Information for New Hockey Players and Families

How Do We Get Started?

To get started in hockey, try out our Free GOAL (Get Out and Learn) program. This gives your child the chance to try hockey before committing to a full season. More information is available on our GOAL page.

When a skater plays hockey for the first time, they are placed in the Beginners group until they can demonstrate proficiency in the required skills to move up. In their second year, players are placed in the appropriate age level.

What It Means to Play Hockey

The Chippewa Youth Hockey Association is a volunteer-run organization, meaning families play a vital role in keeping the rink running. This includes:

• Working during home games and tournaments (concessions, running the score clock, keeping score, announcing/playing music, and working the penalty box).
• Training is provided for all roles—no prior experience required!
• Driving the Zamboni is optional and requires extra training.

Families of first-year skaters are not required to complete assessment hours, but are required to complete assessment hours each year after the first year, based on the age level of their skater(s). These hours may include working concessions, helping at fundraising events, or supporting tournaments. These hours are crucial to keeping the rink operating smoothly.

In addition, teams participate in two bingo nights each season. In return, the association covers the cost of two tournaments for each team, saving parents about $50–$75 per tournament.

Is Hockey Expensive?

Like any organized sport, there are registration fees and equipment costs.

• Registration Fee: $25/season for the first year
• Fundraising: Families are given raffle calendars, pizza coupons, and Beer Fest tickets to sell. Many families sell these items to offset costs, while others choose to keep them.
• Assessment Hours Buy-Out Option: Families may choose to “buy out” their hours instead of volunteering, which adds to the yearly cost but provides flexibility.

Equipment

• Starter gear can often be found at Play It Again Sports in Eau Claire or similar shops.
• A full set of used gear can usually be purchased for $50–$75.
• Families may also rent gear from the association for $25/year (except skates) until the skater reaches the Squirt level (age 9).
• As players grow and competition increases, families often invest in higher-quality equipment. Used options are typically available within the association community.

Travel

• Starting at the Squirt level (age 9), teams begin traveling for weekend games and tournaments.
• Parents are responsible for travel costs (gas, hotels, meals).
• Two tournaments per year are covered through bingo fundraising.
• Many families keep costs down by staying with friends/family, packing food, and seeking affordable hotels.

Practices

• Timing: Monday & Wednesday evenings (Nov–Feb).
• Focus: FUNdamentals of hockey—skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting—taught through fun drills and games.
• Practices include free time for creativity and sharing the ice with skaters divided into zones by skill level.
• Coaches & Helpers: A high number of coaches and helpers, including high school and Chippewa Steel players, are on the ice to support learning.

Jamborees

• One-day mini-tournaments with 2–3 games.
• No score is kept, and each child receives a medal or prize.
• Away jamborees are optional and usually nearby (Menomonie, Altoona, or Rice Lake).
• Our home jamboree in early February is highly recommended for families to see their players’ progress.

More Questions?

If you have additional questions about your child joining hockey, please reach out to a board member. We also host an information session for new families to ensure all your questions are answered.