Knobby’s Kids is a free program for kids, from age 5 to 14 that teaches hockey and learn to skate for hockey. Older kids, aged 15 to 16, may be eligible to play with Knobby’s Kids Hockey Senior program. 2026-27 Registration is based on age at January 1, 2027.
Participants cannot be registered in any other hockey program. An exception may be made for goalies.
Our coaches will help your child learn to skate and improve on their skating skills, for the purpose of playing hockey. All kids will skate with full hockey gear, including in the learn to skate program. If your goal is for your child to skate for recreational purposes only, Knobby’s Kids Hockey may not be for them.
The program is co-ed and there are no divisions based on gender, only those based on ability as determined by our coaches. During the season the coaches will continuously monitor all kid’s skills, and as they improve your child may be moved to a different level and skate time.
The program runs on Saturday mornings from the mid November through early March, weather permitting.
All equipment is provided for FREE, as well as skating and hockey coaching instruction.
Our main home ice is the Lions Outdoor Rink at Lanspeary Park, but we also play at WFCU at the start and end of season.
This free program is possible because of the commitment and support of our volunteers, kids, parents and community partners. St Clair College Alumni Association generously provides an annual donation to offset the cost of ice rentals and insurance.
To build a community where every child in our community can discover the magic of hockey. We see a future in which the experience in Knobby's Kids Hockey program lead to lifelong friendships, boundless confidence, and resilient character. Knobby’s Kids Hockey envisions rinks filled with laughter, teamwork, and the next generation of leaders both on and off the ice.
Knobby’s Kids Hockey is committed to breaking down financial barriers so every child can experience the joy, teamwork, and life‑skills of hockey. Through community fundraising and equipment donations, Knobby's Kids Hockey provides to youth, who formal hockey programs are not an appropriate fit or couldn't afford to play, hockey gear, and ice time at no cost to their families. Empowering them to grow in confidence, camaraderie, and character both on and off the ice.
Knobby’s Kids Hockey was founded in 2006 by friends Knobby Knudsen, Jerry Slavik, and Frank Spry. Our founders recognized the need for sports for children who may not otherwise be able to join a league. The initial season saw 50 kids hit the ice over two hours on Saturday mornings. Over the years the program expanded to three hours of ice time and additional special events were added to support kids and their families. In 2023, registration hit a new high of 150 kids registered, with 50 additional kids on a waiting list.
Knobby Knudsen had the original inspiration to create our program. He wanted a program that allowed children to learn and play hockey without the financial burden of registering in a league and buying equipment. In addition, the program would also let kids play without the competitive stress of traditional minor hockey. Knobby teamed up with Jerry Slavik and Frank Spry and built the program from nothing. He also gave us our motto, “Kids in Sports Stay Out of Courts,” believing that giving kids opportunity and a good environment would help them down a good path in life.
Jerry Slavik has been the leader of our team—the captain of captains—and the best coach one could ever have. We have all benefited from his knowledge, generosity, and kindness. He taught us how to be better people and showed that the impossible is possible when you set your mind to it. He turned good ideas into great actions and gave hundreds of kids the opportunity to play the great game of hockey.
Frank Spry was one of the originals who helped make Knobby’s Kids the program it has become. Always early to greet the kids with his booming voice, he kept all the volunteers in line and added a little humor to our mornings. He was special to all our kids, especially the littlest ones who couldn’t wait to say hi to Mr. Frank. Truly a fine gentleman who will be greatly missed in our community.
The current leadership team consists of individuals recruited in the first season, parents of past Knobby’s Kids players, and additional friends who joined along the way. Marty Kerester, an original volunteer from WFS Ltd, leads the current team of volunteers and in additional to being on the ice with the kids each week, he is our voice in the community.
Our volunteers are committed to supporting kids to have fun while learning the game of hockey in a positive, supportive environment.
