How old does my child have to be to play hockey?
Although there is no minimum age requirement, the recommended age for children who are entering the program for the first time is 4 or 5 years old. For those that are age 4 and those that are brand new to skating (regardless of age) we recomment that the child start in "mini-mites" (see info below). If a child has previous skating experience and are age 5 or older, they can participate in the level 1 program. If your child turned nine before July 1, 2009, they must play squirts (boys) or U10 (girls). Mites and U8 is only for those who are 8 or under as of June 30, 2009 (see notes below for the rules around moving to squirts/U10 one year early).
Does my child have to know how to skate to participate in the SAHA Hockey program?
No, the SAHA programs are designed to teach all kids the fundamental skills that are required to play the sport of hockey. Skating is the most important skill and is heavily emphasized throughout the mites and U8 programs. For those age 4 or new to skating, we recomment you sign up for the mini-mite program as this is tailored to those that do not know how to skate yet.
How do I register my child?
Boys (mites) and girls (U8) can register ONLINE by clicking on the registration button on the left. We also have in person registrations on August 31st and September 26th (you must still complete the online process at the in-person. We will have computers available there). The September registration is for mites and U8 only. Representatives from the programs will be available during these two sessions to answer any questions you may have about the program.
NOTE: All registrations for the SAHA hockey program must be accompanied by a copy of the official birth certificate for the participant.If your child participated in the SAHA last year, we have a birth certificate on file. If your child is new to the program, USA Hockey requires us to get and keep get a copy of the childs birth certificate before processing the registration forms.
Do I need to live in the Stillwater School District?
Generally yes. However, if your child is enrolled is a SAHA school and you intend to keep your kids in the Stillwater School District, you can request a waiver to play hockey for Stillwater.
At what level do I sign my child up for?
Those that are age 4 or new to skating (regardless of age) should sign up for mini-mites. Those that are new to hockey but have some skating experience should sign up for level 1. From there, the intention is for kids to move up one level each season (i.e. from mini-mites to level 1, from level 1 to level 2, etc.) We do require that a child complete at least one full year at level 2 before registering for level 3. CLICK ON THE DOCUMENT AT THE TOP OF THIS Q&A TO READ MORE DETAILS ABOUT CHOOSING WHAT LEVEL TO SIGN UP FOR.
What is the "mini-mite" program? How is it different from the other levels?
Mini mites is designed specifically for kids that are brand new to skating. Learning to move with confidence on skates for the first time is a challenge. Further, kids age 4 often have shorter attention spans than older kids. As such, the mini-mite program is often just 1 day per week (occassionally 2 as well as some optional outdoor skates). Further, the program is tailored to make sure that the kids have a great first experience with "hockey" as they learn to skate.
Will my child be placed with other children from his/her school? Can I sign my child up with a friend?
At mini-mites, level 1, and level 2, the program tries but does not guarantee that a child will play with others from the same school or friends. It is dependent upon number of teams, number of children registered, etc. Teams at level 3 will not necessarily be organized by neighborhood or school.
Why are the fees higher for each respective Level?
The amount of ice time is increased at each level. In addition, the Association sets the fees for mini-mites and level 1 below costs as an incentive to new participants.
What do my fees include? Are there any other costs or "team fees" that I will need to pay later in the year?
The registration fees for mites and U8 covers ALL costs for the year that you will need to pay SAHA (ice, jerseys, MN hockey fees, etc.). Further, teams are not allowed to charge team fees without approval from the initiation director. The most common instance for team fees is if a team decides to have an end of season party, awards, or those types of things. These costs are not coverd in your registration fee. You do of course need to supply your own equipment for your child as the fees do not cover individual equipment.
What is the refund policy if my child doesnt like it?
Refunds are available until Dec 1st. If you decide to cancel before December 1, you will receive 50% of your registration money back. All Refunds must be requested in writing to the Registrar: Tammy Freeman( maaaryfree@hotmail.com) or call 651-430-1475.
How long does the season run?
The season begins in late October / early November and ends in late February or early March with a "Jamboree".
How often do they practice?
Mini-Mites skate once per week (on Saturday or Sunday) and sometimes twice per week. Level 1 and 2 usually skate twice per weekend (once on Saturday and once on Sunday) with an optional hour outside during January and February. Level 3 skates an average of 3 times pre week. Twice on the weekends and once during the week.
When do they practice?
Generally speaking, ice times are on Saturdays and Sundays between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. However, given the huge demand for ice time at all levels of the Association, there may be situations where Mites and U8 teams practice outside of the time periods listed above.