Find Your Team
This section is designed to answer most of the questions we receive from parents of children interested in joining our Hockey Program. If your question is not listed below, please contact us.
How do I get started?
Our program registration begins in mid-August for the upcoming fall/winter season. Information on how to register is posted in our Registration section and in our social media channels.
Where are games/practices held?
At the Mite/8U level practices and any home games will be held at Velocity Hockey Center in Eden Prairie or the Eden Prairie Community Center. Some away games may be arranged by your coach in surrounding communities, however Mite/8U travel is limited. Starting in Squirt/10U, the majority of practices will be held at the Eden Prairie Community Center. Some pracitces may also be at Velocity Hockey Center or on outdoor rinks are they are available. Teams will also travel for District games and tournaments throughout the season.
My child has never ice-skated before. How can he/she play ice hockey?
The EPHA runs a Rookie Camp for young beginners. Rookie Camp is free and helps teach your child the game of hockey and basic fundamentals of skating. For older beginners ( 8 years and above) there are plenty of options for learning how to play hockey, but each individual is different based on experience and ability. Please contact a Board Member for information.
Does my child have to know how to ice-skate to play ice hockey?
No, a child does not have to know how to ice skate to join the league. Our Rookie Camp program provides an excellent way to get started. We also recommend attending open skating sessions at the Community Center. Rollerblading is also a great way to get started.
What does it cost to play?
As a nonprofit organization, EPHA sets fees at the beginning of registration based on estimates for: ice usage, number of players, uniforms, referees, and other small incidental costs. Our Rookie Camp is free to residents and then fees increase as players progress. Currently, Termites is $125 while Mites/8U is $495 and increases as players join travel teams.
How long does the season run, and how often will my child play?
At the Mite/8U level practices, preseason clinics begin in October, teams are formed in November and the season runs through February. Starting in Squirt/10U, pre-tryout clinics start in early September, tryouts are in October and teams are formed shortly after. The typical season runs October to mid-March.
How many times a week will my child play?
Mite/8U gererally play on Saturday and Sunday with an occasional weeknight mixed in. Practice days and times do vary from week-to-week and are generally between 7:30 AM and 6 PM. When outdoor rinks are open in January-February, there will be optional outdoor practices once or twice a week as weather allows. Starting in Squirts/10U, players will be on the ice 3 to 5 times per week.
What are Preseason Clinics, and are they mandatory?
Pre-tryout clinics are a way for the kids to work on their skills expected of them during tryouts, get used to being on the ice, and have fun with their hockey buddies. Pre-tryout clinics are recommended, but are not mandatory.
What kind of equipment is needed?
Under USA Hockey rules, players are required to wear an approved helmet with mask, shoulder pads, breezers, mouthguard, neck guard, gloves, shinguards, athletic cup, elbow pads, skates, and stick. Players will not be allowed on the ice without proper equipment.
How do I obtain equipment?
New and used equipment can be purchased at stores like Play it Again Sports, Scheels, Pure Hockey, Bauer, Dicks Sports, etc. EPHA also has an Equipment Rental program. More details can be found on the EPHA website under the 'New to Hockey' tab.