learning at every level.
🎥 Watch full games + highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@ottawahockeyhubtv
You'll notice right away: This is not a typical beer league. This is a learning environment where adults thrive.
⭐ Step 7: Just Start — Adults Improve Faster Than You Think
Many new adult players worry:
“I’ll be the worst one.”
“I’ll slow everyone down.”
“I’m not a great skater yet.”
“Everyone else will be better.”
In OWBH?
Everyone is learning. Everyone is improving. Everyone supports each other.
And most players say this:
“I wish I had joined sooner.”
You don’t need perfect skating. You don’t need experience. You don’t need to be young.
You just need to show up.
⭐ The Best Place in Ottawa to Learn Hockey as an Adult
OWBH gives adult men AND women the complete development path:
🏒 Learn
Beginner practices
Power skating
Skills sessions
🏒 Play
3-on-3 development league
Saturday full-ice games
🏒 Grow
Goalies play free
Goalie training
Supportive co-ed community
Start here:👉 https://www.ottawahockeyhub.ca/owbh
See what 3-on-3 hockey looks like:👉 https://www.ottawahockeyhub.ca/owbh-3vs3-league
Watch our action:🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@ottawahockeyhubtv
⭐ Final Note for Adult Hockey Players
Learning hockey as an adult isn’t just possible — it’s fun, empowering, and life-changing.
OWBH is the perfect place for men and women to start from scratch, build confidence, and rediscover the joy of being on the ice.
The ice is waiting. Come learn with us.
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