Drop-In Hockey
Like mamma always said, Life is like a game of drop-in hockey: you never know when some beauty’s going to show up and make you wish your skills were more silky smooth.
Details
We offer a wide variety of Drop-In Hockey sessions to suit your experience and intensity level, for players ages 15+. Participants are expected to play at the ability level rating of each session. Rink staff has the discretion to determine if an individual’s ability-level matches that of a particular session, and may deny entry or participation.
Three nights a week, we offer a combination Drills & Drop-In session where a USA Hockey certified coach leads the group on 30 minutes of drills, followed by a 60-minute drop-in hockey game.
At the Winthrop Rink, we ask Drop-In Hockey participants to self-evaluate their skill level based on USA Hockey’s definitions. Learn More
Equipment requirements
Players ages 15-18 must wear helmet with full face shield + full equipment (gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, hockey pants, and shin pads).
Players ages 18+ must at least wear helmet with half face shield + partial equipment (gloves, elbow pads, hockey pants, and shin pads).
Regular Drop-In Rates*
Drills & Drop-In Rates
*Holiday Rates Apply
Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
Dec. 20 – Jan. 1 (Winter Holiday Break)
Jan. 17–20 (MLK Weekend)
Feb. 14–17 (Presidents’ Day Weekend)
Holiday Drop-in Rates
Drills & Drop-In
These hybrid sessions feature 30 minutes of coached drills focusing on game play, positioning, and strategy led by a USA Hockey-trained coach. The Drills session is followed by a 1-hour drop-in hockey game where players are encouraged to utilize their newly-acquired skills.
The maximum number of players allowed per session is 40 skaters and 4 goalies. A session is considered closed when those numbers are reached. Full hockey equipment is strongly recommended. Helmets with a minimum of a half-shield face mask are required. By USA Hockey rules, players younger than age 18 are required to wear full hockey equipment, including helmets with full-shield face masks.
If teams are imbalanced, it is recommended that teams swap a higher skill level player from one team for a lower skill level player from the other. Players are required to play within their means, be courteous to fellow players, and abide by basic drop-in hockey protocol of shifting every 2-3 minutes (if enough players allow).
First Time Playing Here? Here’s what you need to know.
Find a Session
View our schedule to find a public session that suits your skill level.
Admissions
Check out our rates and passes for public sessions and learn about season memberships, punch card packages, and gift cards. A signed waiver is required for all Drop-In Hockey sessions.
Directions & PARKING
We're located just across the Spring Creek Bridge from the Town of Winthrop. Get directions. For general parking, please use upper lot. For ADA parking and deliveries, use lower lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Youth players (15+) must wear helmet with full-shield face protection + full protective equipment (gloves, elbow shoulder, hockey pants, shin pads).
Adult players (18+) must wear helmet with minimum of half-shield face protection + partial equipment (gloves, elbow, and shin pads) Shoulder and hockey pants optional.
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Our rental skates may be used for Drop-In. And we sometimes have loaner hockey sticks available for people to use. Unfortunately, we do not provide any safety equipment for use.
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All players must stay off the ice until the Zamboni has exited the surface and the Zamboni doors are shut. Do not enter ice from Zamboni doors.
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We follow USA Hockey's definitions of Ability Levels. They are:
E Level (Novice) Players who are new to the sport of hockey and starting to learn fundamental skills of forward skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting. Players have completed a Learn to Play Hockey program. Games are played with low intensity and at Skill Level 1. Does this describe you? Watch this video to find out.
D Level (Beginner) Players are still learning the basics of the game, including how to skate forwards and backwards, puck handling, passing, and shooting skills. Players typically have 2 or more years of experience playing in Learn to Play programs and “Beginner” Drop-In Hockey sessions. Games are played with low intensity and at Skill Level 2. Does this describe you? Watch this video to find out.
C Level (Intermediate) Players are generally athletic, have good knowledge of the game, skating and puck handling skills, and can play at a general competitive level. Players typically have 4 or more years of experience playing in organized adult hockey leagues. Games are played with medium intensity and at Skill Level 3. Does this describe you? Watch this video to find out.
B Level (Advanced) - Players are able to play a fast game safely and can execute integrated hockey plays that utilize difficult hockey skills. Players typically played organized youth hockey, in Junior leagues, and at the collegiate ACHA-tier level. Games are played with high intensity and at Skill Level 4. Does this describe you? Watch this video to find out.
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The maximum number of players allowed per session is 40 skaters and 4 goalies. A session is considered closed when those numbers are reached.
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Take it easy, Wayne. Players are required to play within their means, at the sessions' published ability level, and be courteous to fellow players. Please abide by basic drop-in hockey protocol of shifting every 2-3 minutes (if enough players allow), with an emphasis on playmaking and sportsmanship to make the session enjoyable for everyone.
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Determine your skill level by following this Skill Level Guide.
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No. Admissions can only be purchased 30 minutes prior to the start of a session. There is one exception: Tournament Drop-In's will have a sign-up sheet at the Front Desk on the day of the event. Visit Front Desk for details.