Junior Rangers

This entry-level hockey program is perfect for kids ages 3 to 8 with little to no skating experience. It’s the ideal starting point for new players looking to explore the sport unless they’ve already participated in our Learn to Skate sessions or a previous JR Rangers program and are ready to move up to Mini-Mites or Mite level hockey.

Players will be introduced to foundational skating techniques and basic hockey skills through age-appropriate instruction and engaging activities. Our goal is to build confidence, coordination, and love for the game whether your child is stepping on the ice for the first time or looking to develop new skills before joining the next level.

Select the Junior Ranger program below you are interested in registering for.

Register First with Forest Lake Schools Community Education here:

FALL - https://flaschools.arux.app/course/8982/fall-2026/flha-jr-rangers-fall-hockey-ages-3-8

WINTER - https://flaschools.arux.app/course/9165/fall-2026/flha-jr-rangers-winter-hockey-ages-4-8

Once registered with Community Ed please complete your registration on the Forest Lake Hockey website below

Question:

Can my kiddo do JR Rangers if they are 3 years old?

Answer:

Yes, however at 3 years the kids will do best when either a parent can be on the ice and skate with them to start or if they can stand up and move on skates already then they will have a good experience. Contact recruitment@flhockey.org to complete registration if your child is under 4 years old and would like to do JR Rangers and you have questions on the program

Question:

How does the gear program work?

Answer:

After registering with BOTH Community Ed and Forest Lake Hockey a short time after you will receive an email with a voucher and instructions on how to redeem for a full set of gear/helmet from Strauss in Maplewood. Email with any questions you may have on gear to recruitment@flhockey.org

Question:

How do I register?

Answer: Make sure that you register first with community education for the appropriate JR Rangers program https://flaschools.arux.app/course/8982/fall-2026/flha-jr-rangers-fall-hockey-ages-3-8 or https://flaschools.arux.app/course/9165/fall-2026/flha-jr-rangers-winter-hockey-ages-4-8and then complete your registration by selecting the JR ranger program above and clicking the registration button

Important info to get ready for JR Rangers:

Gear: If you are eligible for and purchased the discounted gear set you will receive your individual coupon voucher in a separate email before the JR Rangers program starts. This will be a full set of equipment pads and helmet which you will redeem at Strauss in Maplewood. If you did not purchase the discounted gear set or just have questions on gear please visit the JR Rangers website or contact me. 

Skates – skates are the most important piece of gear for a new skater, it is very important to have a good fitting pair of skates especially for these kids as they are still learning. I recommend trying on multiple sizes and brands to see which fit your child’s feet the best. Skate sharpening is available locally at the Forest Lake Sports Center ice rink, Forest Lake Ace Hardware and at Strauss. Sharp skates are very important especially for new skaters to help them grip the ice.

Stick – Part of the JR Ranger program is for the kids to all EARN their hockey stick by first mastering some basic skating skills. You do not need to purchase a stick! We will provide a stick to each kid as part of the program.

Mouthguard – Every kid should have a mouthguard available for when they go out on the ice.

Protective Cup/Pelvic protector - We highly recommend each kid wear a protective cup or pelvic protector. The protective shorts with integrated velcro tabs for holding up hockey socks work really well

Neckguards – This is a new requirement from USA Hockey and is highly recommended. These are available at hockey stores such as Strauss