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AGE REQUIREMENTS
 

AGE GROUP BOYS  AND GIRLS  8 - 17

The game of ice hockey is known as the fastest team sport in the world. Children who participate in hockey should be aggressive, competitive, and coordinated.

What are the age requirements for Hockey?

Today ice hockey varies by sex and age group. Most programs are offered to both boys and girls, however age divisions available may vary based on the league.  Youth in-house hockey can start in some leagues as young as 3 years old, with 5 years old being the average age for beginner programs.  School programs in ice hockey begin in 7th grade and continue through college level. 

What divisions would my child play?

All divisions are based on birth date and your child must meet the restrictions to play the division.  There are five age divisions for youth ice hockey:

In-house program is usually sponsored by a local ice rink and is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of hockey, the basics of skating, sportsmanship and team play.

REGISTRATION
 

How do I register?

Registration for September is normally in August.  If your league does two sessions you will be notified to re-register your child. Forms for registration can be obtained on the organization's web site or at your local sporting good store.  In addition, many schools will distribute flyers for the organizations announcing the registration time frames.  Organizations will often give you the option to register on line at their web site. 

REQUIREMENTS....

A birth certificate is required at this time to prove the age of your child.  In addition, most participants must have a current U.S. Hockey membership that is valid for the entire season.  The cost is approximately $35.00.

COMMITMENT

 

Pre-Season and Evaluations...

Leagues require a pre-season clinic to sharpen the skills of their players before practices begin, evaluate players and create teams.

Players are evaluated in the following areas: skating, passing, receiving, shooting, stick handling, and checking.  In addition, coaches will look at balance, coordination, strength, sportsmanship and defensive tactics.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE...

You can expect approximately two practices per game at varying times depending on ice rink availability.  Practice will last approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour depending on the age group. Some practices your team will have full ice and others they will share the ice time with another team.

GAME SCHEDULE....

Games will begin in September. Games normally last between 30 and 45 minutes and are divided into 3 periods. The number of games will vary based on age level.  Listed below is an approximation of games that can be expected for each age group.

In addition, your team may participate in scrimmages and usually at least 2 tournaments. Playoffs and All Star games may also be part of the season depending on the league.

COST

 

Ice Hockey is an expensive sport.  Funds will be spent on lessons, clinics, ice time, team/league fees and very expensive equipment.  

League registration fees for in-house hockey will  normally run between $385.00 - $1400.00 for a September to March season. In most organizations the price will increase slightly with each age group.  In addition, a processing fee of $25.00 is charged by some leagues.  Many organizations will give a discount for a family with multiple children. 

In addition, most participants must have a current U.S. Hockey membership that is valid for the entire season.  The cost is approximately $35.00.

The price of hockey equipment will vary with the age and ability of your child.  The older and more advanced a child the more expensive the equipment.  This is a sport where equipment must fit perfectly or your child will be injured. Your child's growth spurts may result in having to purchase some new equipment. 

You can expect to pay approximately $400.00-$500.00 for a beginner.  This would include ice fees, league fees and equipment.  If your child is exceptionally good it could cost approximately $3000.00 dollars when they reach the Pee Wee or Bantam division

GENERAL INFORMATION

Did you know?

Parents should try to arrange to have their child's skates sharpened once a week during the season.

Your child should wear light fitting, cool, comfortable undergarments during all games and practices.

Hockey equipment is extremely expensive but sometimes you can save some money by purchasing online or buying used equipment.  If you decide to go this route be sure to carefully consider the size sp that your child is fully protected.

Ice Hockey team fields six players.  A team rotates players in and out of the game to eliminate exhaustion.  Players normally sit with defenders at one end of the bench and offenders at the other end to allow for quick substitutions.