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Lessons for life

1. Learn life skills

The lessons of teamwork, self-confidence and determination are a few of the important life skills that hockey embraces and teaches. All wrapped in a package that’s super fun and fast. Making it a game that many kids (even adult kids) never outgrow.

2. How old?

For boys and girls, hockey generally begins at ages 4 to 8. This category is usually called  Mite or Novice. Some hockey programs divide this category, starting with Mini-Mites or Pre-Novice for the 4-to-6 age group. It’s important to note that kids that start hockey later in life do catch up quickly. Proving that in hockey, as with much in life, it’s okay to be fashionably late.

3. High fun-to-fitness ratio

Ask any kid: exercise that’s fun rocks. Hockey’s unique fitness advantage starts with skating, which develops many muscle groups that other sports don’t. And unlike walking or running, skating isn’t something that’s done every day. This inherent uniqueness makes hockey less (as kids like to say) “borrrring.”

4. Make fast friends

Hockey is a game of small units (six kids on the ice per team at a time). Practice time and games often involve small groups working together. As a result, friendships firm up faster than ice in the Arctic Circle.

5. Hockey rookies

On your first trips to the rink, expect to meet some very helpful, very friendly people. Experienced parents and coaches are extremely encouraging and supportive of those new to the game. Before you know it, it will be you helping the next group find their way around the game.

6. Time commitment

Generally, players will skate for two one-hour sessions weekly. These may be on weekends or a combination of weekend and weeknight sessions. Plan to arrive at the rink 15 minutes before practice to help your youngster into the equipment and lace up the skates (other parents and coaches will show you how). The season generally runs from early October through early March, but newcomers can usually join in any time.

7. Very encouraging environment

The coaches will provide a great deal of positive feedback as your youngster learns this skill-based sport. And you can help, too. In the car after practice and games are great times to remind your child how proud you are that he or she is in a sport that many people can’t play.

8. Where will we play?

You’ll be part of a team that plays at a local rink or community center. When you go to the Find Hockey section of this Web site and click on Associations, you’ll find contact information for your local hockey programs. From there you can learn about key dates, costs, and other specifics.

9. Cost

The costs to get your son or daughter playing hockey can vary greatly. Many rinks, retailers and associations have starter programs or equipment rental programs that make hockey very affordable. It’s not unusual for a child to be signed up and ready to play for anywhere from $100 to $300. When using the Find Hockey section of this site, be sure to ask the rinks, retailers and associations about their “starter” programs, including first-time rental programs.