Why play hockey? 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.
This page features information on how to get your son or daughter into hockey in Northern Colorado.
What is the first step?
Before you pick up a hockey stick it is recommended that you learn basic skating skills and become comfortable on the ice. Learn to Skate classes and Open Skate sessions are two great ways to improve your child's skating ability. NoCo Ice Center (Home of the Jr. Eagles) offers both Learn to Skate and Open Skate. Click here for the most current information on Learn to Skate classes.
What equipment do I need?
"Full Gear" is a term you will hear that describes all the protective gear and equipment you need to participate in hockey. Click here for a diagram of hockey equipment.
Where can I get equipment?
There is a wide variety of locations to pick up your hockey gear. There are local hockey shops in the Northern Colorado Area, as well as many online retailers where you can find your equipment. Buying used gear is one way to save money on your equipment.
Hat-Trick Sports (conveniently located inside NoCo Ice Center) offers an equipment rental program for younger players.
My child is new to the game of hockey - is he going to be checked?
Checking (using your hip or shoulder to knock your opponent away from the puck) is not allowed at the Mite (8 & Under) or Squirt (10 & Under) age levels. Checking is allowed at the Pee Wee (12 & Under) age level and above, and NCYH does offer a checking clinic to Pee Wee aged players for proper instruction on how to give and receive a check. If you are just starting ice hockey at an older age than Pee Wee, contact a Hockey Director for instruction on checking.
Is hockey an expensive sport to play?
Much like any sport, as you advance into the higher levels of competitiion the costs do go up. There are ways of reducing the costs of participating in hockey, including scholarships through the NCYH Foundation, purchasing used equipment or renting equipment.
Registration fees are available on the registration form (home page), and fees for the Fall/Winter season are usually released in May.
How long is the hockey season?
The Fall/Winter season (regular season) begins between mid-August and mid-September, and ends between the first week of February and middle of March. The Mite (8 & Under) season is broken up into two sessions, September-November & December-March) and you may participate in one or both sessions.
During the spring and summer months there are many skills camps and recreational 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 leagues. You can find out about camps offered by NCYH by clicking here.
OneGoal.com is a website brought to you by North America's hockey industry leaders to introduce kids and family to the game of hockey and make it easier for you to get involved.
The Science of Hockey is the first in a series of "Sports Science" resources developed by the Exploratorium. This site takes you inside the game: you'll hear from NHL players and coaches from the San Jose Sharks, as well as leading physicists and chemists.
