New to Hockey
Welcome!
The web of all things hockey can be confusing so we are going to try to help you understand how this all works.
Most players are starting to skate and play from the ages of 3-6 years old. This doesn't need to be the case though as we have seen plenty of good skaters start later in childhood.
The best spot to start is with our Learn to Play program. It is an in house (no travel) learning environment and our coaches make it fun and active.
Equipment can be rented so the initial cost is low to begin in hockey.
Age Level Matrix (2026-2027 Season)
If your child is enjoying themselves then planning for the next jump is also pretty simple. USA Hockey programs are birth year based and are laid out straightforward.
If your child is:
- Age 5-6: U6 Program
- Age 7-8: U8 Program (Half Ice)
- Age 9-10: U10 Squirts (Full Ice)
- Age 11-12: U12 PeeWees (Full Ice)
- Age 13-14: U14 Bantams (Full Ice)
- Age 14+: Midget (U15, U16, U18) or High School
- Age 17-21: Juniors (Tier I, Tier 2, Tier 3)
- Age 18-26: NCAA
- Age 18+: Pro (Top .0005% make it to the NHL FYI so make sure you have fun with the process and don't become the crazy hockey parent!) Wisconsin born players in the history of the NHL = 40 players total.
| Birth Year | Team/Age Level | Practices | Game Format | Team Selection | Season Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainly 2022 and younger but all years accepted | Learn To Play | 1x per week | None | None | |
| 2020/2021 | 6U | 2x per week. Station based | Cross Ice, no goalies and no score kept | None | Mid October through end of February. |
| 2018/2019 | 8U | 2x per week with all other 8U players. Station based in like skilled groups | Half Ice with goalies. No score kept | Players will be placed on like skilled teams (Red, White, or Blue) of about 8-10 players. | Pre-season ice and evaluations will begin in October, season runs through the first week in March. |
| 2016/2017 | 10U/Squirt | 2x per week with one other Squirt level team | Full Ice | Players will go through a try-out at the start of the season and be placed on a proper skill level team | Pre-season ice and evaluations will begin in September, practices begin the first week of October, and the season runs through the first week in March. |
| 2014/2015 | 12U/PeeWee | 2x per week with one other PeeWee level team | Full Ice | Players will go through a try-out at the start of the season and be placed on a proper skill level team | Pre-season ice and evaluations will begin in September, practices begin the first week of October, and the season runs through the first week in March. |
| 2012/2013 | 14U/Bantam | 2x per week with one other Bantam level team | Full Ice | Players will go through a try-out at the start of the season and be placed on a proper skill level team | Pre-season ice and evaluations will begin in September, practices begin the first week of October, and the season runs through the first week in March. |
How to Register
Step 1: Register for USA Hockey - there is a cost and it changes year to year but at the moment it's around $60. This offers a secondary insurance premium if anything happens on the ice.
Step 2: Once you have your USA Hockey Number then register for Oregon Hockey. During registration you will be asked a bunch of questions but it's simple and shouldn't be too confusing.
Step 3: Once you have completed the above then your Team Manager will reach out as the season gets closer with practice and game schedules and other valuable information. They will then become your primary point of contact and are willing to help you with whatever you need to have a successful experience.
Step 4: Play Hockey - Greatest Game on Earth!
Equipment
Now that they are in, equipment can be a confusion point for many parents. You don't need to spend as much as you may initially think. Jump on facebook (greater Madison hockey groups), get some used gear. Skates can be found for $30 if you look. Sticks - again, don't go crazy here. Just get them something that is light and the right size (we can help with that).
- Skates - keep them sharp. Our local shop has a locker system that makes it super convenient to get them sharpened (think every 6-8 ice touches). Skate sizes are not the same a shoes sizes, be sure to try on for proper fit.
- Helmets - make sure they are up to date (stickers on back). We wear black ones so make sure to get that color. Brand doesn't matter, that's skater preference.
- Shinguards - You want them to be comfortable and when skates are on have them sized to be just at the top of them.
- Breezers - top of the knee cap (any smaller and they look goofy, any larger and it restricts skating stride)
- Chest/Body Protector - same as above, a good snug fit is great. Should come to about the belly button.
- Elbow pads - smaller is better than larger. The pads now all have the hard protective material.
- Gloves - just past the wrist and fingers touching the ends is the fit you are looking for.
- Pelvic protection - Get the shorts with the cup built in and velcro on the thighs. Ease of use and non-restrictive.
