Did you hear about the sport from a friend or neighbor and want to find out more?
First, you're in the right spot. We offer programs for boys and girls at the youth level as well as high school aged players.
If you have a child that is interested in hockey regardless of age, or program, have them check out one of our free intro to hockey resources located in the right-hand column. Our site has a tremendous amount of info so please read through the information on the Pride tab. Can't find what you are looking for? Just email us and we'll be happy to chat with you.
Hockey is one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country right now. Don't worry if your kid has never played, our high-level coaches and practice environment will allow them to learn how to skate and stickhandle in no time. A lot of kids have only picked up a hockey stick in the last year to two, and every year we add more new kids to our program.
Welcome to Hockey
Resources for New Hockey Parents - USA Hockey
Hockey is a great sport for kids. It teaches essential life skils like hard work, focus, and team work. To introduce kids to skating and hockey, we have our IP (instructional play) Program. Griffin Arena also has a learn to skate program (Early September) as well. These programs are for younger or in-experienced players who are new to the sport of hockey or for those who wish to participate in the sport on a developmental level. The programs are designed to teach boys and girls the fundamentals of ice hockey.
Proper Age to Begin?
While you are never to old to develop your love of hockey, the optimal age to begin is between the ages of 3 and 8 years old
How Do I Begin?
The most basic skill to be successful in hockey is to be able to skate. To play competitive hockey, players need to be able to skate forward and backward, perform a "hockey stop" facing both directions, cross over to make a turn, and be able to get up quickly when they fall down.
Griffen Arena teaches these skills in their Learn-To-Skate. Petoskey Area Hockey Association also teaches these skills in its IP and House programs. Winter-Sports Park also runs a Learn to skate and its also a great way to get started.
What Equipment Do I Need? Each skater must have the following equipment:
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Equipment - What To Look For? |
FAQ
Why should we try ice hockey?
Hockey is high speed excitement on the ice and children learn to think & react quickly.
It is one of the fastest games on earth where the nature of the game is that everyone gets to play! Often in youth sports, there is a starting 5, 9 or 11, but in hockey the shifts rotate!! Given that the season is September - March as well as a spring season, there is a great deal of bonding with teammates and families.
Is the sport of hockey safe for my child?
Hockey is fun and safe!! Most people who are considering ice hockey have watched professional hockey where there is fighting, major injuries and no face masks. In youth hockey, you will find that they player is covered from head to toe and the face is protected by a mask. Checking is not allowed until age 11. The idea of a check is taught as a skill to gain control of the puck. Rules for poor conduct are in place an enforced by officials and the youth organization.
Who will be coaching my child?
Experienced volunteers will be coaching your child. Our coaches teach teamwork, self-discipline, sportsmanship, integrity and self-confidence, through hockey instruction, competition and play.
What is Travel Hockey?
This program is more competitive than the House Level for boys and girls ages 4 to 14.
What are the Different Age Groups?
Mini-Mite 6 and under
Mite 8 and under
Squirt 10 and under
Peewee 12 and under
Bantam 14 and under
Midget 16 and under
Petoskey High School
NA3HL Juniors
NAHL Tier II Junior
USHL Tier I Junior
Division 1 NCAA
Ontario Hockey League Major Juniors
The National Hockey League :-)