This is a personal decision that can only be made by the player and their family. Some children crave steady competition and some are in it strictly for the exercise and camaraderie. Keep in mind, there is a try-out involved for competitive hockey. The child would need to be selected for the team. If that happens, the family would need to commit to a fairly rigorous travel schedule as well as regular practices to prepare for competition. The house program is designed for skill development and hockey without the hassle. In other words, they would still practice and play, but it would be significantly less competitive. No travel would be required and missing practices here and there to accommodate family would not be a problem.  SYHA asks that every new player (new being never played hockey before) complete at least one season at the Inhouse level before they try out for a competitive level program. There may be a few exceptions to this, but very few. 

House players can expect equal ice time (except for rare disciplinary issues).  Travel players can expect a fair distribution of ice time but with a higher degree of competition, the coach may chose to play stronger players in close game situations.  Our coaches can also remove a player for disciplinary reasons or if they feel a player may be at risk.

 Is hockey dangerous?

I think of it this way. It is a contact sport, things can happen in any contact sport. However, hockey players wear more protective equipment than in most other contact sports. The risk of a child blowing out their knee seems higher to me on a football field than on ice. It is as controlled an environment as there is - in any contact sport. Hockey kids are NOT more violent than kids in other children's sports. This isn't the NHL and they don't fight. Contact is not allowed prior to the Peewee level (age 11 & 12). Then checking is allowed, but NO FIGHTING!

 Is hockey good exercise?

Studies have actually shown that it's one of the best of any team sport. Where else can you put a 6 year old in a freezing environment and they come off the ice sweaty? Studies have actually shown that kids who play hockey actually stayed in better shape as adults then any other team sport!

Will there be fundraising opportunites? 

Again mostly a personal decision. Hockey for some is a way to keep their child active through the winter months, in which case they should start right away. If they are active in other fall sports, you may want to wait and start after the holidays. These two sessions provide flexibility for families who are unwilling or unable to commit to such a long season. The Travel program requires a full season commitment.

I want to get my own equipment. What do I need?

From top down: Helmet with facemask, mouth guard (Squirts and up, over 9 years of age), shoulder pads/chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, hip pads or padded hockey pants, protective cup, shin guards, hockey skates and stick. Optional: neck guard. It is recommended that all protective equipment be designed specifically for ice hockey. Behind the Mask in Phoenix area is a great resource. You can also try Play It Again Sports for second-hand equipment.

Does my child need to know how to skate?

No. You will find that our excellent coaching staff is very effective and skilled at teaching players to skate (and save you some frustration). The Inhouse programs get those kids skating in a matter of just a few sessions. However, if your child has not skated before, we highly recommend that as soon as they learn, they could spend extra time at the rink during the public skating sessions. It really builds their confidence and its great fun for the whole family.

 How old do you need to be to start hockey?

We start the Inhouse children at about 3, although I don't believe SYHA has turned anyone away who really wanted to do it. At that age, you can expect a very short attention span. Don't worry about it, its part of being young! Beyond that any age can play Hockey. Some children are intimidated if they start after the age of 12. There is just so much to learn, but in CAN be done.

Is it expensive?

 Do we have to travel a lot?

No travel is involved unless you choose that level of play for your child and your family.

 

8 regular season games

 

4 game Coyote Cup Holiday Hockey Festival 12/27/08-12/31/08 (could include some league games)4 game playoff/championship with semi final and final formats when appropriate (3/26/09-3/29/09)Minimum of 24 games total

 

Professional website with individual and team statistics, schedules, league news, and individual team pages, see linkwww.sonoranyhl.com

Team trophy for regular season division champions

 

Individual awards for 1st and 2nd place teams in each division

 

Championship banners

 

A minimum of 4 teams per division.

 

Most teams in the league are from Phoenix. There may also be teams from Flagstaff  and Las Vegas and Utah

Aside from league games, SYHA will also schedule additional non-league games. Your team may also decide to participate in an additional tournament.