Answers to your Initiation to Hockey Questions…

What is the Initiation Program?

Unlike most other sports, playing on an ice hockey team requires basic skills that must be learned before team practices can begin. These skills are taught through the initiation program. HRYHA runs its Initiation program with 10 practices per session. Depending on enrollment, we try to break the kids into two groups.

Group 1:

·         Teaches basic skating skills

·         Introduces stick handling and passing techniques

·         Breakdown … 75% skating and 25% hockey skills

Group 2:

·         Reinforces the information and skills

·         Teaches more advanced skating and hockey skills

·         Introduces basic team play.

·         Breakdown … 60% skating and 40% hockey skills.

What other programs are available once my child has completed the Initiation Program?

After successfully demonstrating a grasp of the basic skills, players are given the option to join a team in our house program. Player evaluations determine when a child is ready to play in the house league. Additionally, the highly competitive Select Hockey program is available for the more experienced player.

What is the process for my player to move on, and where does he/she go?

Individual player evaluations are conducted at the end of each ten practice initiation session.   The purpose of the player evaluation is to provide feedback to the child and parents on hockey skills strengths and weaknesses.  Additionally, the evaluation determines when the player is ready to join a team. 

How old must my player be to get on the ice?

In general, players should be at least four years of age when they start skating in organized practices. In most cases, players 10 and under will be striving towards teams in a non-checking classification. Players 11 and up will be joining team in a checking classification.

What does the Program cost?

$100  for each 10 practice session

$35 USA Hockey registration  … once annually

Registered players are entitled to free public session skating at Iceland.  The USA Hockey registration fee provides player membership to USA Hockey and the Southeastern Amateur Hockey Association.  All USA Hockey members are provided player injury insurance coverage, as well as a subscription to American Hockey magazine.  Registration is annual, effective each year from September 1^st through August 31^st the following year.

 When and where can I register?

Registration is open on a continual basis but the instruction is geared to building skills from beginning to end so players that are in need of very basic skating instruction should start at the first week of a session.

You can fill out a registration form at Iceland Family Skating Center at any time. If you are registering before the first practice of an Initiation Session, we recommend you get to the rink at least an hour before the kids get on the ice to take care of registration. Payment for each session is due in full by the first practice.
For more information, please contact Rich Appleby at hryhapresident@gmail.com

About Our Hockey Association

The puck stops here!  The Hampton Roads Youth Hockey Association (HRYHA) provides quality hockey programs for area youth of all ages and skill levels. HRYHA is committed to providing an opportunity to learn and play the game of ice hockey in an environment of equal participation and competitiveness while promoting good sportsmanship and team play.

As the premier youth hockey club in the Tidewater metro-area, HRYHA is dedicated to providing superior hockey training and instruction to our children.  Our sole objective is to provide a multi-faceted hockey program that can support individual player and family needs.  As always, our primary goal is to make the game of hockey accessible to every youngster, regardless of family economic situation.

Are there any benefits to being a HRYHA member?

YES!! The best way to become a great hockey player and a member of a team is to skate, skate, skate! As a member of HRYHA, your child is entitled to free admission to all Iceland public sessions. The children that move onto teams quickly have spent lots of time skating at public sessions.

Does my child need equipment?

Yes!  USA Hockey requires all youth players to wear a HECC approved helmet with a face shield. Face shields can be either a wire mask or clear plastic shield, as long as it meets HECC standards. Body protection equipment is required, as well.  Specifically, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, and shin guards. Additionally, protective cups (for boys) and pelvic protectors (for girls) are required. Mouth guards and neck guards are not required, but are strongly recommended. A demonstration of the proper outfitting of a player will be offered the first night of each initiation session for new parents to assist them in the proper dressing of their new hockey players.

See links to equipment sites on the Equipment Links page

How do I select equipment?

Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 1) make certain the player is adequately protected and 2) be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will better enjoy their participation.

Neck guards—Required by HRYHA for safety.

Skates — Purchase skates that will fit your child today, with no more than 1/2" allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child's ability to skate.

Helmet — Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chin strap must always be fastened.

Facemask — Must also be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).

Mouthpiece — Required for players in the 14-or-under through junior age classifications. USA Hockey encourages players of all ages and ability levels to use a mouthpiece.

Stick — Length should generally extend from the ice to the player's chin (with skates on). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours.

Shin Pads — Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely.

Supporter and Cup — Essential protective equipment.

Gloves — Check for proper fit, with good finger and hand mobility.

Shoulder Pads — Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.

Pants — Held in proper position by suspenders. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.

Elbow Pads — Properly fitted so they do not slide.