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, REGISTRATION will open around August 2022! Go to Registration Tab to get started.
RYHA TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE EVENT
RYHA Try Hockey for Free Event!!
Attention all Rogers and Otsego area boys and girls! Experienced Rogers Youth Hockey Association coaches will show your child all the fun and excitement of playing hockey! Come to the Rogers Activity Center dressed to skate: sweatpants, snow pants, winter gloves or hockey equipment if you have it. Helmets (bike or hockey) are required for all skaters. Free skate rental will also be available. Due to COVID-19 Restrictions registration is limited and is required.
Go to: https://www.rogershockey.com/page/show/4920150-new-to-hockey for registration
When: March 5th, 2022, 5:20-6:20pm.
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.
***RYHA Registration is Open NOW!
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 can play together if by choice/convenience; however, RYHA offers a robust girls' program that includes 8U, 10U, and 12U 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 Amanda Spilde at ryhagrowthdirector@gmail.com
WHERE DO I BUY HOCKEY EQUIPMENT AND HOW DO I KNOW HOW IT SHOULD FIT?
2023 EQUIPMENT LEASE PROGRAM INFO
(FREE EQUIPMENT FOR FIRST YEAR 8U PLAYERS!)
Where: Rogers Dryland Facility. 21122 134th Avenue North, Rogers, MN 55374
When: September 19th - 5:30 - 8:00PM or October 4th - 5:30 - 8:00PM
2023 RYHA FREE EQUIPMENT LEASE PROGRAM FITTING DATES POSTED!
For first year skaters, RYHA offers a no cost equipment lease program. The RYHA Equipment Lease program offers equipment to Rookie and Mite/8U players. The completed registration form and $150 deposit fee is required before equipment is handed out. The following equipment is included and will be handed out prior to the season; Helmet, face mask, gloves, elbow pads, shin pads, breezers, shoulder pads and bag.
New Families that want to participate in the RYHA Equipment Lease Program will have 2 dates to come to the Rogers Dryland Facility to get fitted for your equipment. *NOTE: Your child must be in attendance so we can assure proper fitting equipment and helmet.
For players that need to set up special arrangements please contact: RYHAGrowthDirector@gmail.com
Skates are not provided as part of our equipment lease, and it is best to visit one of our local hockey stores to be properly 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 The RYHA, supplying and fitting a majority of the equipment since inception.
Once teams are assigned, your player will receive a team jersey that is used for practice and/or games.
At the end of the season, we will have an equipment check in and once everything is returned you will get your deposit check back as part of our equipment Lease program. There is no cost for your first year equipment!
LEARN TO SKATE USA INFORMATION
For children looking for another opportunity to get more comfortable on their skates without signing up for hockey, or any young players looking to improve, there are "Learn to Skate" classes offered through ISD728.
Learn to Skate USA teaches children and adults the fundamentals of ice skating through a progressive curriculum, giving them the foundation necessary to reach their goals in both recreational and competitive skating. Learn to Skate USA is endorsed by US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating. Classes are taught by sanctioned instructors and are held at the Rogers Activity Center.
- Registration deadline for classes is three days prior to start of the session; however, should classes reach their maximum participation, they may close earlier.
- If minimum class quota is not met, classes may be cancelled or combined.
- Register early, as classes fill up quickly; you are not guaranteed a spot if placed on the wait-list.
- There is no pro-rating of registration fees for missed classes and no refunds once sessions start unless approved by the Skate Director.
- Pre-testing will occur on the first day to ensure your student is in the correct level.
- Helmets are required for all Snowplow Sam, Basic 1-2 and all Hockey classes.
- Skaters should wear warm pants, jacket and gloves.
- Hockey classes also require hockey gloves, shin pads, and a stick (other equipment is optional, but recommended).
- Rental skates are available for $2/pair weekly; bike helmets are available for $1.
- Skates should have sharp edges to make it easier to skate. Skate sharpening is available at the arena for $4; allow 10-15 minutes for sharpening time. No double-blade skates allowed.
- Parents are not allowed on ice during lesson times.
Please arrive 20 minutes early the first day of class to pick up name badge and general information. Contact Heather Palumbo at hpalumbo@rogersmn.gov with questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some of the more common frequently asked questions.
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 $50.00 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!