Greater Bangor · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Maine Jr.
Black Bears
Youth hockey for every age and skill level — from first-ever strides at age 3 to state-championship travel teams.
14U T3
2025–26 MEAHA State Champions · New England Regionals runner-up
5×
12U Tier III state titles since 2018–19
Age 3+
First Strides through 14U travel
The MJBB path
From first steps to state banners
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1
First Strides
Ages 3–4
A calm 30-minute session for little ones who’ve never been on skates — balance, confidence and games before the rink fills up.
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2
Learn to Skate
Beginners
Three badge levels — Basics, Intermediate and Advanced — plus power skating, building toward stickhandling, passing and shooting.
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3
Learn to Play
Next step
Hockey skating technique — stance, stride, knee bend — taught without a puck so the fundamentals stick.
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4
Atoms
In-house league
Non-travel, local games for every skill level. Full gear required; a jersey is provided.
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5
Travel teams
Up to 14U
Competitive Tier III and Tier IV teams. (16U and 18U play under the North Stars.)
Registration open
Winter 2027 First Strides, Learn to Skate & Learn to Play
A 6-week winter session starting in January 2027 at Sawyer Arena in Bangor. Volunteer USA Hockey–trained coaches and student players — including MJBB’s own 14U travel players — help every child feel at home on the ice. Times vary by program.
- ●Players need a USA Hockey number before registering — get one here.
- ●New to hockey? Rental gear is just $25 (skates not included).
- ●MJBB recommends a proper skate and helmet fitting at Gunn’s Sport Shop in Brewer.
Ages 5–9 · Alfond Arena
Bruins Academy
The Boston Bruins’ Learn to Play program, hosted by MJBB and presented by Pure Hockey. For kids who can already skate on their own — perfect after Learn to Play or Atoms.
- ✔ Full set of equipment to keep (about $550 retail value)
- ✔ A pair of skates and a professional fitting
- ✔ Four weeks of on-ice instruction from certified coaches
$225
Fall 2026 session complete — 2027 dates coming soon.
Bruins Academy detailsAtoms gear checklist
Full equipment is required for Atoms. A season gear package rents for $25 (skates, jock/pelvic protector, socks and mouth guard not included).
- ✔Hockey skates
- ✔Helmet with cage
- ✔Neck guard
- ✔Hockey gloves
- ✔Shoulder/chest pads
- ✔Elbow & knee pads
- ✔Hockey shorts & socks
- ✔Stick (youth straight blade preferred)
- ✔Pelvic protector / jock shorts
- ✔Mouth guard (recommended)
Our neighbors across the river
More than hockey
MJBB’s mission is to give Greater Bangor kids a high-quality hockey program while teaching respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and responsibility — and a lifelong love of the game. The Jr. Black Bears are also a proud sponsor of Penobscot Ice Arena.
MJBB on our sponsor wall →Quick links
Questions? Email MJBB · P.O. Box 2087, Bangor, ME 04401