New To Hockey

Welcome to Wildcat Youth Hockey!

We’re excited to have you join the Wildcat Youth Hockey family! At the Wildcat Youth Hockey Association (WYHA), we’re all about helping kids grow their love for the game by setting goals, building skills, working hard, and having fun along the way. From first strides on the ice to developing confident, competitive players, our program is built on skill development, teamwork, and strong sportsmanship—both on and off the ice.

Below, you’ll find information about our hockey programs, frequently asked questions, and contact details, along with helpful resources to get your skater geared up and ready to hit the ice. We can’t wait to welcome your family to the rink!

Within the Wildcat program we have several levels of hockey to serve all of our players including:

• Wildcat Rookie Academy (WRA): 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. 

• 6U Mite Learn to Play (cross-ice without goalies): Continued skating and hockey skill development through one practice session each week; plus one-hour game ice per week starting in December. For skaters aged 6 and under. Full hockey equipment is required.

• 6U Mite Girls Hockey Learn to Play (cross-ice without goalies): Same as above, but girls participating in the 6U program will be on the all-girls 6U team(s). Girls will practice in cross-ice activities with co-ed players of similar age and skill-levels. The girls team will play in league games against other girls AND coed teams of similar age and skill-levels.

• 8U Mite Learn to Play (half-ice w/goalies): Similar to U6 Mite, but for 7- to 8- year old hockey players; two practice sessions per week and one game ice per week (2-3 games per hour game ice). Rotating goalies week to week.

• 8U Mite Girls Learn to Play (half-ice w/goalies): Same as above, but girls participating in the 8U program will be on the all-girls 8U team(s). The girls team will practice as a team alongside coed teams, and play in league games and tournaments with other girls AND coed teams of similar age and skill-levels.

• Rec (Learn to Play for older kids): This program is intended for first-year skaters who are not ready to play full ice games at the Squirt, Peewee, or Bantam levels or for those that do not want the commitment required by the other programs. Typically, these skaters will be in their first year of playing hockey. They will have 1-2 practice sessions per week and will play games versus other Rink Rat teams from area clubs. **This level is only available if numbers support it and thus is a season-by-season decision. If there are not sufficient numbers to support we will work with neighboring associations to provide an opportunity.

Each team at the following age levels are state eligible and have the opportunity to advance to the state tournament each spring:

• Squirt (10U): No checking. Approximately 2.5 practices per week and 1-3 60-minute games (12-minute periods) on weekends. They will participate in 1-3 tournaments each season. Total games per season will range from 25-30 games.

• Squirt Girls (10U):Girls participating in the 10U program will be on the all-girls 10U team(s). Girls will practice with co-ed players of similar age and skill-levels. The girls team will play in league games against other girls AND coed teams of similar age and skill-levels.The practices, games, time commitment, etc. will be the same as it is for the co-ed teams.

• Peewee (12U) : No checking. Approximately 3 practices per week and 2-3 75-minute games (15-minute periods) per weekend. They will participate in 1-3 tournaments each season. Total games per season will range from 25-35 games.

• Bantam (14U) : Checking. Approximately 3.5 practices per week and 2-4 75-minute games (15-minute periods) per weekend. They will participate in 1-3 tournaments each season. Total games per season will range from 30-35 games.

• Midget (18U) : Checking. Approximately 2-3 practices per week and 2-4 105-minute games (17-minute periods) per weekend. They will participate in 1-3 tournaments each season. Total games per season will range from 25-35 games. **This level is only available if numbers support it and thus is a season-by-season decision. If there are not sufficient numbers to support we will work with neighboring associations to provide an opportunity.

• How do I know what program to sign my player up for?
• The following questions will help to determine which program your player should register for:
• Can your player stand up on their own?
• Can they skate across the width of the ice unassisted?
• Do they want to play games?
• Do they want to have a stick in their hand?
• If they answer ‘YES’ to these questions, then you should sign up for 6U/8U (or Age Appropriate Hockey Level). 
• If they answer ‘NO’ to any of these questions, consider Wildcat Rookie Academy (independently skating) or Village Learn to Skate Lessons to start.
• We understand that these questions will not cover every specific situation so if you have any questions regarding which program to register for please reach out to the Hockey Director.  
• What will I need to register for a Wildcat Youth Hockey Program?
• A USA Hockey number for the participant (fee does apply)
• https://membership.usahockey.com/
• Equipment:
• Hockey Helmet
• Neck Guard
• Shoulder Pads
• Elbow Pads
• Hockey Gloves
• Hockey protective Jock (cup) or Jill 
• Breezers (hockey pants)
• Shin Guards
• Hockey Skates
• Hockey Stick
• Hockey Socks
• If you have questions about hockey equipment please reach out to the President Elect and the Hockey Director Assistant. 
• I’m interested in Coaching, how can I apply?
• Fill out a coaching application on our website.  
• Here you will find the coaches requirements, manual and application.
• Please reach out to the Hockey Director with any questions.  

USA Hockey New Parent Information

The Right Stick for your skater

How to Select an Ice Skate

Tie those skates right and tight

How to dress and the equipment you will need for hockey