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Are you a new hockey parent? Here's what you need to know

10/11/2022, 9:45am CDT
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As a "new" hockey parent, we know you have a lot of questions, and we'll answer those below.

 

WELCOME to Marinette & Menominee Area Youth Hockey Association!

When joining any organization, it's important to know what that organization is all about. Let us introduce ourselves....

OUR MISSION
To provide education, recreation, and fitness opportunities to children in Marinette County, Wisconsin and Menominee County, Michigan through participation in the game of hockey.

Now that you've 'met' MMAYHA....let's get on to your questions...

WHERE TO START?

Once a youngster has expressed his or her desire to play ice hockey, many parents wonder where to they start?

First and most important
Does your child know how to skate? If not, visit your local ice rinks for information on their Learn to Skate  programs. Many rinks offer Learn to Skate programs for those who have never been on the ice before.

Next
Has your child ever played ice hockey? If not, the perfect place to start is a local Try Hockey for Free program. These programs are offered by a local hockey organization in conjunction with a NHL team and USA Hockey. New players ages 4 to 9 yrs old get the opportunity to try hockey in a controlled environment under the guidance of experienced coaches.

What gear does my child need? 
Some of the  programs listed above will provide a complete set of gear for your child to keep and some will either loan or provide resources for purchasing equipment. Your player will need skates, gloves, pads, helmets, shin guards, hockey socks, hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, jersey and a hockey stick. 

How much does hockey cost?
The season fee will vary depending on the player's age and what program they participate in. MMYHS’s fees vary by year and are updated on our website.   As the player moves up through the levels, the price will increase but offer a very reasonable amount. 

What are the age groups?
Youth hockey is for kids from 6 yrs old through 18 yrs old for boys and 19 yrs old for girls. With an organization's approval, a 4 or 5 yr old player may be able to participate based on their skill and comfort on the ice. 

Youth Teams

  • IP (Initiation Program)/Learn to Skate - 4 to 8 yrs old
  • 10U (Squirt) - 9 & 10 yrs old
  • 12U (Peewee) - 11 & 12 yrs old
  • 14U (Bantam) - 13 & 14 yrs old
  • 18U (Midget) – 14 - 18 yrs old

How often will my child have practices and games?
The number of practices and games depends on the program your child is registered for. Players in MMYHA's 8 & Under Full Season program can expect approximately 45-50 on-ice sessions, includes practices and games, over the 6 month season.

As a player moves up through the age brackets, you can expect the on and off-ice sessions to increase. Players participating in a travel program will have more on/off-ice time than those participating in a recreational program.

Where can parents learn about hockey & rules?
USA Hockey publishes The Official Rules of Ice Hockey, which includes playing rules, interpretations, referee signals and detailed rink descriptions.

MMYHA will have a parent's meeting at the beginning of the season. Ask questions at the meeting or make arrangements to chat with the coach or team manager one-on-one. 

Be a volunteer - many hockey organizations need people to help run programs so they can keep season fees as low as possible.

How do I register my child for a MMYHA program?
MMYHA registrations are completed through our secure, online registration platform. Visit our  webpage for full registration details.

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