Father David Bauer / Norma Bush Arenas — Hockey

We recently attended the hockey program at Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary with my 6-year-old, and overall, we had a solid experience. The instructor, Mark, was highly engaging, taking the time to ensure that each child understood the fundamentals of skating and puck handling. My son was thrilled to finally master shooting the puck into the net and even made a friend during the drills, which was a nice bonus. The pickup process was straightforward, though we did encounter some crowded areas when families were arriving and leaving at the same time. It would be helpful if they had some clearer signage to guide parents. The cost is reasonable for what you get, and the small group size allowed for more personalized attention. I would recommend this program for kids who are active and looking to build their hockey skills, but just be prepared for a bit of a crowd.

I took my 9-year-old son to the hockey program at Father David Bauer Arenas in Calgary last week. The staff, including our instructor Mark, were very engaged and encouraging, which made my son feel welcome and excited to learn. He particularly enjoyed working on his stickhandling skills and was proud to showcase a little mini drill he built with his new friends. We had some trouble with the crowded conditions, especially during pickup time, as it was hard to find a clear path through the groups of kids and parents. However, once we got past that, it was a solid experience overall. The price was reasonable for the amount of ice time he got, and I appreciate that the program encourages active play. I’d recommend it to other parents, but be ready for a busy environment.