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FAQ
Why should we try ice hockey?
Hockey is high speed excitement on the ice and children learn to think & react quickly. It should be no surpirse that almost 30% of our program is honored every year for scholastic achievement!!
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 - February as well as a spring season, there is a great deal of bonding with teammates and families.
Hockey is fun and safe!! "Really? I watched the NHL and it doesn't look safe!" In youth hockey there are face masks and a lot of equipment. Checking does not start until 11 years of age and is taught as a skill to gain possession of the puck versus what you see on TV. Fighting? In youth hockey, it is an automatic suspension so you rarely see it.
Do you need to know how to skate to join CAHA?
Skating is the most basic skill necessary to play hockey, but don’t worry, there are experienced professionals to teach you classes are held every seven weeks year around. If your son or daughter is a proficient in-line skater, the transition to ice skating & hockey is generally a matter of weeks.
What equipment will my child need to play hockey?
Please check out the “Parents Info” link on this website. Included is a list of necessary equipment as well as a fitting guide. Please note that in-line equipment is not necessarily usable for ice hockey.
Where can I find hockey equipment?
For children generally ages 4-8, CAHA does rent equipment on a first come first serve basis. The rental is $35 for a full season or for Learn to Play Hockey $25 for the first session and $10 for subsequent sessions. If you want to purchase equipment, contact The Breakaway Pro-Shop in the Cincinnati Gardens or Play it Again Sports.
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 fast masks. In youth hockey, you will find that they player is totally covered from head to toe and the face is protected by a mask. Checking is not allowed until age 11 in coed play and never allowed in girls hockey. 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.
In 2006, CAHA with the sponsorship of Seapines Inc. has launched the STOP program which stands for Safety Towards Other Players. Skaters age 9 & above are required to wear a red “STOP” patch on the back of their jersey that serves as a signal to other players to never initiate contact from behind.
In addition, the enforcement of hockey rules have been changed to limit the use of the stick to the playing of the puck and also contact between players who do not have the puck. Not only do these changes speed up the game, they also serve to make a safe game safer.
Is CAHA program open to boys and girls?
Absolutely! Girls are afforded the opportunity to either play on all girls teams, coed teams or both. The Lady Cyclones, ages 9-14 participate in the CAHA coed House League. Older girls as well as girls that desire all girls competition are afforded the opportunity to tryout for travel teams that participate in the Midwest River Cities Girls Hockey League.
At what age can my child start to skate on a hockey team?
Skaters usually start to play on hockey teams as early as age 6, but it is not uncommon for skaters to begin playing hockey as late as 14.
What is the commitment level that will be required for my child to play in the House Program?
CAHA chooses to implement a process to evaluate the skills of every skater and then divide them into parity teams. Each team receives 18-22 shared ice practices, 16 games, year end tournament and clinics every other week. The season generally runs from the 3rd week of September through the first week of February.
Is there a volunteer time commitment for the parents/guardians?
The CAHA Board of Trustees, Coaches and Team Managers are all volunteers. In order to raise funds and complete all the requirements of each season, it takes many additional volunteers. CAHA has employed a volunteer program (description located on the CAHA website) which gives a family the opportunity to reduce their CAHA fees by $100 for 15 hours worth of work to benefit the overall organization. Available opportunities are advertised via mass email and filled on a first come first serve basis.
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. Beginning in September and each month up to and including January (March for the Travel Program), we ask that you select a player that exhibits, or shows progress in, the acquisition of these character traits. We hope these valuable lessons they learn will last a lifetime!
What levels of play are available, and how are teams selected?
CAHA offers the full range of opportunities available in youth hockey. There is a spot for everyone. The house program was described above, but in addition CAHA offers travel programs which present selected skaters with a higher level of competition against like teams within the tri-sate area. We offer travel opportunities for AAA, AA, A and Girls. (The number of teams by ages and skill are determined each year). Tryouts for these teams are held in late April thru May. In addition, we offer “House Select” teams which are “All Star” teams formed from qualified skaters within the House League. These teams are for house skaters who desire more practices and games than the house league offers. Tryouts for these teams are generally held in October.
CAHA has initiated a club High School (ages 15-18) & JV (ages 13-15) leagues that contain teams from Lakota East, Lakota West, Mason, Loveland, Walnut Hills, Colerain, Northwest, Indian Hill, Hamilton Badin, LaSalle, Elder, N. Ky., Centerville, Bellbrook & Beavercreek. Skaters do not need to attend these schools to participate.
How will my child get to and from practices and games?
Transportation to and from practices and games is the responsibility of the skater’s family or guardians.
What is the ratio of practices to games?
We try to keep a ratio at the House Level of close to two practices/clinics for every game played. However, it is a guideline & goal versus a requirement.
If there is inclement weather, how do I know if my games or practices are canceled?
Generally, if the rinks are open, we are required to practice or play games. Should there be a change, skaters will be contacted by their coaches or team managers.
How do I register my child to skate?
You may securely register on-line on the CAHA website under the “Registration” link. Full payment is due prior to your child attending their first practice.
How does CAHA communicate with their families?
Generally CAHA communicates through mass emails, the website and sometimes mailings. Prior to each season, CAHA holds coach’s and team manager meetings at every age level to communicate vital information.
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