Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to learn how to skate before signing up for the Spartans Hockey Club?
Yes. In order for your child to get the most enjoyment out of the ice hockey experience they should be comfortable with skating before joining a league. Spartans Hockey Club offers Learn To Play Hockey and beginner skating lessons throughout the year. Sessions are either eight or ten weeks long. 

What equipment does my child need to play hockey?
All youth hockey players are required by USA Hockey to wear full gear, and can will not be permitted on the ice if they don't have it. This equipment is for the protection of the players and is NOT optional. Full Ice Hockey equipment is required to participate in all Spartans Hockey Club program. Equipment can be purchased online or at any local sporting goods store. 

How much does the equipment cost? 
It's no secret that hockey is an expensive sport. And to enjoy hockey to its fullest you must have specific equipment that fits properly TODAY, NOT equipment that you will "grow into". Hockey skates will be your biggest and most important investment. Youth skates cost anywhere from $120-$300. Your next most important investment is a helmet. Helmets with cages start at about $75-$100. However more expensive helmets are usually more comfortable and are also adjustable with growth. Padding comes next. Youth sized shoulder pads are approximately $50.00, kneepads $30.00, and elbow pads $30.00, Hockey pants (breezers) $50-$75. Under garments are not as expensive as the other items but are just as important when it comes to comfort. Compression shorts with jock built in and Velcro tabs are approximately $40.00. Hockey socks are about $12.00. Gloves are about $30.00, plus you'll also need a neck guard and mouth guard.  Ice hockey sticks start at about $50.00 for junior sizes. You may buy any of these items online or at any sporting goods store. We recommend that equipment be fitted by a knowledgeable salesperson if the parents are not familiar with it.

What is the hockey season? 
Registration for the winter hockey season is usually starts in July with practice starting in September.  House teams are selected in September and then start to play games in October/November. The fall/winter season ends late February or the first part of March. Spring league teams are created in March and Spring league starts in April and finishes the end of June. Clinics are offered during the summer months.

When and where do Spartan teams practice? 
The rinks we play out of will vary depending on the age group and season. Fall/Winter leagues are played out of Ice Vault in Wayne and Floyd Hall in Little Falls. House players practice one time per week and typically play one game per week. The Spartans Hockey Club takes great effort to ensure that practice times and nights are consistent. Usually when a practice time is assigned at the beginning of the season, the team will have that practice time all season. Occasionally a team will get an extra practice that may be at a different time. 

How do I know what level my child will play at? 
USA Hockey has identified age ranges for ice hockey players that include MITE 6U & 8U, SQUIRT 10U, PEEWEE 12U, BANTAM 14U

My child has never played hockey before. Can he/she play at a lower level? 
No, USA Hockey rules do not allow players to play down. House players usually have a wide range of skills on any one team, and coaches try to match experienced players with comparable players on the opposing team. 

Can my child play up into another age division? 
Although not recommended, players can move up a division under certain circumstances. The players size, ability and personality all will factor into the decision to allow a player to “play up.” This is usually done in the lower age divisions and requires approval of the coaches involved and the Spartans Hockey Club.

At what age do players start body checking? 
Under USA Hockey rules, players at the Bantam level are permitted to body check during games. Coaches at this level teach the players how to check and how to take a check to prevent injury.

What type of Insurance do I need for Hockey? 
All players must register with USA Hockey. This provides insurance coverage but is not necessarily intended to be the player's primary insurance. For more information about USA Hockey's insurance, please see www.usahockey.com.

Can girls play hockey? 
Yes, the Spartans welcome all players, regardless of gender. Girls play with the boys on our house league teams as well as all clinics. 

Does the Spartans Hockey Club follow USA Hockey commitment for "Zero Tolerance"? 
Yes, the Stars organization is committed to the "Zero Tolerance" policy regarding use of foul language, fighting, poor treatment of officials and use of illegal substances. Players are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all facilities and all team events. Players, team representatives and parents who cannot abide by the rules will be disciplined. All players and parents are expected to sign a "Code of Conduct" at registration.

How do I register my child to play hockey with the Spartans Hockey Club? 
Fall / Winter League registration usually opens up mid July. First you must register your player online as a member with USA Hockey at www.usahockeyregistration.com. Then go to http://www.spartanshockeyclub.comto register for the season. You'll need your USA Hockey registration confirmation number.