New to Hockey?

NEW TO HOCKEY? HAVE QUESTIONS?

Are you new to hockey and have a few questions? You have come to the right spot.  Many parents that are new to hockey have some questions. This page will answer many of the questions you may have.

Also please note, to register go to the programs tab and click on Mites to get started.    

RYHA TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE EVENT

Attention all Rogers and Otsego area boys and girls! New to hockey? No experience? No problem! Come learn about our Rogers Youth Hockey Association. We will have coaches on the ice to help your kids give hockey a try. This event is best suited for 4-9 years of age.

What to bring: Feel free to bring your own skates and helmet. Don’t have skates or a helmet, don’t worry – RYHA will provide for the event.

To register: https://tryhockeyforfree.com/event_detail/3999 

When: Saturday, September 13th 10:25am – 12:35pm

Where: Rogers Activity Center, 21080 141st Ave N, Rogers, MN 55374

WHERE DO I START?

If your family is new to hockey, you are most likely starting at the 8U, Mite, or Mini-Mite level. These levels are for kids ages 8 and younger. Further information regarding age groupings can be found on the USA Hockey Website

The primary objective at the 8U, Mite, and Mini-Mite level is to have a lot fun while developing basic hockey skills. 

WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD START PLAYING HOCKEY?

Players that are four years of age as of July 1 are eligible for the 8U, Mite, and Mini Mite program.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BEGINNER LEVELS?

The basic difference is the age and skill of each level (general guidelines):

• Mini Mite: New skater with basic to no hockey experience. A Mini Mite is still working on basic skating and stick handling skills. Mini Mites are broken up into 2 groups by ability once practices start, although some practices may be merged. (Ages 4-6 approx.)
• Mite:  Older, more experienced hockey player. The Mite has a solid grasp of skating skills and individual puck skills and is able to begin focusing on team skills. (ages 6-8 approx.)
• U8: Beginner and experienced girls aged under 8 by USA Hockey specifications. Once practices start, 8U girls are split by abilities to provide proper management of the various skill levels.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS READY FOR HOCKEY?

This is a common question. It is a good idea to sign your child up for the City of Rogers Learn to Skate Program. The foundation of hockey is skating and having this ability ahead of time if possible will make skill development go even faster! Not everyone is able to skate before joining RYHA, and that's OK! The Learn To Skate Program will give them the basic tools needed to get them on their way.  

ARE BOYS AND GIRLS ON THE SAME TEAMS?

Yes and No....Boys and girls typically play together at the younger ages, but as they get older RYHA offers a robust girls' program that includes 8U, 10U, 12U and 15U levels just for female skaters. 

WHEN DOES THE HOCKEY SEASON START?

The hockey season will start in October, typically after the MEA school break. Specific start dates will be available well in advance before the season starts.

HOW LONG DOES THE HOCKEY SEASON LAST?

The season will run from late October until early March.

MY CHILD WOULD LIKE TO TRY TO PLAY HOCKEY, BUT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST. ARE THERE ANY OPTIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

RYHA has established a hardship fun. More details can be found on our hardship fund page:

 https://www.rogershockey.com/hardship-fund

WHEN WILL I HEAR FROM SOMEONE ABOUT THE START OF THE SEASON AFTER I REGISTER?

RYHA will send out emails with all the information needed before the start of the season. We will also be having parent meetings prior to the season to help get everyone up to speed and answer any questions you may have.

HOW DO I RECEIVE COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COACH OR RYHA?

You will receive communications via email. Please be sure to provide accurate information during registration to get appropriate information in a timely manner. The primary email address provided at registration will be used for initial contact.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO REGISTER?

Once registration is open, a link will be provided on the main page. It will also be available on the main menu list of links.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WANT TO COACH?

• RYHA relies on volunteer coaches and we appreciate your willingness to help out!
• There will be a registration area for all coaches once registration is open.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

You can contact our Growth Director Becky Chrisinger at growthdirector@rogershockey.com

HOCKEY EQUIPMENT

It is best to visit a local hockey store for your equipment to ensure a proper fit. Do not buy skates that are too big with plans to grow into them. Trying to skate with skates that are too big is similar to trying to sprint in shoes that are too big. It is very difficult. 

Hat Trick Hockey has been a fantastic partner for RYHA. Once teams are assigned, your player will receive a team jersey and socks that can be used for practice and/or games.

For first year (U8) skaters, RYHA offers a credit at Hat Trick Hockey for hockey equipment. Your player must be registered to play hockey at Rogers before they qualify for this credit. Once registered you can visit Hat Trick Hockey in Albertville and they will help you with proper fitting of equipment.

For players that need to set up special arrangements please contact: growthdirector@rogershockey.com

WHERE WILL MY CHILD BE SKATING?

Many of the games and practices will be at the Rogers Activity Center. The RAC. We also need to supplement ice time at other arenas. 

WHEN WILL MY CHILD SKATE?

RYHA works to establish a consistent schedule but it generally isn't possible to keep the same times from week to week. Each team will receive at least 2 practices per week. The schedule is put together several weeks in advance but changes are still possible as upper-level games and tournaments are scheduled. Families must stay current with the moving schedule by utilizing the Sports Engine online schedule, which is located on the website calendar.

Practices are typically 1 hour in length for Mini-Mites and 8U & Mites. Ice time is expensive, so players must be ready to go on the ice at the designated start time. It is usually best to be at the rink roughly 30 minutes before your stated ice time in order to be ready on time. Locker rooms will be assigned to the players to get ready in...some players prefer to get ready at home and then just put on their skates at the rink. This is very common.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY PRACTICE AND GAME?

No. While it is beneficial and recommended to attend every possible training and practice session, it is not mandatory and will not impact playing time. Opportunities to become a better hockey player are limited, so we recommend taking advantage of the ice times available. 

WHAT DOES IT COST TO PLAY HOCKEY?

RYHA offers our first year players a very affordable fee. Our first year players pay $100.00 for their first year and also are able to take advantage of the RYHA Equipment Lease Program where they can use all equipment minus skates and a stick for free with our Lease program. This is a great value as your son/daughter will have ice time from October thru March!