If you're new to the sport of Ice Hockey you've probably got a lot of questions. We've collected some of them and tried to answer them here. Some questions have simple, specific answers. Other answers vary and these responses are based on member experiences.
New Hockey Parent: Frequently Asked Questions
Why create a Sport Ngin account?
How do I register for a DCYH hockey program?
What age should my son/daughter start?
Is the sport of hockey safe for my child?
Q: Why create a Sport Ngin account?
A: Creating an account allows you to see all site content and also receive association email.
You are under no obligation to register your child by creating a login to our site. This just provides you access to all of our site content. You can also choose to allow us to send you email regarding upcoming events like "Learn to Skate" or "Registration Deadline" events. DCYH never sells or shares our member contact information with anyone.
You can register here: http://www.dcyh.org/users/new
Q: How do I register for a DCYH hockey program?
Registration for DCYH programs opens August 1. Registration closes October 1. Late fees* apply to registration after September 21.
*Late fees do not applie to mite-level players or new registrations.
A: Youth Hockey programs range from ages 5-15.
DCYH supports age-appropriate level of play. Level is determined based on a child’s age as of June 30.
|
Level |
Gender |
Age |
|
Termite |
Boys & Girls |
4-6 |
|
Supermite |
Boys & Girls |
7-8 |
|
Squirt A, B, C |
Boys & Girls |
9-10 |
|
10U B |
Girls |
9-10 |
|
Pee Wee A, B, C |
Boys & Girls |
11-12 |
|
12U B |
Girls |
11-12 |
|
Bantam A, B, C |
Boys & Girls |
13-14 |
Specific levels are determined after tryouts and can differ from the following table. Based on skill levels and the number of players registered, we may not offer every level of play in each category.
A: Cost depends on level of play.
Cost for hockey varies depending on the level of play your child is enrolled in. Here are most of the cost categories:
Depending on your choices, season costs should fall within the following ranges:
| Termites | $100-390 |
| Supermites | $230-565 |
| Squirts/10U | $600-1510+ |
| Peewee/12U | $660-1570+ |
| Bantam | $720-1630+ |
A: Helmet, Shin Guards, Elbow Pads, Chest Protector, Breezers (pants), Mouth Guard, Hockey Socks, Skates and Stick.
DCYH has equipment available to rent for the season. Skater equipment is $40, Goalie equipment is also available for Squirt/10U level players. Peewee, 12U and Bantam equipment is not available to rent, but goalies will be issued a $250 registration discount.
Game jersey and game socks will be provided. Most players eventually purchase their own equipment. For safety considerations, helmets should be purchased new since their safety rating expires over time. However, the rest of the equipment can be purchased used or new depending on your budget.
A: Time investment depends on level of play. Each practice is about an hour.
Termite level: Saturdays 9:30-10:30 am
Supermite level: Saturday 7:50-920 am, Sunday mid-afternoon for an hour, Wednesday night for an hour
Squirt/10U level: 2-3 nights/week for practice plus 1-2 games; including weekends.
PeeWee/12U and Bantam: 3-4 nights/week for practice plus 2-3 games; including weekends.
The amount of ice time varies by team based on facility availability and competing events.
Parents are expected to volunteer for game events throughout the season. Every home game requires someone to run the clock, record scores and monitor the penalty boxes.
DCYH requires a parent to serve as a gender appropriate locker room monitor to comply to USA Hockey SafeSports requirements.
Also consider DIBS and fundraising when totaling your time investment.
Q: What age should my son/daughter start?
A: Start young, start anytime.
As with any sport, starting young helps develop fundamental skills that contribute to success at higher levels of play. Our Termite/Supermite program focuses on basic skating skills by utilizing fun games on the ice. We have skaters starting as young as 4 years old.
If you have an older child, it’s not too late to start them either. We offer programs in every age category at every skill level including beginners.
Q: Is the sport of hockey safe for my child?
A: Yes, Ice hockey at youth levels is safer than other sports.
Hockey players wear more protective equipment than any other sport. Youth hockey is a different game than the NHL. With a different set of rules in place, youth hockey places a stronger emphasis on sportsmanship and friendly competition. Contact is not allowed prior to the Peewee level (age 11 & 12). After Peewees, checking is allowed but NO Fighting. Learn more about USA Hockey's SafeSport Program.
This article on hockey injuries and safety includes input from Dr. Michael Stuart.
Q: How much travel is involved?
A: Travel requirements vary based on level of play.
Termite/Supermite level skaters: All practices are held at the Dodge County Ice Arena in Kasson, MN. Sometimes we have an end-of-year Jamboree (small-ice scrimmage) in Rochester, MN. There is little to no travel at this level.
For Squirt and higher levels, travel requirements increase. For every home game there will be an away game. We play other teams within the District 9 Association.
There are also 2-3 tournaments scheduled throughout the season. Some will be close enough to attend and then drive home. Others will likely require staying overnight. This is often a great opportunity for these kids to laugh and play together off the ice; allowing them to develop their social skills.
A: Hockey generally starts in October and finishes end of February.
October-February typically covers the DCYH season, but it can be extended based on how the teams rank. It’s possible for players to still be in tournaments through the end of March.
However, hockey CAN be a year-round sport. If your son or daughter loves playing hockey, there are a number of other youth hockey opportunities available to keep them busy in the off-season.