List of FAQ's: Scroll down the page to view the responses.
- What is Ice Hockey?
- What are some benefits to playing hockey?
- How old must a child be to start hockey?
- What are the different age levels?
- Do boys and girls play on the same team?
- Will hockey take up a lot of my time?
- Is hockey safe?
- How much does hockey cost?
- Is there a lot of traveling?
- What equipment do we need to get started?
- Where do kids put their gear on?
- How long is the season?
- How many games do we play?
- Do I have to volunteer?
- What are work hours?
- Do I have to participate in a fund raiser?
- How do I sign my child up for hockey?
- Is there financial assistance available?
- How do I rent a billboard sign in the rink?
- How does a Zamboni work?
Q: What is Ice Hockey?
A: Ice hockey is a fast-paced, competitive sport involving two teams fielding up to six players--two defensemen, three forwards and one goalie--on the ice at a time. Using long curved sticks, the well-padded players try to seize or maintain control of a frozen hard rubber disc, or puck, and hit it into the opposing team's net, which is guarded by a goalie. It's known as the fastest sport in the world.
A: Ice hockey is a fast-paced, competitive sport involving two teams fielding up to six players--two defensemen, three forwards and one goalie--on the ice at a time. Using long curved sticks, the well-padded players try to seize or maintain control of a frozen hard rubber disc, or puck, and hit it into the opposing team's net, which is guarded by a goalie. It's known as the fastest sport in the world.
_______________________________________________________
Q: What are some benefits to playing hockey?
A: Hockey has enormous appeal for children and adolescents. Hockey enables children to skate fast but challenges them to stay in control. The sport also provides a constructive means of channeling their energy. Like other sports, children learn about teamwork and get many opportunities to succeed. Because only a handful of players are on the ice at any given time, each skater must play a very active and important role.
A: Hockey has enormous appeal for children and adolescents. Hockey enables children to skate fast but challenges them to stay in control. The sport also provides a constructive means of channeling their energy. Like other sports, children learn about teamwork and get many opportunities to succeed. Because only a handful of players are on the ice at any given time, each skater must play a very active and important role.
Hockey also offers many health benefits. Drills, scrimmages and games provide aerobic as well as anaerobic training. Playing ice hockey also tones and strengthens every major muscle group. As a recreational sport, ice hockey is something children can carry into their adult lives.
_______________________________________________________
Q: How old must a child be to start in Hockey?
A: Many children start at age 4 or 5 but don't let that stop you if your children are a bit older. Children may start at any age right up to High School. Coaches for very young children may ask the parent to step out on the ice to help the child in some instances.
A: Many children start at age 4 or 5 but don't let that stop you if your children are a bit older. Children may start at any age right up to High School. Coaches for very young children may ask the parent to step out on the ice to help the child in some instances.
________________________________________________________
Q: What are the different age levels?
Mini-Mite/Learn to Skate - Ages 4 & up
Mite - Ages 6-8
Squirt - Ages 9-10
Pee Wee - Ages 11-12
Bantam - Ages 13-14
Blades Club Team (High School Age)
Tiger Boys JV High School
Tiger Boys Varsity High School
Girls U-12 - Ages 7-12*
Girls U-14 - Ages 13-14*
Tiger Girls High School Team*
*Girls only teams.
Mini-Mite/Learn to Skate - Ages 4 & up
Mite - Ages 6-8
Squirt - Ages 9-10
Pee Wee - Ages 11-12
Bantam - Ages 13-14
Blades Club Team (High School Age)
Tiger Boys JV High School
Tiger Boys Varsity High School
Girls U-12 - Ages 7-12*
Girls U-14 - Ages 13-14*
Tiger Girls High School Team*
*Girls only teams.
_______________________________________________________
Q: Do Boys and Girls play on the same team?
A: Boys and Girls can play on the same teams from Mite age all the way through High School. Girls over Mite age may opt to join girls-only U-12, U-14 and Tiger Girls teams.
A: Boys and Girls can play on the same teams from Mite age all the way through High School. Girls over Mite age may opt to join girls-only U-12, U-14 and Tiger Girls teams.
________________________________________________________
Q: Will hockey take up a lot of my time?
A: At the Mini Mite age, practices are one or two times a week. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch their children. As the child moves though the different levels, they may practice 2 to 4 hours per week and have 1 to 3 games on the weekends. People associated with youth hockey have found that the time involved whether it is in the car traveling, or the time spent in the sport itself encourages families to spend quality time together. Friendships are abundantly made by both child and parents. These friendships and memories last a lifetime.
A: At the Mini Mite age, practices are one or two times a week. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch their children. As the child moves though the different levels, they may practice 2 to 4 hours per week and have 1 to 3 games on the weekends. People associated with youth hockey have found that the time involved whether it is in the car traveling, or the time spent in the sport itself encourages families to spend quality time together. Friendships are abundantly made by both child and parents. These friendships and memories last a lifetime.
________________________________________________________
Q: Is hockey safe?
A: Absolutely! Advancements in equipment and proper training by licensed coaches and referees have kept the game safe. For one thing, the equipment used by youth leagues is virtually identical to that worn by the pros. All sports have an element of risk as far a personal injury is concerned. Hockey ranks fourth for minor injuries in the 7 to 17 age group trailing football, soccer and snowboarding.
A: Absolutely! Advancements in equipment and proper training by licensed coaches and referees have kept the game safe. For one thing, the equipment used by youth leagues is virtually identical to that worn by the pros. All sports have an element of risk as far a personal injury is concerned. Hockey ranks fourth for minor injuries in the 7 to 17 age group trailing football, soccer and snowboarding.
________________________________________________________
Q: How much does hockey cost?
A: Probably not as much as you might think. Although it can be expensive in other parts of the US, hockey is relatively inexpensive in our surrounding area. At the Mini-Mite and Mite levels equipment is rented for a nominal fee. As skaters progress there are options for purchasing good used equipment and much of it may be used for several years. When time spent playing hockey is factored in, the sport is very competitive on a cost per hour basis. The total cost is also dependent on what your child participates in during the off season and the extra training you opt to do. Some skaters opt to continue on special teams throughout the summer months. The majority does not. Marshfield Youth Hockey offers a Scrip program that can be used to help pay for equipment and registration fees and also has a financial assistance program to help individuals participate in the sport.
A: Probably not as much as you might think. Although it can be expensive in other parts of the US, hockey is relatively inexpensive in our surrounding area. At the Mini-Mite and Mite levels equipment is rented for a nominal fee. As skaters progress there are options for purchasing good used equipment and much of it may be used for several years. When time spent playing hockey is factored in, the sport is very competitive on a cost per hour basis. The total cost is also dependent on what your child participates in during the off season and the extra training you opt to do. Some skaters opt to continue on special teams throughout the summer months. The majority does not. Marshfield Youth Hockey offers a Scrip program that can be used to help pay for equipment and registration fees and also has a financial assistance program to help individuals participate in the sport.
________________________________________________________
Q: Is there a lot of traveling?
A: Most games are within a 60 mile radius of Marshfield. Many people carpool. Hockey families feel that the travel time is well spent family time. Tournaments are one or two per year and may require an overnight stay. Home games vs. travel games are about fifty/fifty.
A: Most games are within a 60 mile radius of Marshfield. Many people carpool. Hockey families feel that the travel time is well spent family time. Tournaments are one or two per year and may require an overnight stay. Home games vs. travel games are about fifty/fifty.
________________________________________________________
Q: What equipment do we need to get started?
A: Click HERE to view a full list of required equipment. Beginning skaters can rent equipment for a nominal fee but need to provide skates, a stick, jersey and mouth guard. Beginning skaters pick up equipment on registration night. Beginning parents need patience and a camera.
A: Click HERE to view a full list of required equipment. Beginning skaters can rent equipment for a nominal fee but need to provide skates, a stick, jersey and mouth guard. Beginning skaters pick up equipment on registration night. Beginning parents need patience and a camera.
________________________________________________________
Q: Where do kids put their gear on?
A: When children are beginners it is sometimes easier to get their gear on at home, bringing them to the rink dressed. As they get older most kids like to get dressed on their own at the rink. There are several locker rooms to get dressed in and each team is assigned a locker room for a given practice. The camaraderie is good to build a bond in the team, but up through Squirts most parents will need to be in the locker room with their child to help them get dressed or at least tie their skates. Once they hit Peewee's they take care of everything themselves. It is often said by the age of Peewee's the coaches don't allow the parents in the locker room but the fact is the smell generated by those kids would render most of us unconscious!
A: When children are beginners it is sometimes easier to get their gear on at home, bringing them to the rink dressed. As they get older most kids like to get dressed on their own at the rink. There are several locker rooms to get dressed in and each team is assigned a locker room for a given practice. The camaraderie is good to build a bond in the team, but up through Squirts most parents will need to be in the locker room with their child to help them get dressed or at least tie their skates. Once they hit Peewee's they take care of everything themselves. It is often said by the age of Peewee's the coaches don't allow the parents in the locker room but the fact is the smell generated by those kids would render most of us unconscious!
_________________________________________________________
Q: How long is the season?
A: Hockey has a longer season than most sports but it sure seems to make the winter go faster. Open skating and practices start in early October and games start in mid-November. The season wraps up in late February and may go on a few weeks longer depending on your team parents, tournaments and state championships. Beginner Mini Mite skaters start in late November.
A: Hockey has a longer season than most sports but it sure seems to make the winter go faster. Open skating and practices start in early October and games start in mid-November. The season wraps up in late February and may go on a few weeks longer depending on your team parents, tournaments and state championships. Beginner Mini Mite skaters start in late November.
________________________________________________________
Q: How many games do we play?
A: The amount of games played each season is determined by the age classification, game scheduler, coaches and parents. Mite levels tend to play 12-15 games in limited travel. Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam age skater’s play from 20 to 25 games with additional tournament games. The ratio of home games to travel games is about fifty/fifty.
A: The amount of games played each season is determined by the age classification, game scheduler, coaches and parents. Mite levels tend to play 12-15 games in limited travel. Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam age skater’s play from 20 to 25 games with additional tournament games. The ratio of home games to travel games is about fifty/fifty.
_________________________________________________________
Q: Will I have to Volunteer?
A: As a hockey parent you are expected to help out at your child's home games by working in the penalty box, helping in the announcing booth or operating the Zamboni occasionally, all have training sessions at the beginning of the season. Beyond that everything else is voluntary. Most parents help out with Fundraising Events, Saturday Night Open Skating, Arena Maintenance Projects, Working Tournaments (Invitational, Regional, State), or Concession Sales to earn required work hours during the season. Buy-out options are available that cover required work hours. Volunteering keeps you "in touch" with the activities at the rink and it is also a great way to meet other people that have similar interests. MYHA is a non-profit volunteer based organization. This helps keep costs down.
A: As a hockey parent you are expected to help out at your child's home games by working in the penalty box, helping in the announcing booth or operating the Zamboni occasionally, all have training sessions at the beginning of the season. Beyond that everything else is voluntary. Most parents help out with Fundraising Events, Saturday Night Open Skating, Arena Maintenance Projects, Working Tournaments (Invitational, Regional, State), or Concession Sales to earn required work hours during the season. Buy-out options are available that cover required work hours. Volunteering keeps you "in touch" with the activities at the rink and it is also a great way to meet other people that have similar interests. MYHA is a non-profit volunteer based organization. This helps keep costs down.
_________________________________________________________
Q: What are work hours?
A: First year families at any level are required to put in 15 hours per family per season. Returning families of older skaters are required to put in 20 hours per skater up to 40 hours per season. This helps ensure that all the work that needs to be done during the hockey season is done by the all the association members.
A: First year families at any level are required to put in 15 hours per family per season. Returning families of older skaters are required to put in 20 hours per skater up to 40 hours per season. This helps ensure that all the work that needs to be done during the hockey season is done by the all the association members.
_________________________________________________________
Q: Will I have to participate in a fundraiser?
A: Fundraising for first year families is optional, after that if you wish not to participate in the fundraising, a "Buy-out" option is available. Fundraising obligations for returning families are $100 per year. There are several fundraising options available including Breakfast Ticket, Blades Card, Scrip and Raffle Ticket sales.
A: Fundraising for first year families is optional, after that if you wish not to participate in the fundraising, a "Buy-out" option is available. Fundraising obligations for returning families are $100 per year. There are several fundraising options available including Breakfast Ticket, Blades Card, Scrip and Raffle Ticket sales.
__________________________________________________________
Q: How do I sign my child up for hockey?
A: There will be 2 Registration dates, one in August and one in September. Returning members will receive a registration packet prior to the registration dates. First time hockey parents will receive all the information needed about your team, parent meetings and activities on the registration night. You will also pay your registration fee at this time. Beginning skaters will also pick up rental gear at this time. Click HERE for a list of tips for the beginning parent.
A: There will be 2 Registration dates, one in August and one in September. Returning members will receive a registration packet prior to the registration dates. First time hockey parents will receive all the information needed about your team, parent meetings and activities on the registration night. You will also pay your registration fee at this time. Beginning skaters will also pick up rental gear at this time. Click HERE for a list of tips for the beginning parent.
__________________________________________________________
Q: Is there financial assistance available?
A: Yes Marshfield Youth Hockey Association offers a financial assistance program. Please contact our President or Vice President of the Board of Directors.
A: Yes Marshfield Youth Hockey Association offers a financial assistance program. Please contact our President or Vice President of the Board of Directors.
__________________________________________________________
Q: How do I rent a bill board sign in the rink?
A: Well it's pretty easy really. We have spaces that are open. You pick a space and get a 4' X 8' sign or banner made to your specifications. We will hang the sign for you and bill you around the middle of August for that season. The cost for a year is $150. (Ads on the Zamboni cost more, but are more visible.) It doesn't get any simpler and you help out MYHA's kids. The sign will be there for several events in the summer, dog shows, a trapper show etc. It will be visible for the fair and also the entire hockey season. Call Jack Bremer at 486-2414 for more information.
________________________________________________________
Q: How does a Zamboni Work?
A: "Now ever since I was young, it's been my dream / That I might drive a Zamboni machine." So goes the Gear Daddies song heard at hockey games as the Zamboni cleans up the ice. This huge, oddly named machine clearly has a special place in many people's hearts.
________________________________________________________
Q: How does a Zamboni Work?
A: "Now ever since I was young, it's been my dream / That I might drive a Zamboni machine." So goes the Gear Daddies song heard at hockey games as the Zamboni cleans up the ice. This huge, oddly named machine clearly has a special place in many people's hearts.
Before the Zamboni, ice rinks were resurfaced by a tractor fitted with a scraper that shaved the surface. Next three or four workers scooped away the ice shavings, cleaned the surface, and added more water to re-freeze. The process took over an hour, and Frank Zamboni thought this could stand improvement. After several years of experimentation, he built the first Zamboni in 1949.
How does it work? First, a sharp blade shaves the surface of the ice, and a horizontal screw gathers the shavings. Then a vertical screw propels the shavings into a snow tank. Water is fed onto the ice from a wash-water tank, and a squeegee-like system flushes dirt out of any indentations in the ice. Next, the dirty water is vacuumed up, filtered, and returned to the tank. Finally, clean hot water is spread on the ice? Why Hot Water? The hotter the water, the more even a surface you'll get –the hot water melts that top layer when the Zamboni cuts across the ice! This is one piece of equipment where studded tires are mandatory!