What to Expect as a New Hockey Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

What age level will my child play at?
 

Youth 6U / Mini-Mite (Born on or after June 1, 2017)
Youth ages 5 and 6. Youth hockey associations in Minnesota Hockey offer a variety of programs at this age level that focus on teaching the basics of skating and hockey skills. Most programs are very affordable to allow kids to try the sport at a low cost and commitment. Non-checking.

Youth 8U / Mite (Born on or after June 1, 2015)
Primarily youth ages 7-9 but can include players eligible for Mini-Mite/6U. We have multiple levels of Mite Divisions (I, II, III) based upon skill, age and size. There’s something for everyone! No checking allowed at the Mite level.

Youth 10U / Squirt (June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2015)
Youth ages 9-11. We have multiple levels of Squirt teams (B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness. No checking allowed at the Squirt level.

Youth 12U / Peewee (June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2013)
Youth ages 11-13. Peewee level includes varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness. No checking allowed at the Peewee level.

Youth 14U / Bantam (June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011)
Youth ages 13-15. Bantam level includes varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness. Checking allowed at the Bantam level.

When does hockey season start?

Practices start the beginning of October and go into February.

When are practice times and games?

Youth 8U / Mite
Mites typically practice on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings and play in approximately six local Jamboree tournaments throughout the season.

Youth 10U / Squirt
Squirts typically practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings and play games on the weekends throughout the season.

Youth 12U / Peewee
Peewees typically practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings and play games on the weekends throughout the season.

Youth 14U / Bantam
Bantams typically practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings and play games on the weekends throughout the season.

How much does it cost to play hockey?

One way we keep our registration fees low is by requesting that all families contribute through volunteering. This helps keep our fees the lowest in the State of Minnesota. 

Your first year playing hockey is FREE regardless of age level! Registration fees vary based on age level.

Do I need to provide all my own equipment?

No! We have an extensive supply of equipment that can be rented during the hockey season.

WHY DO I HAVE TO WORK VOLUNTEER HOURS?

Without volunteers we don’t have hockey. Parent support is needed to perform duties that are needed in order to play games, raise revenues, and manage activities around the rink. We need EVERYONE’S support.

What is my volunteer hour commitment?

Each family is required to work a minimum of 10 hours. If you are a Board Member, Coach, Parent Rep or have a Coordinator position you will be required to work a minimum of 5 hours during the hockey season .  These hours can include but not  limited to, rink set‐up and/or tear-down, coordinator position, concessions, coaches, board member, team manager, working golf outing, open skate, brat wagon, Applefest float, cleaning the rink, varsity game concessions, varsity game door, etc. Each family is required to sign up for ONE mandatory session at the annual Gun raffle. 

How do I receive credit for those hours that I have worked?

Volunteer hours are tracked through Sign-Up Genius, this is the program the association uses to sign up for open volunteer spots. It can be found on our website under the volunteer tab.

What if I don’t work the required 10 hours?

The check that was written at registration will be cashed.  If there is a discrepancy in the recording of the service hours, it is your responsibility to provide documentation to the Volunteer Coordinator to have this corrected.

Will the duties during my skater’s home practices, games and home tournaments count towards service hours?

No. A concessions worker, scorekeeper, clock, two penalty box workers, and rink clean up must be provided by each team for all home games and home tournaments.  These hours will not count towards volunteer hours. The team manager will be responsible for assigning these hours. Every family is required to work the games, regardless of having all volunteer hours met. If you cannot make your assigned time it is your responsibility to find a substitute