FAQ
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.
Q: How do I register for a DCYH hockey program?
A: Registration will be completed through DCYH website while registration window is open.
Standard Registration: July 15 - August 15, 2026.
Late Registration: August 16 - August 31, 2026.
Mite Registrations remains open into the fall.
Any questions should be directed to registrar@dcyh.org
Q: What are the age groups?
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.
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.
Termite - Boys & Girls - Ages 4-6
Supermite- Boys & Girls - Ages 7-8
Squirt- Boys and Girls - Ages 9-10
10U - Girls - Ages 9-10
Pee Wee - Boys and Girls - Ages 11-12
12U - Girls - Ages 11-12
Bantam - Boys and Girls - Ages 13-14
15U - Girls - Ages 13-14
Q: How much does it cost?
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:
- Registration* (fees vary at each level of play)
- DIBS* (5-15 volunteer hours or buyout)
- Fundraiser* (participate in fundraiser or buyout)
- Equipment (rent, buy used, buy new)
- Tournament Fees (varies by level)
- Travel/Hotel (usually two, 2-night stay tournaments per year)
- *DIBS and Fundraiser are both required to participate in all levels of the DCYH program, including Termites.
DCYH Registration Fees
Girls 10U $770
Squirt $770
Girls 12U $825
PeeWee $825
Girls 15U $990
Bantam $990
*There are no refunds except if Minnesota Hockey cancels the season. Refunds will be issued on a pro-rated basis. The DCYH board reserves the right to apply the payment to next season if a request is made to the DCYH president by December 1st.
**Should a youth player try out for a Dodge County high school hockey team and make that respective team, a pro-rated registration refund for the amount of ice time used for their youth team will be provided based upon the date of the completion of the high school tryout schedule/team announcement minus the cost of jersey/socks. Raffle ticket sales will still be required. For more details on trying out for a high school team and youth team placement, please see the DCYH Move Up Policy.
Q: What equipment do I need?
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.
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.
Q: How much time is required?
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.
Q: How long is the season?
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.