NEW TO HOCKEY
There’s nothing more exciting than hearing: “I wanna play hockey!”
Below is information for those who are new to hockey and just getting started with the sport:
Choosing your programming:
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New to hockey but older than U5? Our Local League programming offers an opportunity for all ages & skill levels (U7 through U18) to get in the game and learn new hockey skills within a competitive, social, and fun environment!
Equipment your new player will need:
All players are required to wear the following hockey safety equipment:
Hockey helmet with full face cage or shield
Neck guard
Shoulder pads chestguard
Elbow pads
Hockey gloves
Hockey jock or jill
Hockey pants
Knee guards
Hockey skates (sharpened) & skate guards
Hockey socks & Hockey jersey
Mouth guards (these can be pre-formed from your dentist or a mouthguard clinic)
Most sports stores have mouthguards for sale that can be formed at home for a lesser cost
If your child wears glasses, please speak to your optometrist about shatterproof lenses
And don't forget!:
Hockey stick
Hockey bag
Sports water bottle (clearly labeled with your child’s name)
Goaltender:
There are always opportunities to try this position! Ask your team coach for more information if your child is interested. Players are encouraged to try goaltending by rotating through the position at U5, U7, & U9 levels. Equipment can be borrowed from the team, so give it a shot!
(Photo: OMHA)
If purchasing gently used equipment or receiving hand-me-downs, please ensure the following:
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The equipment is in good condition & free from major wear n’ tear (inspect for cracks in helmets, large rips, broken straps/buckles, torn Velcro, missing armor, etc)
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The equipment fits properly (equipment that is too big or too small will not safely protect your player)
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Pay attention to expiry dates on items such as helmets
Have your new player try on their hockey gear at home a few times to get the feel of it before arriving at the arena for the first time. Here’s a great video showing how to dress your new hockey player:
How To Video: https://youtu.be/wyxRLSJ2Ymw
Age Division Name Changes:
As of the 2020-2021 Season, Hockey Canada changed the minor hockey age division names to the system we see now (ie: U5 means Under 5, etc) https://www.omha.net/news_article/show/1065634
U7, U8, & U9 Cross-Ice & Half-Ice Information:
As of the 2019-2020 season, game play at the U9 age groups and below is now Cross-Ice/Half-Ice:
For more information on Cross-Ice & Half-Ice for U9 & Below: https://www.omha.net/noviceandbelow
Fundraising & Volunteers:
2 crucial elements every minor hockey association requires: Fundraising & Volunteers!
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Fundraising Activities & Sponsorships help keep organizational costs down, which helps us to offer competitive registration fees to our members
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All of our Team Bench Staff are trained & certified and required to provide up to date Vulnerable Sector Police Record checks annually.
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And we’re always in need of parent volunteers to help with organization events & fundraising!
Contact us for more info on sponsorship opportunities and volunteer positions available
Respect In Sport:
After registration, at least 1 parent must complete this online Respect in Sport course before your child will be rostered to a team
Our Website & Social Media:
The LMHA Website is a good resource for info, events, and to check the calendar for your child’s ice time schedules
And don’t forget to follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER , and INSTAGRAM!