FAQ

How do I register to play for De Pere Youth Hockey?

Season Registration opens in July and a Parent Meeting is held in September. Registration is easy and online! Just Click the Registration tab at the top of the website and choose the program you want to register for. In addition to the Season Registration, there are many camps and clinics available in the spring, summer and fall that you can register for when they are open.

What are the different levels of Hockey?

HIP (Hockey Initiation Program) is for new skaters ages 4 & up

Mites - Ages 5 - 8 years

Squirts - Ages 9 - 10 years

Pee Wees - Ages 11 - 12 years

Bantams - Ages 13 - 14 years

What level do I register my child?

Hockey levels are split based on birth year. You will register your child for the program based on the year they were born (running January - December). The years are indicated in the registration page, so just follow the instructions and you will be good to go!

My Kid has never skated before but wants to play. Are they too old to catch up?

In general, as long as they are able to learn, they can play! Many kids don't find out about hockey until their friends tell them about it in school. Ideally, you would want to start out around 5 or 6 years of age, but kids learn so fast that we have had 10 year olds that are new to the sport do very well their first season. The best thing to do is to contact us at info@dpyh.org and we can evaluate your kid to see where to best place them or give suggestions as to camps that might help them catch up.

My child is younger and I'm not sure if I should put them in Learn to Skate or HIP (Hockey Initiation Program).

If you have a child who is at least 4 years old, you can register them for Learn to Skate or HIP.  

Learn to Skate is exactly what it sounds like: a skating program based on the fundamentals of ice skating, taught for anyone who wants to skate (hockey, figure skating, speed skating). It covers the basics of standing on skates, skating, stopping, falling down and getting back up. This is for children that have never put on skates before. 

If your child has skated before and is good at basic skating, stopping, falling and getting back up, you can register them for Learn To Play, which focuses on hockey skills. In this program, your child will wear full hockey gear and use a stick. They will learn the fundamentals of hockey to get them ready for Mites. 

I always hear that hockey is SO expensive. Can I afford it?

Because of the many factors involved (ice time, the length of the season) , hockey is more expensive than a community baseball team, for example. But when you factor in that the season is October through March, you are really getting a good value for your money. DPYH offers many payment plans you can take advantage of as well as the use of SCRIP to earn money towards your fees throughout the year. The average family earns over $500 a year just buying what they usually buy (gas, groceries, Target, etc.) using the SCRIP gift cards. You can even buy them online and use virtual cards to pay for things in the store by scanning your smartphone screen. 

Payment options are available during registration.

Is there a lot of equipment involved? Where can I buy it?

For HIP and Mite players, the following equipment is available for use during the season: shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, breezes, socks, skates and stick. 

HIP and Mites will need to provide their own helmets, mouth guards, practice jerseys/socks and sport cup. Squirt through Bantam players will need to provide their own equipment. All levels of players will have game jerseys provided for them. DPYH usually hosts an equipment sale/swap at the beginning of the season and is a great way to grab what you need and have help getting fitted! For more information on Equipment, please visit this link: http://www.usahockey.com/newparents

You can buy equipment at many locations in town, such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Center Ice or Play It Again Sports.  

My kid wants to play hockey but I have never played and know nothing about it. Help!

You are not alone! There are many first-time families that have happened upon the sport and it has become a part of their life. Since the season is long, you really become a part of a community. DPYH has many off-ice activities for families throughout the season (and even after). We host Trivia Nights, Adult Tournaments, Paint Nights and other events that bring people together and help you get to know one another.  

If you need anything, another parent will be there to help (they were probably in your shoes once)! Other resources include the USA Hockey website that has a New Parents section to get you started: http://www.usahockey.com/newparents. If you ever need anything, you can always contact a member of the DPYH Board as well.

Where will my kid practice and have games?

Practices and games may be located at either the De Pere Ice Arena (1450 Fort Howard Ave, De Pere) or Cornerstone Community Center (1640 Fernando Drive, Ashwaubenon).  Out of town games will be played and locations will be given to you by your Coach or Team Manager.

 My kid wants to try hockey but I don't know if they will like it...

Not sure if hockey is for your kid? Join us for Try Hockey for Free! These are held twice a season, once in November and once in March. It’s a great way to see how much fun hockey is and meet some great people along the way! In the past, kids have gotten a free jersey and stick. All other equipment is provided (bring a bike helmet). You can register at tryhockeyforfree.com and choose De Pere Ice Arena as your rink. Ages 4 and up are welcome. 

My daughter is interested in hockey. Do a lot of other girls play?

Hockey is a great sport for girls! While we don't have a separate Girls Hockey Team, there are usually a few girls on each team and they have no problems keeping up! There is a lot to be said for co-ed teams and having all the kids play together. There are locker room rules and always a parent in the locker room for when they are putting on and taking off equipment. If you have any questions about your daughter playing hockey, please email us at info@dpyh.org and we can get you in touch with another family that has a daughter in the program that you can talk to.