Wildcat Rookie Academy
The Wildcat Rookie Academy is a program for players who are brand new to hockey and are just starting to learn the skills to move up to the next level. At this level players will be taught the mechanics of a hockey stride, beginner puck play, and other skills to be able to move across the ice and play on a hockey team. Players are required to wear full hockey gear for this program. The goal of the Wildcat Rookie Academy is to get your player onto an age appropriate hockey team as soon as they have the skills to do so. Graduating out of the Wildcat Rookie Academy can take place at the start of a season or in the middle of the season and the Academy Directors will contact you when they feel your player is ready.
Contact Information
Program Information
Ages
Open to all ages new to hockey.
Location & Times
There will be two sessions on Saturday mornings for the 2026-2027 season:
- Session 1: 10/10/26-12/12/26
- Session 2: 12/19/26-2/27/27
All sessions will be held at The Ice Pond in Waunakee.
Registration Fee & Additional Costs
- At the time of registration, you are required to pay the full cost of the session. Each 9-week session is $125 per skater.
- All participants will be required to have a USA Hockey number to register, see fee structure below.
- Option to purchase new equipment sets with Pure Hockey partnership.
- There will also be a limited number of full sets available to rent upon request
Equipment & Jerseys
As part of your registration fee, you will receive a Wildcat Rookie Academy jersey.
Please outfit your skater in full hockey equipment. There will be an apparel store link available during registration and on the website for hockey socks (white and black) purchases or any additional items.
Effective 8.1.2024, USA Hockey requires neck laceration protection for all skaters in USA Hockey events thus Wildcat skaters will be required to wear approved protection.
Additionally, there will be an option to purchase all required equipment through a partnership with Pure Hockey.
Games & Tournaments
At the end of practices, scrimmages will take place against other Wildcat Rookie Academy participants. There will not be any travel to other locations to play official games.
There are no tournaments at this level.
LEARN TO SKATE
If interested in just a Learn-to-Skate program, please visit the Waunakee Village Center Activity Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
See the New to Hockey page, under the Resources tab, for more details.